We recently saw an email that included the phrase, “with the waning days of summer upon us…” Then we saw an advertisement for school supplies, and even noticed a banner for a Halloween store hanging by a local shopping plaza. With just a bit more than a month into summer, we thought, “No way. There’s plenty of days for fun in the sun, and we’re not worrying about the end of the season or school, or any fall events, just yet.”
While we’re trying to stuff in as much outside time as possible, and being good about applying sunscreen with a high SPF (you are using sunscreen right?) to our face, neck, arms and legs, we can easily forget about our head. But our hair needs protection too. It not only aids in regulating body temperature and keeping us cool when it’s hot, it also protects us from UV radiation. But with too much direct sun exposure our hair follicles can take a beating.
Overexposure to the sun degrades the natural oils that protect our scalp causing hair follicles to stop growing and hair to shed. While damaged hair can be temporarily reconditioned, it can’t be permanently repaired, meaning the only way to improve damaged hair is to cut it off and let it regrow.
Chopping our locks might not be an option, but avoiding sun damage is something we can all easily do. Here’s what you can do to keep your hair, scalp and follicles healthy and growing strong all summer long:
Try zinc oxide
Apply a zinc oxide sunblock cream to your part, crown, and any exposed areas of your scalp caused by thinning hair. If you have long hair, pulling it back can protect these areas.
Don a hat
Big hats are the best and easiest way to protect your skin. They’ll repel dangerous UV rays and create shade to keep you cool.
Use natural oils
Oils, such as raspberry seed, avocado, coconut, and olive oil, can smooth cuticles, add shine and deliver natural sun protection.
Apply sunscreen
Use the sunscreen you’re applying on your body. Just warm it between your hands and gently run your fingers through your hair.
Try these proactive tips to keep your hair looking fabulous all summer long
Use Leave-in Conditioner
Pool chemicals, ocean salt water, and the heat from a hot summer day can strip hair of its color. Before going for a swim, wet your hair completely and thoroughly apply a leave-in conditioner. Your hair will absorb the conditioner instead of the chlorine or salt water. Make sure your leave-in treatments are sulfate-free!
Fight frizz
Humidity and summer showers are the worst for those fighting frizz. But you can lock out humidity by applying a replenishing oil or visiting trUe for a Keratin treatment.
Our formaldehyde-free Keratin treatments restore vital hair proteins, and reduce frizz, and drying time. Click here for the variety of Keratin treatments we offer.
De-grease
The hotter it gets the more your scalp perspires, causing skin glands to secrete more of an oily, waxy substance called sebum, which lubricates and waterproofs skin and hair. As the sebum builds up, the greasier your hair gets. You can avoid the greasy look by applying an absorbent, dry shampoo.
Skip the heat-styling
Intense heat from blow drying dries out hair and can cause major breakage. If your hair is straight or wavy, blot hair with a towel after showering, and then finger-comb it to keep your texture intact. Scrunch up strands before applying any product to avoid losing natural texture, and apply a styling cream to get soft, not crunchy, waves. For curly hair, brush with a wide-tooth comb while your hair it still soaking wet, then squeeze it with your towel. Next, apply a moisturizer, mousse or curl cream. Once your hair is completely dry, use your hands to separate curls.
Get a trim
Hair grows fastest in the summer, and if you don’t cut those split ends they’ll move farther up the hair shaft leaving hair looking worse. Avoid this by getting a dusting (quarter-inch trims) every six weeks.
Now that you’re packed with summer hair care tips, hit the road for your favorite beach, pool, lake or other beloved vacation spot. We can worry about those waning days of summer later – much, much later.
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