Tips and Tricks for Great Summer Hair
We easily adjust our wardrobe and grooming habits for summer (by pulling out the antiperspirants and sunscreens), but many people forget that their hair needs to be treated differently due to the demands of hotter weather. Let’s take a quick look at some tips to maximize your hair care for the summer.
As always, you need a good shampoo and conditioner that's chosen for the specific needs of your hair. The shampooing and conditioning process is pretty universal season to season. However, for those of you who spend a lot of time outdoors or in the pool, you may need to adjust your shampoo and conditioner choices.
For instance, if you spend a lot of time in the sun and don't want to damage your hair color, look for shampoos and conditioners with sunscreen included. Likewise, those of you who love the swimming pool or the beach in summer should look for swimmers’ formula shampoos and conditioners to combat chlorine and heavy minerals from pool water and seawater.
You outdoor enthusiasts should also remember that many leave-in conditioners are great for protecting against the drying-out that can result from direct sun exposure. A number of these also contain sunscreen agents that can effectively protect your hair and scalp from the sun.
If you don't shampoo daily, you may find that the summer heat brings new problems. It's hot, you sweat, and your hair can develop a musky smell. After a day, that "musky" smell turns sour, and you may find yourself needing to shampoo more often just so your hair smells clean. The solution is to look for a "hair deodorizer" that can help eliminate odors from your hair without weighing it down or making it seem oily.
Hair Color
Many people tend to be very loyal to one hair color and stick with it through thick and thin, summer and winter, for years and years. We've all seen these women who get upset when "their" color is discontinued by the beauty company. They like to keep their hair color the same.
The trouble is that natural hair color doesn’t stay the same. In the summer, when days are longer and we spend more time in the sun, our hair naturally becomes lighter. And in the winter, with longer nights and less sunlight from different angles, our hair's natural color grows out. When coloring our hair, we should keep this cycle in mind. Consider going one or two shades lighter in the summer or adding subtle highlights to brighten your existing color. Even a minor change in color can work wonders to make you look and feel more youthful and vibrant.
Remember, when coloring your hair, be especially careful in the sun with chemically treated hair.
Many women naturally adjust their styling habits in the summer, but these changes are generally born out of convenience or comfort and usually address the short term, rather than making a more dramatic shift. But summertime is the perfect time to try out a shorter hairstyle. Cut some length, let go of some weight, and make sure your hair is ready to make you look and feel your best.
It’s also the ideal time to give your hair a break from all the styling stress. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair and use a flat iron to straighten your hair every day (or if you curl your straight hair daily), consider letting your hair have a break during the summer. Talk to your hairdresser and discuss simpler, low-maintenance looks that take advantage of your hair's natural texture and waves. When winter arrives, you'll find your hair is in much better condition after a well-deserved break.
Finally, remember that many classic summertime hair accessories may not be the best for your hair. Ponytail holders wound too tightly or overloaded barrettes can both damage your hair and cause breakage. Instead, use combs and clips that are designed to hold the hair gently. Even hairpins are preferable to a halo of broken strands from a ponytail that breaks your hair while trying to confine it.
And as a bonus, for women who want to enjoy the summer air (driving with the windows down, sunroof open, or in a convertible), a scarf is your best friend. Get yourself a silk-type scarf and store it in your glove compartment. You can use it to wrap your hair and enjoy the blowing wind without ruining your hairstyle. There is a wide variety of scarf tying techniques that can make life infinitely more interesting and even help you combat a bad hair day.
©Hairfinder.com
See also: Summer hair damage