Summer Hair Care - Keep Your Strands in Good Condition

Just like the sun damages your skin, it can also damage your hair. Salt water and chlorine also have harmful effects on our hair. The not-so-pretty result: A few weeks into summer, hair that was shiny and manageable looks and feels fried.

Introduction

Fried hair isn't just a figure of speech. Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH, a New York dermatologist, says the sun's ultraviolet rays "cook the hair shaft." The damage is most obvious when we see colored hair becoming faded, discolored and brassy.

Even hair that is not colored will suffer from sun-induced stress. These UV rays dry out the hair and render the normally smooth cuticle, or outer layer, of the hair shaft.

Frizz factor

The drier the hair, the more likely it is to suffer from a summer ailment even more annoying than mosquito bites: frizz.

This is because dried out hair absorbs extra moisture in the air, causing the shaft to swell and leading to breakages in the cuticle. The hair swells and goes in all directions but smooth.

Swimming damage

Swimming also beats your hair. Dive into a pool and as you swim, the chlorine strips your hair of its natural protective oils. If you're blonde, your locks may take on an unflattering greenish tint . This is caused by copper molecules and other chemicals in the pool binding to the protein in the hair shaft.

A dip in the ocean stresses hair in another way. The high salt content of seawater draws water from your hair and skin, Krant says. We end up with prune fingers and dry hair.

Tips for Healthy and Gorgeous Summer Hair

Summer doesn't have to be the season for bad hair. With a little extra attention, your hair can look great on warmer days. Here are some tips for taming hot-weather hair from Krant and Julia Papworth, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with stars such as Cameron Diaz, Elijah Wood and Sarah Silverman.

Start summer with a garnish.

You will get rid of split ends and refresh your style. You might also need a mid-season trim. Hair really grows faster in summer. This is because there are more hairs in the anagen, or growing, stage in late spring and summer than in the depths of winter

Protect your locks from the sun.

Get into the habit of applying a hair care product containing UV filters daily (these can be in the form of a spray, gel or cream). These products protect hair from sun damage and help prevent colored hair from fading. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat. Not only will this prevent your strands from getting burned, but it will also protect your scalp and ears, areas vulnerable to skin cancer.

Saturate strands before bathing.

If your hair is soaked in clean water or leave-in conditioner, it won't absorb as much salt water or pool chemicals, Papworth says. It's also a good idea to try rinsing your hair after swimming. If there's no shower nearby, keep a spray bottle filled with cool water.

Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner.

You may be washing your hair more frequently to deal with summer sweat and dirt. Papworth also suggests using a clarifying or anti-residue shampoo once a week to remove product buildup and chemicals. Just make sure you get a deep conditioning treatment.

avoid hot tools.

At least once or twice a week, give your hair a break from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. Papworth recommends washing your hair at night and piling it into a bun, braid, or ponytail before going to bed. "When you wake up, you'll have a beautiful beach wave," she says. It's the perfect weekend look, or make it work-ready with accessories like a thin headband or cute barrettes.

Defeat frizz.

Healthy, well-maintained hair is your best defense against frizz. In addition to regular trims and conditioning, a drop or two of anti-frizz oil or serum can help smooth hair and add shine. (Papworth likes products with argan oil.) Use only a "little drop" of oil, Papworth advises, or you risk weighing down your hair, especially if it's fine or limp.

Conclusion

But let's face it: When the air is so thick with moisture that it resembles molasses, frizz is going to happen. Don't waste your summer trying to combat frizz. Instead, find an easy hairstyle like a slick pony, high bun, or side braid for those high humidity days.