Summer is a time of warmth, relaxation, and fun in the sun. However, the season may also present unique challenges for maintaining the health of your hair. Excessive heat, humidity, UV rays, and exposure to chlorine or saltwater can wreak havoc on your strands. Continue reading as we share our 6 essential summer hair care tips to help you keep your natural hair vibrant, hydrated, and protected all season long.

1. Hydration is Key: Summer heat can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. To combat this, prioritize hydration. Deep condition your hair once a week with a moisturizing treatment specifically formulated for natural hair (such as our Intensive Conditioner linked here). Additionally, look for hair care products that contain nourishing natural oils. We also suggest drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, which reflects positively on your hair's health.

2. Shield Against UV Rays: Just as you protect your skin from the sun, your hair needs shielding too. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to colour fading, weakened strands, and increased frizz. Before stepping out, apply a few sprays of Leave-In Conditioner to help protect your hair from unnecessary rays. 

3. Minimize Heat Styling: During summer, it's best to give your hair a break from excessive heat styling. Embrace your natural texture and opt for heat-free hairstyles such as braids, buns, or twists. If you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant beforehand to minimize damage. Keep the heat settings low and limit the frequency of straightening or curling to avoid unnecessary stress on your strands.

4. Cleanse and Clarify Regularly: Sweat, excess oil, and environmental pollutants tend to accumulate during the summer months. It's crucial to cleanse your hair regularly to maintain a healthy scalp and prevent product buildup. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo designed for natural hair to avoid stripping away natural oils, such as our Purifying Shampoo for Normal/Oily Hair. This shampoo contains clary sage, which can help remove any buildup caused from the additional oil and sweat that the summer brings to the scalp.

5. Protect Against Chlorine and Saltwater: Pool dips and beach outings are synonymous with summer, but chlorine and saltwater can be harsh on your tresses. Before entering the water, wet your hair thoroughly and apply a layer of our Intensive Conditioner, which has been formulated to help protect against chlorine damage. This will help minimize the absorption of damaging elements. After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water and follow up with your usual wash and condition routine for extra replenishment.

6. Embrace Protective Styles: Protective styles not only shield your hair from external elements but also help retain moisture and reduce manipulation. Consider rocking braids, twists, or up-dos, which keep your ends tucked away and minimize exposure to environmental stressors. Remember to moisturize and seal your hair before installing any protective style and regularly moisturize your scalp to avoid dryness.

To conclude? With the right approach and the help of natural hair care products, you can confidently flaunt your beautiful, sun-kissed tresses all summer long. Shop our full care range here.