The end of the spring season is here. And guess what normally happens after spring? Summer, of course! The bright yellow sun and song of the birds filling the warm air is what makes it one of the best seasons. However, summer may be a little different this year due to the ongoing epidemic. But - don’t forget - your typical summer hair care routine should not be disrupted. The heat and humidity will affect your hair as usual. Although there may not be as many beach outings, you must care for your hair. And you can begin by doing it in your own bathroom!

Table of contents:

• Why do you need to protect your hair from the sun?
• 10 ways to protect your hair from sun damage
• Begin the summer with a new haircut
• Pay attention to your shampoo
• Add a conditioner to your hair-care routine
• Avoid applying heat to your curls
• Try a hair revitalizer
• Oil up your hair
• Take cold showers
• Make use of a wide-tooth comb
• Mask your hair
• Care for your color

Why do you need to protect your hair from the sun?

During the summer, your hair can be damaged in several ways. Sun, sweat, humidity, pollution, sea salt (during those beach days), and chlorine water in swimming pools can be unforgiving.

Moreover, overexposure to those damaging UV rays is a good reason to keep your hair protected.

Here are some additional issues that you need to be aware of:

Increased hair fall: Even if you have gorgeous, healthy hair all year, it can become lifeless in the summer. This occurs because the sun dries out your hair, making it brittle, and even causing hair fall.

Hair thinning: Most people believe that hair protects the scalp, however, this is not true. And dry scalp might harm your hair roots causing frequent episodes of hair loss and/or thinning.

Dandruff: Sweat and dust can cause hair issues, including split ends, and worsen dandruff.

Scalp burns: Summers can also be rough on your scalp, causing dryness and sunburns.

10 ways to protect your hair from sun damage

To get you ready for summer, here are a few of our well-known hair care tips that you can use to prep your hair.

Begin the summer with a new haircut

Whether you have long or short hair, the summer sun can cause the ends of your hair to become dry and brittle — not a good look for your Insta-perfect selfies. Summer is an excellent time to get a new haircut or to schedule trims to keep your hair in good condition and avoid the danger of split ends. Since hair grows faster in summer, plan your salon sessions well in advance. Regular trimming every 2-4 weeks can revitalize even the most damaged hair.

Pay attention to your shampoo

It is not advisable to shampoo your hair every day. Experts confirm that shampooing every day steals the natural oils from your scalp. On days when you don't use shampoo, a cold or lukewarm water rinse will suffice. If your hair gets greasy quickly and you feel the need to shampoo every day, choose a gentle shampoo and conditioner combination.

Concentrate on washing the scalp rather than your hair. A good moisturizing shampoo works by nourishing your hair strands and hydrating the scalp. This also minimizes the likelihood of breakage and split ends.

Add a conditioner to your hair-care routine

Do you think it is too late? The damage has already been done? Even if your hair is damaged, dry, and brittle, you can help restore moisture by using a nourishing high-quality conditioner. Carefully choose one that is appropriate for your hair type and texture.

Before diving into the pool or the ocean, add a layer of coconut oil or coconut milk conditioner to your curls. It will help protect your hair from chlorine and other pollutants.

Avoid applying heat to your curls

Since your hair is already exposed to the heat of the sun, avoid using your flat irons and blow dryers. If you must, blow-dry your hair slowly, keeping the hairdryer at least 6 inches away from your head. Choose a moderate or medium temperature setting and always wear heat protection. However, it is advisable to air-dry as much as possible. Another convenient way to tame frizz, reduce split ends, and get stronger roots is to invest in a high quality hair oil that you can apply sparingly, on your ends, once your hair is dry.  

Try a hair revitalizer

One of the most underrated hair products on the summer self-care list is a hair revitalizer. Use an overnight hair revitalizer to prepare your hair for summer. Simply apply a few drops or spray it through the length of your hair, from roots to ends. Finally, wrap a towel to soak the moisture and let it work its magic overnight to wake up with soft, smooth hair.

Oil up your hair

The sun has got the best of your hair and now you are crying for a shampoo. Here’s the age-old trick from our grannies - don’t panic! Instead of washing your hair immediately, oil your strands. This helps to hydrate your scalp without causing it to produce more sebum. Leave it in for a few hours and then shampoo and condition your hair. This combination therapy will nourish your hair naturally. But be aware - the pampering can be quite addictive.

Take cold showers

The absolute best way to protect your hair from the sun is by showering with cold water. After shampooing, rinse your hair with cold water to make it extra lustrous. It is literally the most pleasurable experience on a sunny day. Cold showers help to close the hair cuticle, allowing the hair to reflect more light, resulting in lustrous hair. An insider’s secret is using an apple cider vinegar-based shampoo. Vinegar exfoliates the scalp gently, removing sweat buildup and dead skin.

Make use of a wide-tooth comb

Instead of using a standard hairbrush, use a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair. This will detangle your hair after a long day while also preventing damage. Wide-tooth combs minimize the pressure on the roots and ensure there are no knots through the length of your hair. If you notice too many knots, add a little bit of hair oil to ease combing.

Mask your hair

There is a huge difference between regular conditioning and masking your hair. Conditioning your hair regularly is a standard habit. On the other hand, masking is a self-care practice. A hair mask is superior to conditioner since it penetrates your hair roots. It moisturizes the hair strands deeply and provides more nutrients than a regular conditioner. As an alternative, you can use cold-pressed coconut, jojoba, almond, or onion hair oil for holistic hair care.

Care for your color

If you have your personality reflecting in your hair with some color, it needs special care during the summer. Color fading, extreme dryness, and cuticle damage can all result from chemicals combined with the scorching summer sun. Get your hands on hair products designed specifically for color-treated hair. If you want to change your hair color in the summer, do so a month or two before the sun starts to shine brightly. However, if you've recently dyed your hair, try to stay out of the sunlight as much as possible to avoid bleaching it — a cool scarf comes in handy here!

The longer hours of daylight and the sweltering heat can leave your hair looking dry, brittle, and prone to sunburn. But with a few expert tips, and natural products like WOW Skin Science offers, you can rock your summer hair effortlessly. Keep your locks hydrated, protected, and moisturized all season long.