Caring for Your Hair in Summer: Hair Hacks for Hot Weather

We are loving this warm weather (despite not being able to travel far, have Pimm’s in the pub or picnic with friends). But that hasn’t stopped many of us to still take in the warm weather, from small barbeques in the back garden to sunbathing on the balcony - it's been nice. It’s a time of fun, enjoyment and soaking up some Vitamin D, and as much as we want to look our best too, there are a few factors working against you when it comes to your hair – faded colour, spring like fly-aways and split ends.

Hair requires lots of care throughout the summer to keep it looking soft and shiny. Here are a few tips to help you with your summer haircare regime. This blog will help you combat these and allow you to enjoy healthy hair in the sun.

Say goodbye to faded hair

The sun can be lovely for enhancing your natural highlights which we all have (some people’s are more obvious than others). The sun however is one of the biggest culprits for fading your dyed hair and your extensions. If you have red hair unfortunately you are more likely to lose your pazzaz in the sun. Although everyone’s hair reacts differently but the way to imagine it is that the sun causes something like cracks and your colour leaks out of them.

A good way of helping to keep your colour locked in is to avoid shampoo and conditioners with SLS or SLES and occasionally skip shampooing altogether. It may sound gross but it will keep your colour locked in.

Hold on to your moisture

We all like our hair to feel silk and not straw like but much like a tomato, the longer that our hair spends in the heat of either our styling tools or the sun. This is not a new problem which is good because that means that some clever people have found solutions. There are some fantastic serums that help lock in your hair’s moisture by sealing the outside layer.

Like with most products, having things that are low in chemicals and high in botanicals are the best for your hair. They are not too gluggy but feel lovely and smooth on your hands and on your hair. If you go for something of low quality, it will not soak in and fully moisturise properly so do yourself a favour and get something that works.

Condition, condition, condition

During the summer, conditioner is vital for keeping your hair frizz free, and you should use it religiously during humid days to keep any frizz at bay. To prevent any weather induced frizz, you can use an anti-humidity lotion before drying your hair. Try an anti-frizz and flyaway gel to stop daily hair dramas – but be careful not to overload your hair as this may lead to grease and product build up. When hair is wet, try and wait a short while to let it dry naturally before brushing your hair starting at the tips. Gradually work tangles out with a wide toothed comb.

For when you hair begins to look a little frazzled, you can make your own hydrating mist by mixing a small amount of conditioner with water and keeping it in a handy spray bottle ready to use when you’re out in the sun.

Go heat-free

Summer is hot enough without exposing your hair to a hairdryer. Rather than using heat during your styling routine, let your hair air dry or simply braid it to keep it in place. During summer months when hair tends to be moisture deprived, limit use of hair chemicals (bleach, hair dye, relaxers, chemical straighteners) as much as possible.

Depending on your hair type, texture and condition you may wish to consider avoiding hair care products which contain known ingredients (some forms of alcohol) which may be drying to some type, textures or condition of hair. Consider switching to hair care products which are as natural as possible.

If you normally use hot styling tools such as hairdryers, straightening irons, curling tongs or rollers, try to give your hair a rest during summer months. Air dry whenever possible or opt for easy yet chic styles, such as a quick updo. Braid damp locks into plaits which create natural waves as the hair air dries. Play with half up half down styles or Boho side braids. If you’re addicted to your hairdryer and can’t give it up, use a leave- in conditioner designed to protect your hair against heat. When you do blow dry, dry on cool heat.

Don’t forget protection

When you’re lazing out in the sun, reach for a hat to cover delicate strands. Why not opt for a stylish floppy straw hat, allowing you to look stylish and protect your hair.

If you’re a sun-worshipper, use an SPF product that will block damaging UV rays. Make sure your hair treatment products contain SPF.

Switch your brush

This, again, is to prevent extra pulling on your hair. This is even more important if you brush your hair when it is wet. The best thing to get your hair tangle free without dragging it is a wide-toothed comb. There are a lot of great ones out there that are made from bamboo so are eco-friendly too. We would always recommend using a special design extension hair detangler though, just to be on the safe side.

Make sure you go loose

The sun can damage your hair and make it weak. Treating your hair is important of course, but the way you style your hair can also be a huge help. Wearing loose styles like a half up, half down style or a loose braid will not cause extra tension on your hair which can make it fall out. When in doubt, go loose.

Use a scarf

Satin scarves are brilliant hair accessories for adding colour to your hairstyle during summer, but they are also a great way to protect your hair from sun damage. Why not put a scarf on your bag for decoration and transfer it to your head when you need it. This can also really help your neck not get sunburnt and is an absolute must if you have colour treated hair or hair extensions.

Use apple cider vinegar

This is one of your hair’s best friends. Diluted with water apple cider vinegar is fantastic not only for conditioning your hair but also to prevent your hair from going brassy after swimming (if you’re one of the few people lucky enough to have a swimming pool at home).

If you know you’re due to go for a dip in the pool – protect your hair with a coat of conditioner. This will stop the chlorine from penetrating your hair to some extent and stop your hair from absorbing damaging mineral deposits and water. After swimming, always rinse your hair thoroughly to remove any traces of chlorine. There are some great specially formulated shampoos and conditioners which remove chlorine from your hair – and great for restoring health, shine and elasticity to your hair.

Be sure to take extra care if you have bleached hair, as sometimes chlorine can give bleached hair a green tinge.

Summer Haircare Dos & Don’ts

Dos

1. Remember that your hair needs protection from the sun too – cover up with a hat or headscarf or use a serum with SPF while out in the sun.
2. Let your hair dry naturally – with all the heat in Summer there’s no need for the hairdryer, give your hair a break!
3. Lay off the heated styling tools – try braiding damp hair in a pretty plait, when you take it out, you’ll be left with soft tousled waves.
4. Ask your hairdresser for a few sun kissed highlights around your face. These frame your features and brighten up your hair for summer!

Don’ts

1. Don’t forget to do regular deep conditioning treatments throughout the summer to keep your hair soft and shiny.
2. Don’t use products which claim to lighten your hair in the sun – these are dangerous and can cause serious damage to your hair.
3. Don’ts’s use oils on your hair before stepping out in the sun. Adding oil to your hair will concentrate the heat and make it fry – the result? Even drier hair.

What are your top tips for caring for your hair during Summer? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter! Let us know, and don’t forget to hashtag #WearCliphair to show off your summer look on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.