Summer hair care can be challenging, since weather conditions and outdoor activities can take a toll on hair. Thankfully, you don't have to give up having fun outdoors in summer to keep hair healthy and looking good. The important part of summer hair care is protecting strands from the damaging environmental effects prevalent in summer.
Summer Conditions
Many things in the summertime can affect hair health. UV rays from the sun can damage the hair shaft. Humidity and heat also affect hair. Swimming is a popular summer activity that can add to the damage by exposing hair to chlorinated pool water or salt water at the beach.
Problems
Sun-exposed hair can become dry, brittle and discolored. It also loses strength. This happens because the UV rays from the sun destroy keratin, the protein that gives hair strength. Hair that has undergone some UV damage will become more oily as the body tries to protect it. Efforts to wash away the excess oil will accelerate the drying process. Hair that has been chemically treated, such as dyed or permed, is more vulnerable to damage.
Products
Hair care product manufacturers have come up with plenty of innovative solutions to solve summer hair problems and make summer hair care a breeze. Products designed to replenish hair, such as Redken UV Rescue After Sun shampoo and conditioner, actually add moisture to dried-out hair strands. Deep hair conditioning treatments can repair sun-damaged hair.
Homemade Solutions
Jojoba oil is a popular home remedy for keeping hair looking good in the summertime. It can tame frizziness and protect hair from sun damage. Sesame oil is another homemade solution for summer hair care. This oil acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting hair strands from UV rays.
Prevention
Preventing summer hair problems is one of the best ways to take care of your tresses during the warmer months. The best way to protect hair from the elements is by wearing a hat or cap when outdoors. A conditioner with sunscreen can also help prevent UV damage to hair. Washing hair immediately after water activities can help prevent salt water or chlorine from remaining in the hair where it will continue to cause damage. Wetting the hair before heading into the water can help protect it by plumping up the hair with fresh water instead of letting its first exposure to moisture be in the form of damaging salt or chlorinated water.
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