Natural Summer Hair Care Tips

Winter often leaves us with dull, dry, lifeless hair. Though the summer sun replenishes much-needed vitamin D to brighten up those strands and add some shine, sun exposure poses a threat to your hair, just as it does your skin. To look its best and regain a healthy vibrance, your hair requires more than a vitamin-D boost. But you don’t have to book a date with an expensive salon! Learn how to take care of your hair at home to rejuvenate and protect your precious tresses.

When it comes to summer hair care, one of the most common complaints of women and men is that of frizzy hair. That’s because hot weather and the sun’s UV rays can damage the cuticle, the outermost layer of hair. This damage causes the cuticle to swell, become rough, and attract humidity; this, in turn, causes that annoying frizz. Dry hair becomes frizzy hair — unmanageable and prone to breakage.

In addition to UV rays and humidity, other summer hazards await your hair. Wind, heat, salt water, and chlorine can damage your scalp and locks. Want to know how to keep hair from frizzing? Easy-peasy. Fight the frizz and protect your hair from sun and other environmental stressors with a natural hair care routine, based on common sense and clean ingredients.

Nearly every hair care specialist has their own “special” regimen that they proclaim is the best. But you don’t have to be in the “business” to learn the basics, because, for the most part, the basics are common sense. And from those basics, you can experiment with natural hair care products to discover what works best for you.Spritz Desert Essence Coconut Hair Defrizzer & Heat Protector or apply other hair styling products to keep flyaways at bay. You can also try Giovanni Ultra-Moist Binding Serum, which is rich in protecting SPF, before heading out into the sun.

Not sure why to go au natural with your hair care products? Here are just 5 of the many reasons we suggest that route:

1. Natural, plant-based hair-care products have no unnecessary chemical compounds and additives, like parabens, sulfates, SLS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), sudsing agents, fragrance, and other stabilizers. Most of these chemicals aren’t good for you, or the environment.
2. Natural ingredients are gentler, less likely to strip your scalp and hair of natural oils. Ultimately, your scalp and hair will be healthier over the long term.
3. Natural hair care products are much more likely to be created cruelty-free.
4. Most natural hair care products also use recyclable or biodegradable packaging.
5. Most natural hair care products contain ingredients used through ethical sourcing and fair trade practices.

Yes, natural hair care products can cost a bit more, but in addition to all of the benefits to your health and the health of the environment, they cost much less than just one typical session at the hair salon. 

Once you’ve decided on natural hair care, keep in mind that natural products will likely behave differently than conventional ones. Without all those nasty additives, they may not generate as much lather or bubbles, or smell as strong. Don’t worry; they’re still doing their jobs!

It’s also worth noting that natural products might not last quite as long, as they contain no preservatives. Depending on the product, you can expect a natural hair care product to last six months to two years. Check the label.

No matter how damaged or healthy your hair is, your routine should always follow these basic steps: Cleanse, Moisturize, and Protect. In fact, these three basics apply year-round, though the products you choose in summer might differ from those you choose to use during winter months.

Let’s examine each of the steps in greater detail, focusing on your hair care routine for summertime.

• In general, choose gentle shampoos that are suited to your hair type (fine, thick, color-treated, etc.). Avoid shampoos with sulfates, which can dry hair and cause damage over time. Select shampoos containing glycerin, which is a humectant; it will attract moisture from the air and bind it to your hair. This provides some buffer from summer’s drying elements.
• If you use dry shampoo or hairsprays often, or have summer hair that tends to look oily, try an occasional apple cider vinegar rinse after shampooing. Use ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar to every 8 ounces water. Work in tresses and let rest 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Follow with your conditioner.

• Moisturizing begins with your natural hair conditioner. Unless your hair is quite damaged, a conditioner may be all you need to maintain or regain its luster and vibrance.
• Though you may think conditioners are an unnecessary step and waste of money, think again! You may get away with skipping this step occasionally, when in a time crunch, but your hair will soon show the negative effects if you consistently forego it.  
• When choosing a conditioner and/or moisturizer, know your hair type.
• Look for these ultra-moisturizing ingredients in hair conditioners and moisturizers: glycerin, honey, olive oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil.
• If you need a deep-moisturizing treatment (oils, serums, masks, leave-ins, etc.) in addition to your shampoo-conditioning routine, apply no more than once weekly, and eventually every other week. Expect a gradual improvement, spacing treatments further apart as your hair health dictates.
• Some moisturizing treatments will leave your hair looking and feeling greasy. Avoid using a heavy-duty cleansing shampoo, as you will simply strip away the benefits of your treatment! Rather, try to time your at-home treatment when you can relax and let the moisture really work its magic. Then use your regular shampoo, twice if necessary.

• First and foremost: summer’s harsh UV rays can burn your scalp and dry out your hair. Use UV-protective shampoos and conditioners that contain an SPF factor determined to be best for your skin type. In addition, wear a hat or scarf in your favorite style.
• Always comb or brush your tresses slowly and gently. Never force through tangles; instead, use a natural hair detangler. If time allows, wait until your hair dries a bit and try again. It’s amazing how much more easily a comb glides through even semi-dry hair.
• Avoid using a blow dryer, especially set on high. If you’re in a hurry, use a microfiber towel to absorb most of the moisture, and then blow dry using the diffuser. Avoid vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel.
• Wear a swimming cap when dipping into a chlorinated pool.
• For those with longer locks, tie or pin your hair back or up when out in the elements.

In summary, we hope you consider switching to natural hair care products and giving the three basic steps of natural hair care a try this summer. We offer a wide selection of natural shampoos, conditioners, masks, and anti-frizz serums to keep your hair looking its healthy best.