6 Tips for Summer Hair Care

Summer is nearly here!

Temperatures are rising, the sun is shining, and the beach, lake or pool is calling your name.

But have you thought about all the extra stressors your hair is exposed to during this season?

Hot weather, UV rays, chlorine and saltwater can be incredibly damaging to hair… leaving your locks dehydrated, tangled and prone to breakage.

Even those

tight ponytails and buns

that help us survive the summer heat can also

cause breakage!

The good news is that a few

simple changes to your hair routine

can keep your mane healthy and beautiful all summer long.

Here’s how you can embrace the season while protecting your hair

Tip #1: Sun Exposure: Shield and Protect

Don’t let excessive heat and sun zap much-needed moisture from your hair!

Even when you visit the beach or pool to cool off, the

chlorine

in pool water and

salt

in seawater can further

dry your hair out

, causing it to become dry, and brittle (also known as ‘Swimmer's Hair’).

Here's how to keep your hair moisturized all summer long:

1. Shield your strands from the sun with scarves or hats (wide-brim is best). This will protect you from harmful UV rays as well as help protect your hair.
2. Wear silicone swim caps while swimming – while it won’t keep your hair perfectly dry, it will safeguard your hair from excessive chlorine exposure.
3. Hydrating shampoo + conditioner is a must! Make sure to shampoo and condition your hair immediately after you swim. We recommend Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner. Redken Cleansing Cream Shampoo is great to remove any build up of chlorine and salt.

Tip #2: Drop The Heat

Between the summer sun and heat,

using heat-styling tools this season might not be a good option

.

On most days,

resort to air-drying

. It's safer and will give your hair a break from the potentially damaging heat of blow dryers and styling tools.

Tip #3: Pick a Protective Style

Bouncy high ponytails are cool and cute for summer, but they can put a lot of tension on your hairline and even cause hair loss! Instead of a tight pony, opt for a loose messy braid or bun. These styles help to prevent tangles and minimize sun exposure

Some great protective styles include:

Crown Braid

Low ponytail (With a scrunchie)

Double French braids

Low bun

(With a scrunchie)

There are plenty of claw clip styles as well

But when you install these styles,

go easy on your scalp

. Tight styles can make your scalp tense and tender, especially around your hairline, so that your

strands become weak and vulnerable

.

When this happens, they may begin to pull out from the root in what is known as traction alopecia. You can also experience breakage along the hair shaft because of the

tension on the length of the strand.

Tip #4:Sunscreen

Did you know? If ingredients in traditional sunscreens come in contact with your hair, a chemical reaction can occur and could

discolour your hair.

Lighter colored hair and extension wearers are particularly susceptible to discoloration.

Similar to how SPF and other beauty products have been known to stain clothes, your sunscreen may have the potential to also discolor your hair.

Tip #5: Stay Hydrated

In summer, you sweat more and get dehydrated faster.

Dehydration leads to weak, unhealthy hair and stunted hair growth

. Why? Water helps transport nutrients around your body, especially those responsible for hair health.

So! Drink LOTS of water, at least

2.7 liters

of water a day

, to strengthen, moisturize, and grow your hair long and

healthy from within.

Tip #6: Give Your Hair Special Care Pre- and Post-Swim

Looking forward to a day at the pool or beach? Before diving in, get your hair wet and apply a

hair mask or leave-in conditioner

.

We recommend

Redken One United.

This saturates your hair so it won’t absorb as much drying chlorine or salt.

Wash, condition and detangle your hair right after swimming.

This is especially important for blonde hair, which can turn green in chlorinated water.

Finish with a

serum to lock in moisture