Summer can be one of the best times to show
off your luscious locks, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges.
Heat, humidity, sunlight, chlorine, and more can easily put even the most well
managed head of hair into full on crisis mode. Thankfully, a few proactive
steps can help you to avoid the most common hair challenges.
Humidity and Frizz
With the hot summer weather comes humidity, and humidity inevitably leads to frustrating and unsightly frizz! Frizz happens due to a combination of two factors: damage to the cuticle from excessive drying and friction, and damage brought about through drying summer heat and humidity, which disrupt the natural oils on the scalp. These issues can be ameliorated in a few ways:
One, you should avoid rubbing your hair dry with a towel. This creates extra friction, which disrupts the cuticle of the hair. Instead, you should gently squeeze or rub it dry. Ideally, you should allow your hair to dry under as natural of conditions as possible to avoid damaging it.
If your hair is already damaged, the solution to frizz is moisture. Argan oil can help to restore some of that missing moisture in your hair, when used in conjunction with gentle drying methods.
Discoloration and Fading
Sun exposure is the worst enemy of colored hair. If you frequently color your hair, it may be prudent to use a color protecting shampoo and conditioner set. A color enhancing shampoo can also be helpful and help you to stretch out the time you spend in between color treatment sessions either at home or in the salon. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure can lead to a sunburned scalp, creating hair issues and dandruff all on its own. Its highly recommended to wear a hat and limit your exposure where possible.
Pool Issues
While a dip in the pool is more than welcome for most of us on the hottest of summer days, it can lead to your hair taking on an unnaturally brassy tone due to the chlorine – whether you color it regularly or not. Ideally, you should wash and condition your hair heavily before heading to the pool, which can prevent it from absorbing the harmful particles in the pool water. A leave in conditioner can sever to further hydrate your hair and protect it from the drying effects of the chlorine. You may also want to consider adopting a slightly lighter shade for the summer months, as darker hair colors brass in the presence of chlorine more readily than lighter ones.
Greasy Scalp and Acne
Finally, all that sweat can lead to a greasy scalp, and even acne! Protective styles like loose braids or updos can help to keep hair out of your face, and a leave in dry shampoo can protect against some of that dirt and debris, leading to clearer hair and skin overall.
At HairLab Chicago, we can help you to meet your hair goals. Contact us today for a consult and find out how we can help.
