Best Ways to Care for Hair in the Summer

Summer is a favorite season for many, but it can be hard on hair. Being in the sun, tight summer hairstyles, and pool chemicals or saltwater can all wreak havoc on delicate hair shafts and make hair thinning more likely.

Here are some tips for good summer hair care.

Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage

The ultraviolet rays of the sun damage hair shafts. Protect your hair from the summer sun by covering it or using products containing UV filters.

A wide-brimmed hat#AD or scarf that isn't tight can help protect your hair from UV rays.

If you're not going to be wearing a hat, use products with UV filters to protect your hair shafts, like these:

Decrease Damage from the Pool and Saltwater

It's essential to protect your hair from pool chemicals and saltwater, which can dry and damage it. Here are some ways to do that:

• Rinse your hair with fresh, clean water before and after getting into the pool or ocean. Wet hair won't absorb as much pool or saltwater. Rinsing off again afterward can decrease the amount your hair absorbs too.
• Keep your head above water. As much as possible, keep your hair out of the pool. If that's not possible, consider wearing a swim cap#AD.
• Pre-moisturize your hair. If you can't wear a swim cap, consider using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner before you get in the pool or ocean.
• Wash and condition after your swim. Use a clarifying shampoo and moisturizing conditioner after your swim to help remove chemicals and add moisture.

Remember, a wide-tooth comb is best for gently combing hair while it's wet. Wet hair is at its most fragile, so avoid tugging.

Tip for avoiding damage to long hair that tangles easily: While in the shower, work a fair amount of conditioner through to the ends of your hair and then add a little water. Using a wide-tooth comb, begin at the ends and work your way to the scalp, gently combing while the conditioner helps do the detangling work.

Continue Regular Good Hair Care Techniques

During the summer, it's even more critical that you keep up with your regular good hair care routines. Doing so can keep your hair generally healthier and decrease its susceptibility to summer damage.

• Get regular trims. Getting rid of split or dry ends helps your hair grow and stay healthy. You may need more trims in the summer because hair tends to grow faster then.
• Don't use heat for styling. As much as possible, avoid hair dryers, curling irons, and straight irons on your hair. Instead, try using rollers#AD that don't require heat to get a beautiful wavy look for summer. You can even put them in and then style your hair up into a bun around them and leave them in all day or night. You can also use braids and other updos to avoid heat but be sure not to do anything that's too tight. Tight hairstyles can damage hair. Learn more: "Can Braids Cause Thinning Hair?"

Stay Hydrated

All parts of your body, including your hair, benefit when you drink plenty of water. During the summer, you will probably need to take in even more water than at other times of the year to replenish moisture lost from sweating.