I may not be your typical leo. But when it comes to summer time and keeping your mane in check, I’m your gal. That’s why I’m sharing my foolproof summer hair ritual with you.
Growing up, many of my summers were spent down the Jersey shore, in and out of pools, lakes and rivers, as well as lifeguarding at an outdoor summer camp. I loved how long my hair would get, but had trouble retaining the length due to how dry and brittle it became. So I’d end up having to cut those extra inches anyway.
Is that something you struggle with, too?
Luckily over the years, I’ve discovered this summer hair ritual that is my secret to keeping hair healthy no matter what adventure waits for you.
If you’re ready to gain, maintain, and retain your lengths this summer, scroll down!
Your Summer Hair Ritual
There’s not much to it, I promise. I’m pretty low maintenance, to be quite honest. Just like you.
But, your hair will absolutely notice and appreciate the difference. So, here’s where to start…
Hydrate From Within
First, you’ve gotta up your water intake. (Well, at least alternate between the mojitos and piña coladas)…
When it comes to improving any part of our physical- or even mental and emotional appearance, starting from within is vital.
Heat waves are no joke and surely have an effect on your hair.
If you want to avoid dry strands, you’ll need to be sure you stay hydrated and follow a healthy hair diet, which includes fruits and veggies.
Make your summer hair maintenance simpler by packing your beach bag with a cooler of hydration essentials.
Hold Off On The Lightening Services
There’s a high chance that by the end of the summer, your hair will feel drier than usual. Between cookouts, theme parks, water activities, and just being outdoors, the sun along with other environmental stressors tend to remove a lot of the moisture in your hair.
Color services like a balayage or highlights are known to strip moisture from your locks, so it’s best to avoid them in the midst of summer.
Use A Clarifying Shampoo
Between general product build up, plus the chlorine in pools, along with other environmental aggressors in the outdoors, you should be clarifying your hair once a month, at the very least.
Clarifying shampoo is a great way to give your hair a quick reset. You’ll notice your products will work as they’re supposed too. Plus, your hair will be more lively and cooperative.
Invest In Quality Hair Products
When you choose quality products over quantity, your hair notices the difference. Ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates are commonly found in many drugstore shampoos.
Try a bond building shampoo to repair and prevent further damage. Acure has some great products- at a reasonable price point, too.
However, if you have waves or curls, your hair is more prone to dryness. And especially when exposed to the summer sun. You’ll want to find something far more moisturizing.
Need help? Check out some of the best shampoos for curly hair here.
I’m currently using Surface hair products which are great for moisture retention and keeping the curls in check.
Use A Hair Mask
Your hair is bound to lose moisture over the hot summer months. But fear not.
A deep conditioning mask is one of the best ways to quench those thirsty summer hair strands.
Additionally, it’s one of the most important steps in your summer hair ritual that should not be bypassed by any means.
When you discover the best mask for your hair, you can really strengthen, hydrate, moisturize, AND prevent further damage with as little as five minutes.
Not to mention, you deserve a little bit of self care during this season filled with busy schedules and tons of travel.
Make Leave In Conditioner Your Summer Hair BFF
Leave in conditioner might be one of the most underrated, yet versatile products in your summer hair ritual.
Do you know why? Go ahead, scroll down. .
It’s perfect to use right after the shower on damp hair. It locks in moisture and hydration and is the perfect foundation for any styling product.
But…
Did you know it could also be used as a protective shield for your strands?
Just apply throughout your hair before going into the pool, lake, or ocean. This will prevent any damage or dryness caused by chemicals or environmental pollutants.
Some even have UV protectant which means you can avoid the summer sun drying out your hair even more.
Gotta love a multipurpose product!
Put The Hot Tools Down
The extra heat from a blowout or hot tools are not doing your strands any favors. In fact, you may be causing more damage than you intend to.
Do yourself a favor and keep all the hot tools tucked away in your vanity until the fall.
Easier said than done? Okay, I get it. Because sometimes we have weddings, parties, and other events to attend. So if you absolutely must use a hot tool, don’t be a fool and use some heat protectant!
Protect Summer Hair With UV Serum
Yes, it’s actually a thing! And a hair serum is the ultimate protector, along with being your first line of defense when it comes to fending off dry summer hair.
It coats the surface of the hair cuticle to keep moisture in, increase elasticity, add shine, control frizz AND keep your strands from sizzlin’ in the summer heat.
You can apply it to clean, damp or dry hair and focus it mid lengths to ends.
See? That wasn’t so bad. It’s a fairly simple, yet effective way to keep your summer hair in mint condition. Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more hair secrets and rituals!