As we start shopping for sunscreen products for the
approaching summer months, we need to start thinking about protecting our hair
as well as our skin. We all know that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause
severe skin damage, but the sun’s harmful rays can also damage our hair from
the outside in.
Sun, salt, sand and chlorine are all harsh on your hair. The
best way to protect your hair from these elements is to cover it.
When you are going to be outside in the sun for long periods
of time i.e. a trip to the beach, outside concert or fair, use a silk/satin
scarf, silk/satin
lined cap or hat, or even an umbrella to protect your hair.
Another step you can take to protect your hair from summer
elements is to moisturize.
Sun, salt, sand and chlorine all rob your hair of moisture,
which is an integral part of maintaining healthy hair.
Make sure to use a leave-in conditioner like Sexy
Hair Concepts Leave in Conditioner, as a part of your hair care routine. This
Leave in Conditioner moisturizes, reconstructs and repairs. It is safe for
color treated hair and is a detangler.
In the summer months using deep conditioners and hair
masks will help prevent damage by
coating the hair so that there is a protective barrier between your hair and
the elements.
Oils such as Sesame oil, Avocado, Jojoba, Coconut, Aloe
Vera, and Macadamia Nut oil are all natural sun screens that can provide UV
protection.
After washing your hair rinse with cool water to close your
hair cuticle (the outer coating of the hair).
Apply a small amount of oils like coconut oil to the hair, this will
make hair smooth which helps with frizz and add shine without the need for
silicone products which will cause product build-up.
Try to stay away from heating appliances, flat irons, blow
dryers etc. and opt for wearing protective styles such as braids, twists, updo like a Side Bun to protect your
hair in the summer months.
Trim your hair when
needed, and seal your ends for extra protection.
A healthy diet and exercise also help with overall hair
health. Vitamins A, C, D, E, H, Selenium, Beta Carotene, Zinc, and Potassium
also help with conditioning and protecting your hair.
If you spent a lot of time at the pool, you can use a
swimmer’s shampoo like
Paul Mitchell’s Clarifying Shampoo Three, which helps remove chlorine and
other impurities like dust and dirt. It can also help hydrate hair while
protecting it from the sun.
Conditioning your hair before swimming will also help
protect your hair from the effects of chlorine.
Deep condition hair the day before or the day of swimming, rinse
your hair really well before getting into the pool, this will allow your hair
to absorb chlorine-free water - keeping the saturation of the chlorine-filled water
to a minimum.
Rinse or wash your hair after swimming to get rid of the
chlorine and salt.
Try a leave-in hair tea rinse – Chamomile, Green Tea and
Calendula tea rinses can help soothe and cool your scalp as well as protect
your hair from the sun.
On-the-go tea rinse - fill a spray bottle with your tea rinse, add a
little of your favorite essential oil and/or conditioner use it to cool your hair after being out in the sun
all day or use before you go out.
Leave your rinse in the refrigerator to keep
it cool and you can also pour a little in a mini spray bottle to take it with
you to use throughout the day.
~Jennifer
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