This is Your Summer Hair Protection Guide

Beaches, pools, boardwalks—oh my! Summer is here, and that means plenty of time spent out and about under the sun. While you likely already know that protecting your skin from the sun is a must, chances are you’ve overlooked something else that can be impacted by the sun’s harmful rays—your hair! That’s right, the sun and your strands aren’t exactly a match made in heaven. In fact, summer calls for a whole new hair care routine that offers not only sun hair protection but chlorine hair protection, too. Below, we’re sharing seven hair care tips to keep hair healthy looking all summer long.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #1: COVER YOUR STRANDS

We get it—the sun is shining and you’re dying to spend every minute outdoors. That’s totally OK, but make sure to cover up! According to the Cleveland Clinic, when your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun, UVA and UVB rays can damage the outside cover of the hair strand, which is called the cuticle. Whether you wear a broad-rimmed hat or a trendy head wrap or sit under an umbrella as your method of sun hair protection is up to you—just try to keep your strands covered up when you’re going to be out in the sun for longer periods of time. It’s also important to cover up when swimming. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests wearing a tight-fitting swim cap to avoid chlorine damage.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #2: USE A MOISTURIZING HAIR CARE SYSTEM

The AAD recommends protecting your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine by wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming. Try following this chlorine hair protection tip by using a moisturizing hair care system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #3: ROCK A PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLE

This one is both a hair care and hairstyling tip: Consider wearing a protective hairstyle during the summer. Not only are there plenty of cute and trendy protective hairstyles to choose from, but these hairstyles will also help protect your strands from elements in your environment (AKA the sun and sand). Protective hairstyles can also be beneficial when you’re being more active, which a lot of us have a tendency to be in the summer. Here are The 30 Best Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #4: REACH FOR A DEEP CONDITIONER

We mentioned earlier that your hair may need a little TLC in the moisturizing department come summer, which is why a deep conditioner is something you can’t pass up on! More specifically, the AAD suggests using a deep conditioner after swimming to replace lost moisture. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, which is formulated to revive hair for less breakage and deep condition with a shine-enhancing, rich formula. Use it in place of regular conditioner, after shampooing, and leave it on for one minute before rinsing.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #5: SHOWER POST-SWIM

Don’t wait and wait to shower after swimming! The Cleveland Clinic states that if you swim in a chlorinated pool, it’s important to make sure you rinse the pool water—which contains salt and chlorine—out of your hair with clear water to prevent a headful of frizzy, dull, and damaged hair.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #6: AVOID HEAT TOOLS

As a rule of thumb, consider sticking to heat-free hairstyles during the summer as much as possible. The Cleveland Clinic shares that hot flat irons or rollers can make your mane more vulnerable to the summer stresses of heat and sun, as they can damage hair’s keratin. The damaged keratin allows the sun to more easily penetrate your strands, leading to fragile, damaged locks.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #7: PICK THE RIGHT TIMING

There’s a right time for everything—and your hair’s exposure to the sun is no exception. The Cleveland Clinic recommends going out early or later in the day to protect your strands from unwanted sun damage. Not sure what time falls under those categories? For optimal precaution, treat your hair as you would your skin. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That’s the perfect time to head back inside, get lunch, and give yourself a break from the heat!

Next, let’s talk about your skin. Here are 6 Skin Care Hacks to Help You Stay Sun Safe This Summer.