Summer. A season of sun and beachy waves. However, all of the fun you’re having can be detrimental for your hair. Frizz, limpness, and brittle strands leave your hair dreaming of healthier days. Don’t worry though! We have some tips that will help your hair recover from some common summer issues.

Chlorine

Did you know that too much time in the pool can change the color of your hair? No, this is not because of chlorine. It is actually due to copper lurking in pools where the chemical balance isn’t right. The chlorine molecules get trapped in the hair and oxidize metals found in trace amounts in your pool. It is oxidized copper that turns your hair green. However, just because chlorine isn’t changing your hair color, doesn’t mean it can’t still damage your hair. When the outer layers of your hair start to lift up, chlorinated water can get into the center of the hair and make it more brittle. If you are a frequent swimmer with hair that is colored or straightened, you may experience more breakage in the summer. To prevent this, rinse your hair under tap water before swimming. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner before entering the pool as well and use a hair mask once a week to help repair the damage and seal the cuticle. If you are really worried, swim with a swim cap and wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner formulated for swimmers to replace lost moisture.

Sun Damage

Remember that the UV rays that damage your skin without protection can also damage your hair. Sun breaks the bonds that make keratin in your hair strong. This leads to weaker strands and fading color, so try wearing a hat. Other options include using a product that boosts UV protection and using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner after being in the sun. While you’re protecting your hair, remember your scalp. Apply sunscreen on your part if you are not wearing a hat and all the way up to your hairline if you are pulling your hair back.

Frizz

Frizz is the natural enemy of anyone with curl or wave to their hair. The high temperatures and excessive humidity found in summer cause your hair to increase in size as it frizzes. The smooth cuticle covering the shaft of healthy hair gets disrupted when the hair shaft absorbs moisture from the air. This breaks some of the chemical bonds that keep hair straight and roughs the cuticle, taking away shine and smoothness. Stay away from heavy products and use an anti-frizz serum or spray. Look for products with dimethicone (a moisturizer) or a silicone-based product to help smooth the cuticle.

Summer is awesome, but there are a lot of things we need to protect during the season. Remember to keep your hair in mind this summer. Come to LJ Hair Design and talk to one of our stylists about protecting your hair this summer!