Summer doesn't have to be a season of bad hair days. With a little extra care, hair can look great even on the steamiest days. Everyone’s favorite summer past time of hanging out at the beach or pool unfortunately exposes hair to heat and humidity – and it can be detrimental. The strong rays of the sun are very drying on hair, causing uncontrollable frizz and breakage. Here are some simple ways to protect your hair.
Start with a trim. Get rid of split ends and refresh your style. You may need a mid-season cut, too. Hair actually does grow faster in the summer! There are more hairs in the anagen, or growing, stage during late spring and summer than in the winter.
Protect your strands from the sun. Applying a daily hair care product that contains UV filters (spray, gel, or cream). Look for products designed to protect hair from sun damage and help keep color-processed hair from fading. If you'll be spending lots of time outdoors, it’s best to wear a wide-brimmed hat. Not only will it keep your strands from getting scorched, it will also protect your scalp and ears, which are vulnerable to skin cancer.
Wet hair before swimming. Drench hair with clean water or a leave-in conditioner so it won't absorb as much saltwater or pool chemicals. It’s also a good idea to try to rinse your hair after swimming. No shower nearby? Keep a spray bottle filled with clean water.
Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. You’ll likely be washing your hair more frequently during the summer so be sure to use a clarifying, or anti-residue, shampoo once a week to clear away product buildup and chemicals. Be sure to follow it with a deep-conditioning treatment. Year round, you should avoid hair products with sulfates and parabens. While they have the ability to get your hair super clean, they tend to irritate your scalp and strip your natural oils from your hair and scalp and can irritate your scalp — among many other things. Sulfate and paraben free products help keep your hair moisturized and encourages color retention, partly by holding on to the natural oils your hair carries and when your hair is full of moisture, it’s less likely to break or split. The same goes for other hair products that are sulfate and paraben-free like Iden Signature RX Shampoo and RX Masque which we carry at Bliss. The Iden Signature Shampoo is also silicone free and encourages hair growth after childbirth, menopause, Covid, etc. and helps with dandruff and psoriasis.
If you’re a frequent swimmer or have very blonde hair, we suggest going even further with your summer hair care. Invest in a non-toxic purple shampoo – try a professional-grade product that will cleanse the hair of impurities and eliminate brassy tones.
Use hot tools sparingly. Give your hair a break from blow dryers and hot irons whenever you can. Experts recommend washing your hair at night and piling it up in a bun, a braid, or ponytail before bed. You’ll wake up with nice beachy waves. Make it work-ready with a thin headband or pretty barrettes.
Outwit frizz. Healthy and well-maintained hair is your best defense against frizz. Regular trims, conditioning and just a drop or two of an anti-frizz oil or serum can smooth hair and add shine. But when the air is thick with humidity, frizz can still happen so have an easy go-to hairdo like a slick pony, high bun, or side braid for high-humidity days.
Remember to take care of your whole self during the summer months. Bliss on Broadway is always ready to offer our full range of rejuvenating facials and skin care services, along with massage services and nail care. Check out this month’s special Enzymatic Peel Facial or Swedish Massage with Watermelon Scrub to help you care for your whole self. Call us at 562-439-4333 or visit www.blissonbroadway.com.