The Best Summer Styling Tips for Your Everyday Hair Care Routine
Skin care tends to get all the attention when summer is in full swing. Exfoliants take over our shower drains, facial sprays abound, and SPF coats every inch of our faces and bodies. But, the summer months can definitely do a number on your hair as well, which is why we brainstormed the best styling tips — for every length and texture — when it's a million degrees out. Operating on the assumption that the pros usually know the best tricks around, we asked celebrity hairstylists David Lopez and Lacy Redway to get our strands ready for everything summer could possibly throw our way. Read on for all of their tried-and-tested tips — and prepare for your best hair days ever.
Embrace your natural texture.
This is a tip that remains relevant year-round, but the summer months will likely take your texture through many different iterations. So, just roll with it. "Hair responds differently to a variety of humidity levels and weather conditions, so it won't look the same every day,” says David. "If you're taking a break from heat tools, it will take your hair a little time to remember its natural wave or curl — so be patient and implement a masking routine to continue renewing the radiance of your hair in the meantime.”
For natural textures especially, it's important to keep strands shielded from the elements. "I love protective styles for the summer and love that everyone is embracing their inner '90s and living out their best Poetic Justice or Moesha Life!” says Lacy. If you're looking for inspiration, her feed is the ideal place to start.
Counteract pollution.
Beauty brands have long studied how pollution can affect your skin, and now companies are offering targeted solutions for your scalp and hair, too.
"Heat and sweat create the perfect environment for [grime] to stick to your scalp, so it’s advised to find a way to gently clarify your hair at least once every 1-2 weeks," adds David. He’s a fan of the Kenra Platinum Detox & Deflect System, which uses activated charcoal and diamond dust to clarify your scalp and hair while adding shine, and suggests adding weekly hair masks into your regiment to keep it looking as healthy as possible.
Wash smarter.
Curly girls, this one’s for you: "Do more co-washing so you’re not stripping your hair of its natural oils,” says Lacy. She loves Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser, which contains shea butter and Jojoba oil to help nourish hair and maintain your natural texture.
Add some moisture.
Just like your skin, your hair needs an extra dose of hydration during the warmer months, too — especially if you're using clarifying products. "I like to use the Kenra Platinum Deep Detox Scrub on dry hair before getting in the shower,” says David. "To ensure hair is hydrated, start by distributing a quarter-sized amount of conditioner through dry hair prior to getting in the shower, then take a nickel-sized amount of the scrub and massage directly onto your dry scalp. Hop in the shower and continue massaging the scrub into your scalp, then let it rinse out.”
"Since moisture is key, I do more masks and hot treatments,” says Lacy. "Also, I try to use as less heat as possible and focus on dry and protective hairstyles.” She suggests making leave-in products, like Living Proof Humidity Shield, Nexxus City Shield Hair Creme, or DevaCurl Leave-In Decadence Ultra Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner, as part of your weekly routine, too.
Protect from heat.
Although your hair may get a much-needed break from hot tools in the summer (we've tried and approved these heatless styles), if you are going to break out the blowdryer, it’s important to keep your strands protected. Mist them with a thermal protectant like this one before styling.
Even if you’re avoiding the hot tools, it’s still worth giving your hair a little extra TLC when you're out in the sun. "Wear cool head wraps and hats when sitting out in the heat,” Lacy advises. "We protect our skin with sunblock and often forget to protect our hair from the damage the UV rays can cause.”
Consider your summer hair woes solved.
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