As the temperature rises and the sun greets us with its warm embrace, it's time to prepare our hair for the season. Summer brings a host of challenges for hair, including sun exposure, humidity, chlorine from pools, and saltwater from the ocean. But fear not, with the right care and precautions, you can keep your locks healthy, vibrant, and summer-proofed. Here are our fail-safe summer hair care tips to help you avoid sun damage and thrive during those beach days and sweltering nights.
1. Hydration is Key
Like our bodies, our hair craves hydration, especially during the hot summer months. Start from within by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water. You'll also want to ensure you're using hair care products that hydrate your locks. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is an absolute must. Look for natural ingredients that moisturize, like moringa oil in Lu's Freedom Collection, murumuru butter in Lu's Control Collection, and the deep moisturizing agents of Shatavari-infused glycerin found in Lu's Rescue Collection.
2. Shield Against UV Damage
The summer sun's rays can wreak havoc on your locks, causing dryness, brittleness, and fading hair color. Protect your mane by using UV protection hair products. Consider adding leave-in conditioners or styling creams with UV filters to your summer hair care routine. Not only can these finishing products create a barrier against harmful sun rays, but they can also help your hair stay styled, nourished, and protected. When you use any Lu hair care product, you also benefit from the UV protection of Impossible Keratin™️. This proprietary vegan keratin formulation helps maintain hair color and shields against harmful UV rays. And it's a core ingredient in every Lu shampoo, conditioner, and styling cream that works on all hair types. Don't forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat or scarf for added protection, especially during prolonged sun exposure.
3. Minimize Heat Styling
Dry hair is a risk we all face during hot weather. One easy way to help protect your strands is by taking a break from heat-styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers during the summer. Embrace your natural texture and air-dry whenever possible. If you must use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand to minimize damage. You can also try heatless hairstyles like braids, buns, or beachy waves for effortless summer looks.
4. Rinse After Swimming
We all know pool chemicals and chlorinated water aren't exactly good for your hair. Whether you're taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a day at the beach, chlorine and salt water can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and brittle. To prevent damage, rinse your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming to remove any chlorine or salt residue. Follow up with one of Lu's hydrating shampoos and conditioners to replenish and seal in moisture.
5. Deep Conditioning Treatments
Treat your hair to regular deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and repair any damage caused by sun exposure and environmental stressors. Look for a nourishing hair mask or treatment enriched with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or avocado oil. Use these treatments once or twice a week to keep your hair soft, smooth, and resilient.
6. Trim Regularly
You already know that regular trims are important for healthy hair. Summer is the perfect time to refresh your hairstyle with a trim. Whether you want to follow the latest TikTok trend, chop your locks, or try something new, regular trims help prevent split ends and breakage. Schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain your hair's shape and remove any damaged or dry ends. Choose a lightweight, layered cut to keep your mane feeling light and airy during the warmer months.
7. Protect Your Scalp
Don't forget about your scalp when summer-proofing your hair. Excessive sun exposure can lead to a sunburned scalp, dryness, and irritation. Protect your scalp by wearing hats or using scalp sunscreen when spending time outdoors. You can also soothe and hydrate your scalp with cooling scalp treatments or aloe vera gel.
8. Stay Frizz-Free
Humidity can spell disaster for frizzy hair, but with the right products and techniques, you can keep your locks smooth and frizz-free all summer long. And there's no better frizz-fighter out there than Lu's Control Collection, which was designed to protect against humidity, reduce flyaways, and control the frizz. Control keeps your hair sleek and polished even in the excessive summer heat, and it works from the very first wash.
Another tip to keep the frizz at bay: avoid brushing your hair when it's dry, as this can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle wet hair gently. For best results, apply Lu's "Lock the Look" styling cream for added heat protection, longer-lasting styling, and enhanced moisturizing properties.
Summer is a time to embrace the great outdoors and soak up the sunshine, but you also have to protect your hair from the elements. Follow these tips to summer-proof your locks and keep them healthy, vibrant, and beautiful all season long. With a little extra care and a helping hand from Lu, you can enjoy the season while keeping your hair looking its best.
