Is your calendar full of fun outdoor summer activities? Just as you would plan to protect your skin with sunscreen, don’t forget to protect your hair too.
It’s often the most neglected part of the body during the summer. But, spending 3 to 4 months exposed to sun rays, salt water, and pool water will leave your hair wrecked. Here are some ways to protect your hair this summer so it isn’t begging for rehabilitation by the end.
Dampen your hair before swimming: Before hopping in the pool, wet your hair. Your hair is like a sponge, so if you wet it before exposing it to chemicals (or salt water), your hair won’t soak up the chemicals.
Fully cover your hair: Another option is to fully cover your hair before taking a swim. This is especially true if you’ve just colored your hair. The sun will fade the tones and will make your locks feel rough.
Get a summer trim: During the summer, many women decide to grow out their hair. That plan is fine, just don’t forget to trim (or dust) the split ends. If you wait until the end of the summer, you will have lost plenty of time to care for your strands — because the more you get rid of those pesky split ends, the less breakage you will experience.
Be mindful of sun rays: The sun can be harsh on your hair. In particular, it can damage the cuticles, which is what gives hair it’s strength. Cover your hair with a hat when out in the sun for prolonged periods to prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle.
Forgo the DIY: There’s a myth that if you spray your hair with lemon juice and sit out in the sun, that it will lighten your hair. If you’ve ever contemplated doing that, just know this could cause more damage than coloring your hair. If you want a lighter look, ask your stylist to hook you up with highlights throughout your hair. And particularly, around your face.