The sunny season is just around the corner. And with the summer fun arrives added sources for hair damage including harmful UV rays, wind, chlorine, salt water, and the ever-present hair ties. All of which leave hair brittle, brassy, frizzed, parched, and overall lackluster (eek!). Needless to say, it’s especially important to treat your hair with respect by taking a few extra precautions to keep it healthy and manageable during these torrid days.

Show Hair Some Pre-Sun Love

Look for products that you can apply before your time in the sun, pool or ocean. Pre-sun products can be waterproof and should include a UV filter and some type of moisturizer. Jojoba or sesame oil can be a helpful shield as well; saturate ends before going into the sun to prevent splitting/damage. Pre-Sun Product recommendations: Rene Furterer Summer Oil, Phyto Plage L’Original Protective Beach Spray (not waterproof, reapply after swimming), Rene Furterer Protective Summer Fluid, or L`Occitane Summer Protection Sun Hair Mist.

Post-Sun Pampering

While some products are meant to eliminate chlorine & other harmful chemicals, they often strip your hair of its color, shine & essential oils in the process. Be discriminate in choosing! For summer especially, I prefer products that tout putting “stuff” back IN to the hair in addition to removing chlorine & chemicals.  Look for repairing (or enhancing) ingredients in after-sun shampoos such as Butters/Oils, Proteins, Humectants, etc. Post-Sun Product recommendations:  Fekkai Advanced Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo, Rene Furterer Repairing After Sun Shampoo, Kerastase Bain Apres-Soleil, Rene Furterer No Rinse After Sun Moisturizing Spray, or Oribe Shampoo for Moisture & Control.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Believe it or not, perhaps the best way to control frizz is to add moisture. I know that sounds contradictory because humidity is caused by moisture in the air, but adding in the moisture will make your hair less likely to seek out the humidity in the air. A quality conditioner and a masque are paramount. They should contain moisturizing ingredients along with a detangling agent. Conditioners should be used at every shampoo except the days you choose a masque.  Masques are deep conditioning treatments that should be left on for a minimum of 5 minutes. For those with finer hair, use once per week and concentrate solely on the lengths of your hair (keep product away from scalp).  If you have thick or coarse hair, use 2-3 times per week.  If you find your hair is overly damaged or dry, put a masque on (after shampooing) and a shower cap; then sleep in it. Rinse in the morning and hair will feel nourished, soft and supple.  My favorites: Rene Furterer After Sun Mask, Kerastase Masque Oleo Relax Slim, Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask.

Lastly:

• Cold water actually works to lock down hair cuticles, which in turn gives the appearance of less frizz (with the cuticle closed, the moisture from your conditioner is locked in). If possible, before you step out of the shower, rinse hair in cool (ish) water.
• Be Careful with Drying – Many of us grab the closest towel and start rubbing our hair. This is one of the worst things you can do to wet hair. When towel drying your hair, you are better off allowing it to sit in a towel then to use the towel in a rubbing motion. Rubbing can cause split ends and damage which will intensify your frizz. Best yet, allow hair to air dry!
• Go easy on the heat – Again, let hair air dry as much as possible. Limit flat & curling irons as much as possible.  .
• Wear a sun hat while being exposed to sun. This protects your hair, your color (if you have it), and your scalp from harmful UV rays. Plus, big sun hats look fab.
• Trim split ends – Regularly trim hair (even if it’s the bare minimum). Leaving split ends will only perpetuate your hair problems.  The ends will become worse, you’ll become Queen of the Fly-Aways…It won’t be pretty.

Battling the elements of summer can feel like a losing crusade. Having grown up in Florida, it is a struggle with which I am all too familiar. Taking a few extra steps to treat your hair with the proper care will allow you to have manageable, frizz-free tresses all summer long.

If you have questions or would like product recommendations specific to your hair type, please leave a comment below or send me an email in private at info@southern-sass.com!