Ahhh, okay friends, so I know we’re in the month of love, and I just flew out of a winter ice storm in the north. Arriving home to sunshine and humid double-digits though had me thinking about summer, and there’s no time like the present to prep those strands for epic summer hair.
From the dry heat we blast or the bitter cold of winter, to the sun, heat and sea of summer, our hair can certainly take a beating. For my long locks, which are naturally dry and curly, I’m always looking for ways to give them some extra TLC.
So, as we start to exfoliate and moisturize our skin in preparation for those long days of sunshine, it’s a great time to think about our hair too.
Even with the harsh elements like sun, salt and chlorine, there are a few ways to keep frizz and dryness away from your summer hair.
Table of Contents
Here are 5 steps to prep for epic summer hair and de-stress those locks.
Oh, and feel free to leave a few of your own hair-care secrets in the comments.
Feed Your Hair
There aren’t many safe-ingredient natural shampoos out there, but every few months I like to mix up my routine and wanted to find something that would feed and nourish my hair without leaving behind harmful chemicals that would be absorbed through my scalp. Hair Food products are inspired by clean, simple, kitchen-crafted recipes that are full of ingredients we want to put in our hair and none of the things we don’t. Because what we put on our hair is as important as we you eat, I started using the sulfate-free and paraben-free Hair Food Nourishing Collection with coconut milk and chai spice (talk about prepping for summer hair!). It leaves my hair soft and shiny while also protecting it from future damage, and smells pretty amazing as well.
Summer Hair Protection
We use SPF on our skin, but what about our hair? Find an SPF when you’re going to be out in the sun all day. Though we can’t really slather on a creamy sunscreen, there are plenty of spray in options that will help prevent dry, lackluster summer hair damage. Another stylish protection option… wear a hat!
Prevent Summer Hair Damage
Even though we’re still weeks away from (okay, maybe not quite that far for us Floridians!) the damaging effects of summer heat, we can get our mane in shipshape right away. In fact, it’ll also help with winter’s drying effects as well.
Start by getting a trim! You guys, I had one recently after WAY too long, like it usually happens once-a-year. Yikes! So, I’m committed to a more regular trim schedule now. Follow that with a hydrating mask once a week. Hair Food also offers a great one in three of their collections (I have yet to try it, but after testing out their shampoo and conditioner, it’s on my list!).
If you’re planning on any hair treatments, namely color treatments, try to schedule those before the heat temperature rises to prevent further damage. As you can see, it’s been a long time for me in this department as well, so an appointment is going on the books!
Scalp Massage with Essential Oils
Massaging your scalp helps with blood flow and circulation which leads to a healthier scalp and promotes hair growth. Every once-in-awhile, I’ll add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil to my shampoo and massage thoroughly into my scalp, or when I’ve got a bit of extra time to let it set, I’ll use a bit of coconut oil for a scalp massage. If you’ve ever experienced postpartum hair loss, this is something that can truly help you see a difference.
Pre and Post Swim Rinse
Chlorine and salt can suck the moisture right out of your hair. Hair is like a sponge and will soak up whatever is in the water, so before and after you take a tip, give your head a quick rinse.
You can try all the Hair Food collections at Walmart and Target! Choose from Moisture, Purifying, Nourishing or Smooth Collection… which one would you choose?
And, tell me, what are you doing to nourish your hair right now? Any hair-care secrets you want to share?!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hair Food. The opinions and text are all mine.
Alli says
I get a trim every 8 weeks but I need to prepare my hair for summer because it’s so dry anyway. The next time I’m in Walmart I need to check out the Hair Food products.
Name (required)candy says
I wish we were into summer right now as I am over the cold weather. I change out my products for summer and your tips are all wonderful.
cait says
oh my gosh i needed this girl- im really trying to get my hair summer ready and these are the perfect tips to help me out! hair protection is key for me specially bc i use so many products so thanks so much for sharing other tips to help too! so excited to try this!
Melissa Chapman says
We are still in winter where I am so these pictures of fun at the beach are making me jealous. I am always looking for new hair care products so I will try this one.
Jeanette says
Your hair looks absolutely gorgeous. I know whenever I go swimming I need to jump into the shower right away. Anything to keep my hair from getting all dried out. I will definitely try this.
Liz Mays says
I should definitely keep in mind the chemicals I use on my hair more often. Thinking in terms of nourishment is a good idea and the SPF is going to be key on some of my summer travels.
Natalie says
These products sound great! I bet they smell so good. I wonder if Walmart Canada carries them too!
Amber Myers says
Good to know. Your hair looks nice, so I will have to try this out. My hair could always use the help.
Fatima Torres says
The idea of having coocnut milk in my strands sounds tempting. My curls have been craving some added moisture, more so with this South Florida sun
Marcie W. says
My family and I spend a lot of time poolside throughout the summer and our hair suffers. I need to try some of your tips.
Heather says
I’ve been trying to find something for my hair for so long. Everything I try just doesn’t give me what I need. I’ll check this out!
Fiona Manoon says
Thank you so much for sharing recipes.Great blog!!!
GladysNava says
Oh wow! That is really great and gorgeous hair! That product is all I need! Thanks for letting us know and you have stunning photos. Love it♥♥
Beth says
I’m really curious to get a whiff of this, I love chai! My husband laughs at me because I shower after I swim. My hair is probably my best feature, so I try to take care of it. I rarely use a blow dryer and that has helped it stay healthy.
Lynndee says
I am going to give Hair Food a try. Will put it on the grocery list shortly so I won’t forget to check it out the next time we’re at the store.
Terri Steffes says
I would love to try Hair Food. My hair needs a lot of love right now. Thanks for the tip!
Ricci says
I just colored my hair again so I am all about getting my hair healthy for summer!! I need to try that shampoo and conditioner!
Name (required) Sadie says
Envious of your name! I have fine, coloured hair. I do love yummy smelling products. I’ll have to check these out. Thanks.
Sabrina says
I really like these products & I’ll definitely try them out for sure. Thanks for the detailed guide.
Brooke Hayward says
Perfect timing for this post! Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in-depth information you offer. You’ve really covered up almost all the possible info that every female should follow. Love your gorgeous hair! Worth sharing! Please do continue sharing updates! Thanks!