TheSoko.com - 10 Tips to Fight Frizzy Summer Hair

Does your hair hate the summer heat? Lyra Pappin gives you some tips on how to tame frizzy hair.

Everyone looks forward to the summer, but nobody looks forward to bad hair. It can be almost impossible to do anything with long hair in the summer, especially for those of us graced (or cursed) with wavy or curly hair! To avoid wasting hours in front of the mirror every day, only to be met with poodle-esque 'dos later in the day, try these 10 tips!

Don't Wash

It can be hard to get used to, but washing your hair every day is actually not a good idea. Washing hair every other day should be the maximum for anyone, even those with easy, straight hair. Washing too frequently strips the natural oils that protect the hair throughout the day, while also encouraging your scalp to release too many oils, causing you to want to wash your hair every morning. In short, it's a vicious cycle! Give yourself time to adjust to less-frequent washing. You might feel your hair looks greasy the first week, but your system will adjust. Invest in a good shower cap for wash-free days and then progress to extremely gentle shampoos or rinse formulas that contain less detergent than generic shampoos.

Don't Blow-Dry

No washing OR blow-drying? I know it might not sound like the formula for great hair, but the less styling and moisture-stripping you do to your hair, the better it will be for days that really count! If heat styling is essential to your daily routine, just switch to a medium or cool setting and dry hair until it is semi-dry, allowing it to air dry completely. This prevents all the moisture from escaping your hair and should leave it looking shinier and softer.

Avoid Alcohol

No, I'm not talking about a way to avoid embarrassing yourself on dates or business dinners! Alcohol is the enemy when it comes to hair care, so make sure to read all the ingredients in products before purchasing them. The worst offenders are hair sprays and hair gels, which use a lot of alcohol that zap the moisture right out of your hair, leaving it susceptible to breakage. Brittle, dry hair is then exacerbated by humidity, making styling a daily battle. Try to use natural products and go easy on the products that will cause more damage than benefit.

Lock in Moisture

Just as some products deplete the moisture in your hair, others can do wonders to trap in the natural oils and proteins your hair needs to be healthy and strong all summer long. Look for an alcohol-free leave-in conditioner to give your hair extra defense before styling or heading outside. For added oomph, try a nourishing and moisturizing hair mask applied at least once a week. You can also use a natural oil, such as olive oil or mayo; just leave it on long enough to penetrate the hair shaft, about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on severity of dryness.

Fight the Sun

Sun damage applies to hair as well as skin. If you plan to spend the day outside, remember that your scalp and hair need solid SPF protection too. There are many leave-in conditioners available with SPF quotients and even some regular conditioners too, but read the label to ensure they will effectively block the sun's harmful rays for the length of your outing. Many sunscreen companies also offer sprays now, so that is another option for covering your hair. In addition to causing dryness and frizz, the sun can also fade colour treatments, so if you want to be on the safe side, opt for a comfy hat.

Water Woes

There are few things better than a summer day at the beach or by the pool, but there's also nothing worse for your hair than ocean salt water or chemicals from public pools. If you want to be really serious about it, use a swimcap before entering pools or oceans. If that doesn't work for you, bring your favourite leave-in conditioner to the beach and make sure to apply before and after entering the water. You can also apply a light layer of oil, like olive oil, which is water resistant and will help keep the bad stuff away too!

Humidity Shmumidity

Humidity wreaks havoc on even the most manageable hair, so it's best to avoid it as much as possible. Even if your home has the AC going, you can get the humidity effect by drying your hair in a steamy bathroom. Make sure to go to another location if you've clouded up the mirrors. If you aren't fortunate enough to have an artificially cool abode, go downstairs to the basement, which is usually the coldest place.

Go Easy on Dye

Summer isn't the best time to do any severe colour treatment since we're already battling the elements, and adding artificial products that strip the hair's natural defenses only makes things worse. If you are devoted to your hair colour routine, ask your stylist for other, gentler options. Often there are less severe dyes that can be temporarily substituted or you could try highlights, which only affect a portion of the hair. If you are willing to go dye-free for the summer, but want to enhance your natural colours, look for shampoos and conditioners that include natural brightening elements like chamomile for a more natural sun-streaked style.

Eat Right

Hair health can often be boiled down to the quality of your nutrition. Many people with dry hair are simply dehydrated overall! The summer is an important time to stay well hydrated, because we lose moisture by sweating a little more just doing our regular activities, not to mention when we exercise. Make sure you are drinking enough water all day long and continuing to eat healthy hair-friendly foods high in protein, iron and B-vitamins, which can be found in lean meats like chicken and turkey, fish like salmon, nuts, eggs and veggies like spinach and other leafy greens.

An Updo Can Do!

When all else fails, the ponytail sure makes it simple! If you are in a rush or the weather just won't cooperate, your last resort isn't so bad as you can always have fun with updo styles. Braids are great for battling humidity, headbands add a cute twist while keeping frizzes at bay and you could experiment with hat styles as well! Hair accessories are available in a huge variety of colours and styles, so stock up on your favourites and maybe you'll look forward to these easier days.

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summer simmer

The thing about summer is that it's only temporary (for most places), so enjoy it while you can! A bad hair day can be annoying, but it's not the end of the world! Whatever you do, make the best of it and keep these tricks in mind to make things that much more enjoyable!

Sources:
www.curlyhairsalon.com
www.kidzworld.com
Glamour Magazine