Summer is finally here, which means that the harsh heat emitting from the sun can dry and possibly damage your natural tresses. Natural hair is very fragile and requires daily management to keep it moisturized and healthy.
Continue reading to learn tips on how to manage your natural hair during the summertime.
Deep condition every 1-2 weeks
With the summer heat taking out the moisture in your hair, it’s important to deep condition your hair often. Deep conditioners help to revitalize the hair strands by aiding them in retaining moisture. Shea Moisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque and Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner are highly recommended for deep conditioning.
Wear protective styles
The summertime is the perfect time to spruce up your hair by getting different hairstyles. Whether it is twisting up your natural tresses or adding in hair, there are several protective styles you can choose from that will give you and your hair a break from daily manipulation. Most protective styles can last for several weeks if they are correctly maintained.
Here are a few styles you can try this summer:
- Knotless braids
- Butterfly locs
- Senegalese braids
- Flat twists
- Mini braids
- Bohemian locs
- Braided updo
- Bantu knots
- Cornrows
- Passion twists
Moisturize your hair often
No matter the season, natural hair needs lots and lots of moisture! Depending on whether your hair is low porosity (repels water) or high porosity (quickly absorbs water), you’ll have to adjust the amount of product needed for your hair.
Many people with natural hair follow the LCO (Leave-in + Cream + Oil) or LOC (Leave-in + Oil + Cream) methods after washing and conditioning their hair.
Here are some recommended products to help moisturize your hair:
-
Leave-in conditioners
- Creme of Nature Argan Oul Leave-In Conditioner
- Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Moisture Hair Mask & Leave-In
- Conditioner Treatment
- Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In
- Conditioner
- Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream
- Giovanni Direct Leave-in Weightless Moisture Conditioner
-
Creams
- Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Curl Defining Creme
- Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La, Lightweight Curl Defining Custard
- Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Hydrating Curl Smoothie, Creamy
- Silicone-Free Styling Cream
- Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
- OGX Argan Oil of Morroco Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream
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Oils
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- Argan Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Vitamin E Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Olive Oil
Wash your hair often
If you plan on being outside often, it’s recommended that you wash your hair frequently. Swimming in pools, going on a hike, and other outdoor activities can make your hair and scalp extremely dirty. To prevent buildup and possible bacteria, wash your hair after a day of strenuous activities. A clarifying shampoo, such as Head & Shoulders Shampoo Anti Dandruff Treatment and Scalp Care, can provide your hair and scalp with a deep clean, followed by a good conditioner.
Use heat protectant spray
Another great way to protect your hair from the sun is to use heat or UV protectant spray. Hair damaged by the sun can become brittle, discolored, broken, and even develop split ends. If you know that you will be outside for an extended period, be sure to invest in heat or UV protectant sprays, such as the Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 or Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil Spray.
Wear hats or scarves
One of the simplest ways to keep your hair protected from sun rays is to throw on a hat or scarf. On the days when you don’t feel like doing your hair, a cute hat or scarf can save the day while still protecting your hair.
Drink enough water and eat healthy food
When you feel thirsty, so does your hair. For your hair to thrive, you must drink enough water. Drinking an adequate amount of water daily can help keep you moisturized from the inside out. Eight glasses or 64 ounces of water is the recommended amount you should drink each day.
Also, it is vital that you each a healthy diet as well. A diet filled with foods with lots of sugar and salt can weaken your hair, making it more susceptible to damage during the hot summer months. Instead, opt for diets in which you consume foods that can benefit your hair and the rest of your body.
Conclusion
Taking care of natural hair can seem like a full-time job at times, but it requires tremendous amounts of love and care for it to thrive. During the summer, natural tresses can dry out quickly, so they must be appropriately managed. Use these tips to ensure that your hair is happy and healthy throughout the summer!
