How to Keep Hair Healthy During the Summer Months

Summer means fun in the sun. Lazy days at the beach, lounging poolside, jetting around town with the top down and enjoying a barbecue with friends. But if you don't protect your hair from the elements, your dazzling 'do may be brittle, dry and plagued with split ends come fall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Anti-chlorine Conditioners
• Anti-chlorine Shampoos
• Body-building Shampoos
• Deep Conditioner
• Hot Oil Treatments
• Moisturizing Shampoos
• Protein-based Shampoos

1. Prevent green hair with an anti-chlorine shampoo and conditioner if your summer plans include a lot of pool time. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner a few times a week to combat any dryness caused by daily exposure to the sun.
2. Do a hot oil hair treatment followed by a clarifying shampoo about three times a month. The oil treatment offers a moisture surge and adds luster, while the shampoo will remove any residue of chlorine, salt, sunscreen and styling products.
3. Protect your hair and scalp from the damaging rays of the sun. Talk to your hairdresser or beauty supply store about creams and spray treatments that offer sun protection.
4. Alternate your updos. Minimize the breakage caused by tight or frequent ponytails by pulling your hair back with headbands, hair sticks or hair clips instead.
5. Remember that color-treated hair will fade faster when exposed to the direct rays of the sun. Hats or head wraps are a must. Find out which sun-protection hair product is best-suited to your hair.
6. Skip blow-drying and the use of hot rollers and curling irons whenever possible. When it's a must, always use heat-activated styling products, particularly at the ends, to guard against drying.

Tips & Warnings

• Create natural blond highlights with a chamomile or lemon juice rinse.
• Remember that although your scalp is covered with hair, it's still susceptible to sunburn.
• Sunning with lemon juice in your hair may add streaks, but the acid can cause dryness and damage.