How To Rescue Your Hair From Summer Damage The Natural Way
We’ve already had some beautiful weather so far this summer, and let’s hope there’s plenty more to come. Sunlight and fresh air is great news for our health in so many ways, from boosting mood to topping up vitamin D levels. However, summer activities are not always so kind to our hair, causing it to feel dry, brittle and lacklustre.
Here’s a look at how natural hair care products can repair summer damage and restore your locks to full lustrous health and strength.
How summer damage affects your hair
Sun exposure
Most of us have got the message about protecting our skin from UV damage, but might not be so careful when it comes to our hair. Heat and UV light can break down keratin, which is the protein that gives hair its strength and structure. This can lead to colour fading, split ends, and make hair dry and difficult to manage.
Saltwater
There’s nothing more freeing and energising than splashing about in the sea on a sunny day, and the last thing you want to worry about is your hair. However, saltwater can damage the outer cuticle of the hair, causing the shaft to swell and dry out, and reducing its ability to retain moisture.
This can result in a rough straw-like texture, rather than artfully tousled beach waves.
Chlorine
If you prefer to take a dip in swimming pools rather than the sea, your hair is still at risk. Chlorinated water strips hair of its natural oils, and it can also chemically react with the pigment. This can give colour-treated or naturally light coloured hair a greenish or brassy tint, and repeated exposure can leave the hair dry and out of condition.
How to repair summer damage
Understandably, most of us are unwilling to sacrifice those precious fun days messing about at the beach or in the pool, or have the inconvenience of wearing a hat or swimming cap all the time, for the sake of our hair. Fortunately, there are other ways to naturally restore your hair without resorting to synthetic ingredients.
Use a gently cleansing shampoo
As soon as you can after swimming, wash your hair with a gently nourishing shampoo to remove the build up of salt or chlorine. Avoid products with harsh chemical ingredients such as sulfates and parabens, as these will strip away even more essential oils. Instead, look for a gentle shampoo with botanical extracts and natural oils, such as aloe vera and jojoba.
Deep conditioning oils to replenish moisture
Hair that is damaged by sun, saltwater or chlorine needs intense hydration that penetrates the hair shaft. Many commercial conditioners contain silicones that coat the hair and give the illusion of shine, but the effect is temporary and they do nothing to restore the natural softness of your hair.
Instead, look for products that contain natural oils, such as argan oil. This is a deeply nourishing oil that is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Coconut oil is ideal to use as a weekly conditioning mask, and it also helps to condition dry and flaky scalps.
Other brilliant natural oils for hair are murumuru and macadamia, which are exceptionally rich and nourishing. They are ideal for soothing curly and frizzy hair with a coarser texture.
Use leave-in protection
If you are planning a long day in the open air or at the beach and you have longer hair that is difficult to keep covered up, consider using a leave-in conditioner. Products that contain argan and cold-pressed jojoba oil will hydrate and provide a barrier from the elements.
Wherever possible, allow your hair to air dry in the summer after washing and conditioning. This will save it from the stress of extra heat styling. If you do want to use styling tools, use a protective serum or spray made from lightweight oils.
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