Summer brings longer days and warmer weather, inspiring many to refresh their hairstyles for a season of vibrant looks. Whether you’re considering a bold haircut or a protective style, maintaining hair health is key to ensuring your locks stay strong and radiant throughout the sunny months.
We consulted hair experts Stanley Nolan, Sophia Emmanuel, and Stephanie Hinkle for their best hair health advice to elevate your summer style. Here are eight practical ways to refresh your hair while keeping it nourished and healthy.
Embrace Protective Styles
Protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, and locs are ideal for summer, offering versatility with colors and textures without compromising hair health. Emmanuel advises limiting these styles to four weeks and avoiding tension on the scalp to prevent damage like traction alopecia. Nolan adds that regular scalp massages with oils like jojoba or argan promote circulation and hydration, supporting scalp health during these styles.
Experiment with Lighter or Vibrant Colors
Summer is the perfect time to try warm, dimensional colors such as light reds, coppers, caramel, or even platinum blonde. Nolan highlights that lighter shades reflect light, creating a fuller hair appearance and adding glow to your skin. However, vibrant colors demand extra care — regular moisturizing and color-safe products are essential to maintain hair health and vibrancy.
Protect Your Scalp from UV Damage
Scalp sunscreen is a vital yet often overlooked element of hair health during summer. Emmanuel recommends mist sunscreens with soothing ingredients like aloe and herbal hydrosols, and components such as silica or zinc oxide that absorb oil. Nolan stresses the importance of lightweight, scalp-specific sunscreens to prevent dryness, irritation, and UV damage, helping your hair stay fresh and protected.
Consider a Short Haircut
Short styles like bobs, pixie cuts, and long bobs (lobs) are trending for their versatility and ease. Emmanuel praises bobs for suiting all hair types and offering many styling options. Nolan notes that pixies can be sleek or textured, while lobs provide low-maintenance style with volume when curled. Regular trims keep these cuts looking sharp and healthy.
Update Your Hair Care Routine
Summer conditions often lead to frizz and sweat buildup, tempting many to use heavy styling products. Emmanuel warns that heavy products can trap dirt and oil, harming hair health. Instead, opt for lighter, hydrating formulas. Nolan recommends UV-protectant sprays, leave-in conditioners, less frequent washing to preserve natural oils, and weekly deep conditioning to nourish and repair strands. Maintaining a clean, healthy scalp is crucial for optimal hair growth.
Use Fun and Gentle Accessories
Accessories like scrunchies, headbands, and scarves add flair while protecting hair from damage caused by frequent brushing or styling. Emmanuel suggests using soft options to avoid hair breakage, and decorating braids or twists with clips and charms for added personality. Nolan highlights scrunchies as a gentle alternative to traditional hair ties that reduce breakage.
Try Money Piece Highlights
For a subtle color update, money piece highlights focus color on face-framing sections, providing a fresh look without full-head coloring. Nolan calls this approach ideal for those wanting to experiment with color in a low-commitment way.
Invest in Silk or Satin Products
Summer’s outdoor activities increase friction that can dry out ends and cause tangles. Hinkle recommends silk pillowcases and satin-lined hats to reduce breakage, lock in moisture, and prevent split ends. Beyond hair health, silk and satin also protect skin by reducing irritation and moisture loss, making them a summer essential for overall beauty care.
By integrating these hair health tips into your summer routine, you can enjoy vibrant, refreshed hairstyles while keeping your locks nourished and protected all season long.
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