Summer is the perfect time to simplify your beauty routine—and your hair care should be no exception. Whether you have sleek strands, waves, or coils, adopting a low-maintenance but effective hair care strategy can help you enjoy healthier, more manageable hair with minimal effort.
This season, it’s all about being high maintenance to be low maintenance—investing in the right products and habits now to cut down your daily routine later. Think: effortless beach waves, frizz-free buns, and hair that stays happy through sun, salt, and sweat.
To find out how to keep hair strong, stylish, and simple this summer, we spoke with Laina Killey, licensed hairstylist and Education Coordinator at Malibu C, who shared her expert hair care tips and essential hair care steps for a minimalist summer routine.
What Summer Really Does to Your Hair
Before you can protect your hair, you need to understand what it’s up against. Summer elements like sun exposure, humidity, saltwater, and chlorine can wreak havoc on hair health. Different hair types face unique challenges:
Straight Hair gets oily faster and may look limp.
Wavy Hair becomes frizzier and dry at the ends.
Curly Hair loses definition and absorbs humidity.
Coily Hair can become brittle and tangle-prone.
No matter your texture, the goal is the same: keep your hair clean, protected, and hydrated—with as few steps as possible.
The 4-Step Minimalist Summer Hair Care Routine
Step 1: Clarify and Cleanse
Start fresh by removing buildup caused by sweat, sunscreen, and styling products. Killey recommends a gentle scalp exfoliant and clarifying shampoo to detox the hair and scalp without stripping moisture. A nourishing mist like Malibu C’s B5 Revitalizer helps soothe sun-exposed scalps.
Step 2: Hydrate and Protect
Summer hair doesn’t need to be styled every day, but it does need protection. UV rays and high heat can weaken hair strands, even without hot tools. A lightweight leave-in with UV protection, detangling agents, and hydration will help keep your hair smooth and safe from sun damage.
Step 3: Style with Simplicity
Minimalism doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it means making smart product choices. Instead of chasing a perfect blowout, embrace easy, heat-free looks:
Beach curls: Enhance natural waves with mousse or texturizing spray and scrunch for a lived-in finish.
Slick back buns: Use humidity-proof gel or pomade to stay polished without the frizz.
Braids: From loose side braids to protective styles, braids are summer’s best friend across all hair types.
Step 4: Accessorize Smart
Swap your winter hats for lightweight summer accessories like headbands, silk scarves, and claw clips. Not only do they add style, but they also reduce hair breakage and heat exposure.
Less Fuss, More Confidence
A minimalist hair routine doesn’t mean neglect—it means being intentional. With the right combination of cleansing, protection, and a few good styling tools, you can keep your hair strong and beautiful all summer long.
This season, give your strands a break and embrace a routine that supports both your hair health and your lifestyle. After all, the best summer beauty ritual is one that gets you out the door and into the sun—without sacrificing how you feel about your hair.
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