Summer is a beautiful period that comes with sunshine, beach days, and outdoor adventure. On the flip side, it is another season when those with curly hair encounter a unique challenge. This hair type gets transformed into a frizzy, dehydrated hair due to its exposure to heat, humidity, and external elements like saltwater and chlorine.
However, with the right product and proper maintenance technique, you can have bouncy, well-defined curls throughout the warm months. Let’s take a ride.
Prioritize Hydration
Due to the heat during summer, curly hair needs extra moisture to stay fresh. It is also noteworthy that hydration is the foundation of defined curls. Therefore, to maintain your curl definition, start with hydrating shampoos that are specifically formulated for curly hair. Also, add deep conditioning treatments into your routine. Use products that contain coconut oil, shea butter, or glycerin.
Use a Strategic Washing Schedule
Washing the hair too often can be harmful to curly hair. This act will strip off your natural oils resulting in dryness and frizz. Wash your hair 2-3 times a week using a shampoo that does not contain sulfate. In addition to that, refresh your curls using a good refresher spray on non-wash days. This will help you to restore definition by reactivating styling products.
Perform Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning should be a core part of your hair care routine during summer. This is because your hair gets exposed to sun, chlorine, and saltwater that can quickly dehydrate your curly hair. For maximum benefits, cover your hair with a shower cap to trap heat after conditioning.
Strategically Use Leave-In Products
You might wonder what products like leave-in conditioner do. They help lock in hydration after washing. However, be sure to choose lightweight formulations that won’t weigh down your curls when selecting styling products. Look for products that contain natural ingredients like GK Hair’s leave-in conditioner that will enhance curl definition while protecting against humidity.
Shield Your Curls from UV Damage
UV rays leave lasting damage to your hair if not properly contained. They cause color fading, dryness, and even weakens your hair strand. To avoid that hair dryness and frizz you detest, apply products that contain UV protection before heading outdoors. You can also use wide-brimmed hats and silk scarves for physical protection from direct exposure to the sun.
Pre-Treat Your Hair Before Swimming
Chemicals like chlorine strips your hair of its natural oils which leads to dry, brittle strands. Saltwater also gives the same harmful effect by drawing moisture out of your hair. Before you go for your next swimming exercise, wet your hair with fresh water and then apply a protective oil or serum. The hair serum will serve as a layered barrier between your hair and the water. Don’t forget to also rinse your hair immediately after swimming.
Combat Humidity Effectively
As much as our hair desires moisture, too much of it can result in frizz and loss of curl definition. Since we can’t control humidity, we can reduce the effect it has on our hair. Use products that create a protective barrier around each of your hair strands. Don’t over weigh your curls with oils during extreme humid conditions. If you do, it will attract more moisture from the air.
Do Hair Styles that Work For Summer
Styles like braids, buns, and twists can save your hair from unnecessary damage during summer. They will help you minimize exposure to environmental hair stressors. You can try a loose braid that can help you preserve your curl pattern without frizz. There are lots of other protective styles that fit perfectly to that outdoor event you plan to attend during the summer period.
Detangle Your Hair Gently
The mistake most people make is to detangle their hair in a rush. This causes a lot of breakage and damage to your hair. One would wonder why their hair gets tangled even after careful styling. This is not far fetched; heat and humidity increases tangling in most curly hair. Use a good wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle from the ends up to the root.
Readjust your Nighttime Routine
Many people don’t know that how they handle their hair at night is as important as how you manage it in the day. If you sleep carelessly without giving your hair the attention it needed, you will wake up with flattened curls. Guess what? Now is the time to do away with your cotton pillowcases. Get a silk or satin pillowcase that will allow your curls to glide without creating friction. Another option for you is to wrap your hair in a silk or satin bonnet or scarf before bed.
Conclusion
Your hair will start appreciating you during summer if you follow these guidelines to bouncy curls. Remember, all you need to do is to stay consistent to achieve the best result.
