Hair is everything.
Well maybe not everything, but it’s certainly a big thing! For Black women especially, the cultural significance of maintaining healthy and beautiful curls can oftentimes be challenging. When summer hits, you already know.
Sun damage, chlorine exposure, and other environmental factors can cause everything from dryness to breakage, thinning, and significant hair loss.
Fortunately, with the right care and protective measures, you can preserve those lovely curves all summer long.
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Here’s how…
1. STOP Overwashing
It can be tempting to give your hair a ‘deep clean,’ but over time, this habit can be quite damaging! When you overwash, you’re stripping your hair of its natural oils, which it needs to look fresh and vibrant. If you have curly hair, you definitely need to be mindful of this.
If you’re dealing with overwashing, try to limit hair washing to no more than once or twice per week. Also, go for shampoos that don’t have sulfate, as that is likely to strip your oils. Beyond that, try a conditioner-only wash, which can help keep your hair clean (without taking its moisture).
2. Get a Protective Hairstyle
Go for hairstyles like braids, twists, and buns. These hairstyles are ideal for the summer because they reduce sun and chlorine exposure. In other words, they help keep your hair from breaking and being stressed unnecessarily.
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Your best bet is to stay on top of your hair position. You want it tucked away, and you definitely want your ends protected. If you’re worried about the same position – since tension on the scalp can cause damage – mix it up. Try one style for a while and then rotate between others.
Whatever keeps it fresh and fun!
3. Buy a Satin Pillowcase
Why satin in particular?
Well, turns out satin is one of the best fabrics for reducing friction and boosting moisture retention. Because satin causes less friction than cotton, it can help you preserve your ends and avoid hair loss due to breakage. It also prevents your hair from drying and frizzing.
Additionally, if you wanna go the extra mile, get a satin scarf or bonnet too. These are especially useful to wear while you sleep to protect those beautiful locks.
4. Consistent Conditioning
Wanna keep your tresses hydrated and resilient? Then go for conditioning. A deep conditioning once per week is a great way to moisturize and nourish, while leave-in formulas are perfect for protection throughout the day.
If you haven’t already, also look into hydrating masks. These offer an additional layer of protection to keep your hair moisturized and luxuriant!
5. Pre-Rinsing
Planning on hitting the pool or beach this summer? Well, before you hop in, consider pre-rinsing your hair with chlorine-free water. This can help reduce the absorption of chlorine, which can spell disaster for sensitive hair.
For even more protection, throw in a bit of leave-in conditioner right after your pre-rinse. This can help create a barrier to keep all that chlorine from soaking in!
6. Use a Swim Cap
Of course, if you don’t want to bother with all that hassle of pre-rinsing and conditioning, you can always just wear a swim cap. While swim caps aren’t fully sealed, they do make a big difference in cutting down chlorine exposure.
Swim caps can also keep your hair fixed and set, so that it doesn’t get all mangled, leading to irritation and breakage.
Just make sure you find a comfortable fit. If you need to find something that is perfect for you, go for silicone caps. They’re quite durable and often superior to latex caps.
7. Post-Swim Protocols
We already mentioned the pre-rinse, but what about the post-rinse?
When it comes to getting out of a pool or body of water with possible chemicals/contaminants, don’t delay. Rinse as soon as you’re out with clean water. Make sure to apply a clarifying shampoo once a month or so too. This can help reduce any accumulation of chlorine and chemicals like it.
And of course, don’t neglect your deep conditioning. These can be vital, especially if you’re constantly exposing yourself to chemicals and contaminants.
Aside from that, it’s all about lifestyle.
What do you eat? Nutrients are key to maintaining hair health. Vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium, and biotin may be an important consideration. Talk to your doctor about your diet and if additional supplements can help. Use a brush that’s fit for your hairstyle, and whatever you do, try to keep your stress levels down!
Remember, hair care is not just about what you put on your body, but also what you put in your body. With a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your hair healthy and happy for a long, long time.
