Summer Hair Care: Styling Long Hair Without Damaging It

Summer Hair Care: How to Style Long Hair Without Damaging It

With summer in full swing, managing long locks while keeping them healthy can often be a challenge. From the beach to the backyard, exposure to the sun, heat, and humidity can leave your hair feeling dry and damaged. However, with a few smart styling tips, you can enjoy the warm weather without compromising your hair’s health.

Opt for Low-Heat Styles

The first rule of thumb for summer hair care is to limit your use of heat-styling tools. Blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can exacerbate dryness, especially when your hair is already battling the elements. Instead, embrace natural, low-heat styles such as braids and buns.

• Braids: There are so many variations, such as French braids, fishtail braids, and dutch braids, that can keep your hair off your neck and looking stylish. Braids also help protect your hair from wind damage.
• Messy Buns: They are not only chic but also practical. Secure your hair with a soft, snag-free elastic band to avoid breakage. A messy bun at the top of your head can instantly elevate your summer look.
• Ponytails: High ponytails, inspired by Ariana Grande, are classic and functional. For a polished finish, wrap a strand of hair around the base to conceal the hair tie.

Hydration is Key

Summer heat can dry out your hair faster than usual. Keeping your hair hydrated is crucial to avoid split ends and breakage. Here’s how you can maintain moisture in your strands:

• Deep Conditioning: Use a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioner once a week. Look for products with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, which are known for their moisturizing properties.
• Leave-in Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair. It provides an extra layer of moisture and protection throughout the day.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun

Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from harmful UV rays. Extended sun exposure can weaken your hair, making it more prone to damage. Wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray can help shield your locks from the sun.

• Wear a Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can protect your scalp and hair from direct sunlight, reducing the risk of sunburn and color fading.
• UV Protection Spray: There are hair products available that contain UV filters. Spritz them on before heading out to minimize damage.

Styling Wet Hair

The ‘wet hair’ look has become quite popular and is perfect for summer. Celebrity hairstylist Valery Joseph recommends this style for its chic and edgy vibe. To achieve the look:

• Apply a high-shine gel or mousse to damp hair.
• Use a comb to evenly distribute the product and create a sleek finish.
• Finish with a shine spray for an extra gloss.

Say Yes to Air-Drying

Another excellent way to avoid heat damage is to let your hair air-dry. If you have natural waves or curls, use a sea salt spray to enhance your texture. Jerome Lordet, a celebrity hairstylist, suggests scrunching the spray into your damp hair and allowing it to air dry for effortless waves.

• Enhancing Natural Texture: For sections that don’t curl as tightly, loosely wrap these pieces around your finger while they’re still damp. This can help create a uniform wave pattern.
• Loosen Up: If things don’t turn out as expected, a loose bun or a beautiful claw clip can still make your hair look fabulous while showing off your natural texture.

Rock the French Inspired Styles

The French fringe and layered cuts are trendy and practical for summer. Jerome Lordet points out that the chic, long bangs inspired by French girls are timeless and ideal for long, straight, or wavy hair. Another favorite is the curtain bangs, which frame the face beautifully and are easy to maintain.

• French Fringe: These straight-across bangs are perfect for summer, offering a classic and sophisticated look that keeps the hair out of your eyes.
• Curtain Bangs: These face-framing bangs split down the middle and cascade down the sides, perfect for creating a soft yet polished appearance.

Experiment with Layers

Long layers not only add movement but also give your hair a healthy look without reducing its length. According to celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, layers can provide volume and softness to your hair, making it perfect for heart and oval face shapes.

• Face-Framing Layers: These layers start around your chin and help to highlight your facial features beautifully.
• Long Shag: A retro-inspired cut with choppy layers and textured ends. It’s perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance but edgy style.

Avoid Tight Hairstyles

While it’s tempting to pull your hair into a tight ponytail or bun, doing so constantly can cause stress on your hairline and lead to breakage. Opt for looser hairstyles, using snag-free elastics or soft fabric scrunchies.

Regular Trims

To keep your long hair looking its best, schedule regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks. Trimming aims to remove split ends and prevent further damage, keeping your hair healthy and strong.

In summary, summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun, fresh hairstyles while taking essential steps to maintain your hair’s health. Embrace natural textures, stay hydrated, and protect your hair from the sun, and you’ll enjoy beautiful, healthy locks all season long.