It’s summertime, and the days are long and hot. As the weather changes, so must our hair care routine. Weather has a direct impact on the health of our hair, so it’s important to modify your haircare routine for optimal results. But don’t worry, keeping it healthy and strong in the different seasons is not as hard as it seems. Read on to learn more about haircare and weather, and how to adapt your routine to each season.
1. Seasonal Hair Care: Preparing for the Elements
Have you ever wondered how to keep your hair looking beautiful even during extreme changes of weather? Not to worry, it’s easy to maintain a healthy head of hair come rain or shine! From winter into spring and summer into fall, here are a few tips for seasonal hair care.
In the colder months, your main concern should be dryness. When exposed to draughty winds and temperatures that dip below freezing, each strand of hair is deprived of essential moisture, making it brittle and able to break more easily. This not only looks unappealing, but can also cause lasting damage to the hair follicles. You can combat this by using hair masks or treatments that are specifically designed for dry and damaged hair. Deep condition your locks every couple of weeks, or more frequently in extreme weather conditions.
The summer months bring an even greater challenge with UV rays, saltwater, and chlorine from the pool all playing their part in stripping essential oils from the hair. As the temperature – and humidity – rise, up your moisturising game! Start by protecting your hair from the sun by investing in a decent hat or using a UV spray or cream on your strands. If you’re planning on swimming regularly, a swim cap or headband is essential to guard against discolouration and split ends. Clarifying shampoos will also help to strip away the chlorinated residue.
In the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, when it’s neither too hot nor too cold, you can take a more relaxed approach to hair care. Keep your haircare regime – shampooing, conditioning, and heat-styling – consistent, and always use a heat protecting spray before straightening or curling. At this time of year your hair may feel a little extra greasy, in which case you can:
- Switch to a mild shampoo with a low pH balance.
- Take a break from styling your hair with heat.
- Apply a dry shampoo at the roots.
- Reduce the amount of oil-based products used.
Once you adopt these healthy hair habits, you’ll be able to keep your crowning glory in good condition regardless of the season. So, throw on a hat for the sunny days and bundle up your locks on the cold ones – but don’t forget to fine-tune your haircare routine to meet the changing needs of your hair!
2. Weather-Proof Your Mane: Protecting Hair from the Elements
Hair endures a lot of trauma from the natural elements, from fierce winds to the hot summer sun. It’s best to start protecting your hair before you step out the door, rather than waiting until you start to see the damage.
Shield Your Mane from the Sun
A hat or scarf is the most obvious option, but there are other ways to protect your hair from the powerful rays of the sun. Put oil or cream-based products in your hair before lathering on the sunscreen. It gives your hair a protective coating so it doesn’t dry out or become brittle.
If you don’t want to put product in your hair, you can cover it up with a simple, lightweight fabric like cotton or silk. These materials are better than synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon because they allow your head to breathe.
- Floppy sun hats can protect ears, neck, scalp, and eyes
- A hood on your lightweight jacket keeps the sun off your head
- Sunglasses and visors protect the delicate skin around the eyes
Fight the Wind’s Wrath
Windy days can leave your hair frazzled and knotted. Combat the elements by wearing a headband or hat to keep your hair down, using smoothing balms or serums, and brushing your hair regularly. Look for smooth, rounded brushes with natural bristles. Do not brush your hair when it’s wet, or the damage could be irreparable.
Humid Conditions Battle Plan
Humidity can wreak havoc on almost any hairstyle, causing frizz and ruining the style you worked so hard to perfect. Prepping your hair with gels, hairspray, or mousse can serve as a barrier against the moisture in the air. You can also use products that contain humectants such as glycerin, honey, and aloe vera to help battle the elements and keep your hair hydrated.
No matter what kind of weather you’re facing, protecting your hair from the elements will can help keep it healthy. By following the instructions above, you’ll be ready to take on the day in the most stylish way possible.
3. Cool Climate Tresses: Beat the Cold-Weather Hair Battle
The frigid winter temperatures can have a dramatic effect on your hair. As the weather changes, many people experience an increase in frizziness along with brittle strands, leaving them with an unmanageable, dull-looking head of hair. But, don’t throw in the towel just yet! Here are some tips that can help you beat the cold-weather hair battle:
- Don’t Skip Heat Styling: Protect your locks with a thermal protecting spray before you reach for the blow dryer or styling iron. This will form an invisible shield against heat damage.
- Deep Condition Regularly: To promote softness and manageability, use a deep conditioning mask once a week. Try to find a product specifically formulated for your hair type.
- Be Wary of Washing: Washing your hair too often in cold weather can lead to breakage, as the water will strip away your hair’s natural oils. Try to limit shampooing to every other day.
- Keep It Covered: Using a scarf or hat will help maintain moisture in your locks. Investing in a satin scarf or pillowcase can also provide more protection.
- Go Natural: Try switching out your chemical-laden styling products with natural, organic alternatives. Hair oils are great for providing extra moisture and giving your strands a healthy glow.
When it comes to tackling your cold-weather hair battle, the key is to keep your hair moisturized and nourished. Stick to a regular conditioning routine and use natural products to protect your locks from the harsh winter air. With just a few simple changes, you can keep your hair looking soft and healthy all season long!
4. Heat Wave Challenges: Summer Hair Struggles and Solutions
1. Visible Signs of Damage: The heat and humidity of summer can wreak havoc on your hair. Your once shiny and healthy hair may start to look dull and brittle. You may start to notice split ends, dryness and frizz.
2. Styling Struggles: With the heat, styling your hair can be challenging. It’s best to avoid excessive heat styling as the combination of the heat from your styling tools and the hot summer temperatures can take its toll on your hair. Ontop of that, it may be difficult to keep your style in place as the heat and humidity can make your hair extra frizzy and prone to movement.
3. Dry Hair Struggles: With the heat and humidity of summer, you may find that your hair is especially dry and dehydrated. To help combat this, you need to get into the habit of using deep conditioning treatments on a regular basis. This can help protect your hair from environmental oxidation and help retain moisture. Additionally, try to shampoo your hair less often and avoid hot temperatures when showering.
4. Protective Hairstyles: Protective hairstyles can help reduce heat exposure to your hair. Options for protective hairstyles include:
- Braids
- Buns
- Twists
Opting for one of these hairstyles instead of heat styling can help you keep your hair healthy in the summer.
5. Hats and Products: Summer can also be a time when you’re exposed to a lot of sun. To protect your hair from the damaging UV rays, wearing hats and using sun protection products formulated specifically for hair can be beneficial.
6. Eat Right and Stay Hydrated: Eating food rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats can give your hair the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Drinking adequate amounts of water can also help keep your body and hair hydrated.
No matter what season the calendar says, your hair will be healthy and beautiful if you follow this simple advice: always pay attention to the weather and adjust your haircare routine accordingly. With some common sense and a little extra care, you can have your hair looking its best all year round.
