Guide to Summer Haircare

I have thick, wavy hair that is prone to frizz. In the summer, it needs extra special care otherwise it will get dry and coarse. I swim, spend time in the sun, and throw it up all the time to beat the heat. These things wreak havoc on hair and cause split ends, dryness, and other problems.

It can be a challenge to learn how to take care of your hair in summer. Fortunately, I've learned some tricks that help considerably. Here are some tips that will help keep your summer hair healthy, shiny, and frizz free.

Hot oil treatment. You can either purchase a commercial hot oil treatment or create your own. This should be done before shampooing. It helps s make your hair soft and shiny and replenishes lost moisture. You may need to shampoo twice before conditioning to get the oil out.

If you make your own, warm two or three tablespoons of oil in the microwave for ten seconds and massage through your hair, focusing mostly on the dry parts. Leave it in for at least thirty minutes, longer if you have the time. Rinse then shampoo as usual.

Sunscreen. It is important to protect your hair from the sun's rays. The sun can cause dryness and damage the hair shaft, especially the ends. It also causes the hair to lighten, which may not be healthy.

You can find special hair products that contain sunscreen, such as hair spray. Or, you can rub a gentle sunscreen in your hair. Focus on your scalp and the area that is closest to the top of your head.

Frizz control. In summer, even the tamest of hair can easily frizz once the heat and humidity surface. For me, my hair frizzes year round but it is especially problematic on a humid day.

To help control frizz, I use either a special frizz controlling mousse, frizz serum, or a little olive oil. On the day that I do a hot oil treatment I don't need any frizz control products. The oils help calm my hair down. Check with your hair specialist for recommendations on good frizz control hair products.

Chlorine. Chlorine can be a nightmare for your hair. While in the pool, try not to get your hair wet. If you must get your hair wet, wear a swim cap and make sure to wash your hair with a chlorine-removing shampoo as soon as you get out. Also, if you wet your hair before you go in the pool, it will prevent too much chlorine from sticking to your hair shaft.