Summer Hair Care Tips for Chemically Relaxed and Color-Treated Hair

Beat the summer heat and maximize your relaxed hair's potential this summer with these great summer hair care tips for relaxed and color treated hair. Summer is just around the corner and those sizzling hot rays mean it is time to redefine your winter hair look with flirty, carefree "summer hair"! But before you venture out and let your relaxed mane take in too much sun-remember that summer hair care for black, chemically treated hair is also largely about protection. For those with relaxed and/or color treated hair, summer days can mean unwanted damage to already stressed hair. Relaxed hair needs special care during the summer months to shield it from the hot, dry warmer weather. Put these easy relaxed hair tips into play this summer!

What's in for relaxed summer hair care?
Remember! Keeping your moisture balance up should be your highest priority this summer! Hair that splits is usually very moisture deficient. Dry hair, this summer, equals split ends. Hair that is turning "red" this summer is already starting to suffer from photochemical damage (ie- damage to the hair's natural protein structure). This reddening means the hair's porosity has increased. This high porosity keeps the hair feeling rough and dry no matter what moisturizers one applies.

Try Conditioner washes!
Yes, conditioner washes. These quick hydrating washes are perfect for chronic dry hair sufferers and are a Godsend for relaxed hair. Simply rinse hair in warm water to remove debris, then apply your favorite cheapie conditioner. Suave (Tropical Coconut- yum!), Vo5 (Strawberries and Cream), and other thin, instant conditioners work best. No need for shampoo! These washes can be done several times a week, or even daily without stressing the hair! Plus, with all the yummy scents to choose from at $1-2 each-- you'll easily get addicted to trying new cheapie conditioners!

Do the Twist!
During the hot summer months, quick, easy outdoor-friendly hairstyles reign supreme. The twistout is perhaps one of the easiest summer hair styles. It is quick, low maintenance and doesn't require much hair know-how! You can try a twistout after a conditioner wash for a summer hair treat. Rinse your conditioner from your hair, detangle, and make a chic side part. Take a 1 inch section of hair, and flat twist it down to your scalp. Twists can also be done by simply taking two sections of hair and twisting them down to the ends. Secure the ends with a bit of Elasta QP mango butter moisturizer and a roller. Allow your hair to air-dry. Untwist the hair and unravel for an easy summer hairstyle! The mango butter is a pretty good molder, so it will give your curls lots of definition and staying power!

Protect relaxed hair from harsh summer rays by sealing the hair with coconut oil as a final touch. Apply just a light dab of coconut oil to your scalp in areas (like parted sections) that might catch a bit of direct sun. Parachute Brand Coconut Oil is a favorite of mine, and Dabur's Vatika oil is another great coconut oil mix that I love.

Curly Crinkle Bun
Once your twistout has started to lose its definition, another simple spin off style is the crinkle bun. This summer bun is a quick ponytail style with neatly tucked ends. Buns are popular summer hairstyles because they help keep heavy, hot, pesky hair off the shoulders. They also protect relaxed hair from unnecessary sun exposure. The curls from the twistout will give this bun a bit of personality and flavor. Simply apply a moisturizer like Elasta QP Mango butter and mist your edges with water. For a special treat, you might also mix in a bit of your favorite instant conditioner and oil in your water. Tie the edges down with a satin headscarf for about 10 minutes and watch how sleek your hair will be- without a brush! Add accessories like flowers or jazzy hair pins for a summer spin.

If buns are not your thing, then try converting your twistout to an updo by carefully twisting the length upward and securing to the back of your head with bobby pins. Tease out a few curly pieces to frame your face.

Good luck!