Summer Hair Care Tips For Healthy Hair
Summer is such a fun season, beach days, pool parties, vacations, and all that sunshine! But while we’re busy enjoying the warm weather, our hair is often silently dealing with the not-so-fun side of summer. The intense sun, scorching heat, sticky humidity, salty ocean water, and chlorinated pools can all do a number on our strands.
If you’ve ever noticed your hair feeling extra dry, frizzy, or just out of control during the summer months, you’re definitely not alone. The summer heat can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it parched and brittle. Humidity can cause frizz and make styling a nightmare.
If you color your hair, the sun can cause it to fade faster. And let’s not forget about the dreaded oily scalp, sunburnt part line, or those pesky split ends that seem to multiply overnight.
But don’t worry, taking care of your hair this summer doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In this post, I’m sharing practical, easy-to-follow summer hair care tips that work for all hair types, whether you’ve got curls, coils, waves, or straight strands. With the right care, your hair can stay soft, healthy, and radiant all season long.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the effects of summer on your hair and adjust your routine to protect from UV rays, humidity, and chlorine.
- Follow a moisturizing hair care routine, including UV protection, sulfate-free shampoos, and deep-conditioning treatments.
- Embrace protective hairstyles like braids, buns, and top knots to reduce tangling and minimize damage.
- For color-treated hair, be sure to use color-safe products and limit sun exposure to preserve vibrancy.
- Hydrate and nourish your hair from within by staying hydrated and eating foods that promote hair health.
The Effects of Summer on Your Hair
Before we get into the tips and tricks, it’s helpful to know exactly how summer elements affect our hair. Understanding the root of the problem makes it easier to prevent damage and give your hair the love it needs.
1. Sun Damage and UV Exposure
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from too much sun. Prolonged UV exposure can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, your hair may start to look dull or feel rough to the touch.
And if you have color-treated or chemically processed hair, UV rays can speed up fading and cause even more damage.
2. Humidity and Frizz
Humidity is one of the biggest culprits of summer frizz. When there’s excess moisture in the air, it seeps into the hair shaft, especially if your hair is dry or porous, causing it to swell and frizz up.
This is particularly frustrating for curly and wavy hair types, but even straight hair isn’t completely immune to the frizz fest.
3. Saltwater and Chlorine Impact
If you’re heading to the beach or pool often (as one should in the summer!), your hair is going to be exposed to saltwater and chlorine, two major drying agents.
Saltwater pulls moisture from the hair, leaving it coarse and crunchy, while chlorine can strip natural oils and even alter hair color, giving blondes a greenish tint over time.
4. Sweat and Oil Buildup
Hot weather naturally means more sweating, especially around the scalp. Combine that with increased oil production, and your hair can start to feel greasy or heavy pretty quickly.
For some, this can also lead to scalp irritation, itchiness, or even clogged hair follicles if not properly cleansed.
5. Color Fading (For Dyed Hair)
If your hair is dyed, summer can be a tough season to maintain vibrancy. Between sun exposure, chlorine, and frequent washes, color-treated hair tends to fade faster. Blondes may notice brassiness, while bold or dark shades might start to lose their richness.
Summer Hair Care Routine
Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s talk about how to protect and care for your hair so it thrives all summer long. Incorporating a few summer-specific essentials into your hair care routine can make a world of difference.
1. Use UV Protection for Your Hair
Just like we protect our skin with sunscreen, our hair needs a barrier too, especially if you’re out in the sun for extended periods.
One of the easiest ways to shield your hair from sun damage is by using a UV-protectant spray or a leave-in conditioner with built-in SPF. These products form a lightweight shield over your strands, helping to block out harmful UV rays while keeping your hair hydrated and manageable.
Look for products labeled as “UV protection,” “sun shield,” or “color-safe,” especially if your hair is dyed. Many leave-ins also offer detangling and frizz control, which is a major bonus during hot, humid days.
Pro tip: Keep a mini bottle in your beach bag so you can reapply before heading into the sun, just like you would with your sunscreen.
Wearing Hats or Scarves
If you want maximum protection with minimal effort, throwing on a wide-brimmed hat, baseball cap, or silk scarf is a super stylish and effective way to guard your hair from direct sunlight.
Not only does it protect your hair, but it also shields your scalp from sunburn (yes, your scalp can burn too!). Hats and scarves are especially useful on beach days or long outdoor strolls when UV rays are strongest.
2. Switch to Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
During summer, your hair is constantly battling dryness from the sun, heat, saltwater, and chlorine, so your regular shampoo and conditioner might not cut it. This is the season to swap in products that focus on hydration and nourishment.
Sulfates can be super harsh, especially when your hair is already feeling dry or stressed. They tend to strip away the natural oils your hair needs to stay soft and healthy. Instead, opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are labeled as moisturizing, hydrating, or repairing.
Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera, and glycerin are all great signs that a product will help restore moisture and smoothness.
If you swim often, consider using a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove chlorine or salt buildup—but always follow it with a rich conditioner or deep treatment.
Wash Less Frequently to Prevent Stripping Oils
It might be tempting to wash your hair more often in the summer, especially if you’re sweating or swimming a lot. But overwashing can make dryness and oiliness worse. Frequent washing strips your scalp’s natural oils, which can cause it to produce more oil as a response, or leave your ends bone dry.
Try washing your hair 2–3 times a week and use a co-wash (a cleansing conditioner) or dry shampoo in between if needed. This helps keep your hair fresh without over-cleansing or damaging it.
3. Hydrate with Hair Masks and Deep Conditioning
Think of this as a tall glass of water for your hair. Deep hydration is key to fighting off all the drying effects of summer, and one of the best ways to do that is by treating your strands to weekly deep-conditioning sessions or hydrating hair masks.
Make it a habit to deep condition at least once a week during the summer. These treatments are packed with moisture-rich ingredients that penetrate deeper into the hair shaft than your everyday conditioner, helping to repair and strengthen dry or sun-damaged strands.
Look for deep conditioners or hair masks with ingredients like argan oil, keratin, avocado oil, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid. Apply from mid-length to ends (unless your scalp is super dry), leave it on for 15–30 minutes, and let your hair soak it all in.
For an extra boost, you can wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a shower cap to create a little heat—it helps the product absorb even better!
DIY Hair Masks
If you’re more of a natural beauty lover, you can totally whip up some nourishing treatments right at home with ingredients from your kitchen. Here are a few easy options:
- Coconut Oil Mask: Warm a small amount and apply it to dry or damp hair. Leave on for 20–30 minutes (or overnight if your hair is really dry), then rinse and shampoo.
- Aloe Vera & Honey Mix: Aloe soothes and hydrates, while honey helps lock in moisture. Mix equal parts and apply to your hair. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse.
- Avocado & Olive Oil Mask: Great for frizz and shine, blend a ripe avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil, apply generously, and rinse after 30 minutes.
These natural remedies are budget-friendly and super effective at restoring softness and shine.
4. Avoid Heat Styling When Possible
Your hair is already dealing with a lot during summer, from the sun’s heat to environmental stress, so piling on even more heat with blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons can really push it over the edge. This season is the perfect excuse to give your hot tools a little vacation too!
Whether you’ve got curls, waves, coils, or straight hair, summer is the ideal time to rock your natural texture. Not only does it cut down on heat damage, but it also gives your hair a break to breathe and heal.
Air-drying is your best friend here. Try lightweight mousses, curl creams, or texturizing sprays to define and enhance your hair’s natural shape without weighing it down.
And if you want a little movement or volume, try overnight heatless styles like braids, twists, or buns; you’ll wake up with beautiful texture and zero heat damage.
Use Heat Protectants If You Must Style
Of course, sometimes you just want that polished look, and that’s totally okay! If you do need to use heat tools, just make sure you’re protecting your hair first. A heat protectant spray, cream, or serum creates a barrier between your strands and the heat, helping to prevent breakage, dryness, and split ends.
Look for formulas that also offer UV protection or moisture-locking ingredients, especially in summer. Apply it evenly from root to tip, and keep your tools on the lowest effective heat setting to reduce damage.
5. Rinse Hair After Swimming
Whether you’re doing laps in a pool or floating in the ocean, swimming is a classic summer activity, but your hair might not be loving it as much as you are. Saltwater and chlorine can seriously dry out and damage your strands if they’re left sitting on your hair for too long.
One of the easiest ways to protect your hair after a swim is by rinsing it out right away, even if you don’t have access to shampoo right then and there.
A simple rinse with fresh water helps wash away chlorine, salt, and any other pool or ocean residues that can strip your hair’s natural oils and leave it feeling rough or brittle.
Even better? Rinse your hair before swimming too, wet hair absorbs less chlorine or saltwater than dry hair, which acts like a sponge. So a quick pre-swim rinse can actually minimize damage before it even starts.
If you swim regularly, you might want to invest in a swimmer-friendly shampoo. These are specially formulated to remove chlorine, salt, and even mineral buildup from hard water without totally drying out your hair.
They’re also great at preventing discoloration, like the dreaded green tint that can sneak up on blondes.
Follow up with a deep conditioner or leave-in treatment to replenish moisture and keep your hair soft and manageable.
6. Take Care of Your Scalp
Between hot weather, outdoor activities, and all the extra sweating, it’s common for your scalp to feel greasy or even itchy during the warmer months. This can lead to clogged follicles, dandruff, or just an overall “blah” hair day.
To keep things fresh:
- Use a gentle, clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product buildup, sweat, and excess oil.
- On other wash days, stick with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse without stripping your scalp.
- Try a scalp scrub or exfoliating treatment once in a while to help slough off dead skin cells and keep your roots healthy and clear.
If your scalp tends to get oily fast, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver, but make sure to wash it out regularly so it doesn’t cause buildup.
Don’t Forget Scalp Sun Protection
Yes, your scalp can get sunburned, especially along your part line or if you have thin or fine hair. And it hurts! To avoid that:
- Wear a hat or scarf when you’re out in direct sunlight.
- Use a spray-on SPF for the scalp or look for a leave-in conditioner with UV protection that you can apply to your roots.
- If you’ve already gotten a little too much sun, soothing products with aloe vera or chamomile can help calm irritation.
A healthy scalp means healthier, stronger hair overall, so don’t skip this step!
Preventing Frizz and Taming Flyaways
Let’s be real, frizz can feel like the unofficial mascot of summer. Humidity, heat, and dryness all team up to create those stubborn flyaways and puffy ends that just won’t stay down. But with the right techniques and products, you can keep things smooth, sleek, and under control.
1. Use Anti-Frizz Serums or Creams
When it comes to fighting frizz, moisture is your best defense. Frizz happens when your hair is dry and thirsty, it tries to pull moisture from the air, which causes it to swell and misbehave.
The fix? Add a frizz-fighting serum or smoothing cream to your hair care lineup. Look for lightweight formulas that contain ingredients like:
- Argan oil
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Glycerin or dimethicone (to lock in moisture and smooth strands)
Apply a small amount to damp hair before styling, or use it to touch up dry ends throughout the day. A little goes a long way!
2. Switch to Microfiber Towels and Wide-Tooth Combs
How you handle your hair when it’s wet matters more than you’d think. Rough-drying with a regular towel or dragging a brush through wet strands can create breakage and, yep, more frizz.
Instead:
- Use a microfiber towel or an old soft t-shirt to gently blot (not rub!) your hair dry. This reduces friction and frizz.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb while your hair is still damp and conditioned to prevent pulling and snapping.
This small switch can make a big difference in how smooth and manageable your hair feels.
3. Protective Hairstyles (Braids, Buns, Twists)
If your hair has a mind of its own in summer, protective styles are a game-changer. They help keep your ends tucked away, reduce exposure to humidity, and can minimize breakage.
Try:
- Loose braids or cornrows
- Low buns or top knots
- Two-strand twists
- Pineapple styles for curly hair at night
These styles aren’t just practical—they’re super cute and can even help extend the life of your hairstyle between washes.
Hair Care for Color-Treated Hair in Summer
If you’ve put in the time and effort to get that perfect shade, you definitely want to keep it looking fresh throughout the summer. The sun, saltwater, and chlorine can speed up color fading, but with a few simple adjustments, you can keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy all season long.
1. Use Color-Safe Shampoos
The first step to preserving your color is using color-safe shampoo and conditioner. These products are specially formulated to be gentle on dyed hair, helping to preserve both the color and the health of your strands.
Avoid shampoos with sulfates, as these can strip the color from your hair faster. Instead, look for formulas that are sulfate-free and designed to nourish and hydrate color-treated hair. Some color-safe shampoos even contain UV filters to protect against sun damage, which is a bonus during the summer months.
2. Limit Sun Exposure to Preserve Vibrancy
Just like with skin, too much sun exposure can cause color-treated hair to fade more quickly. UV rays break down the pigments in your hair, especially for those with lighter or vibrant shades.
To keep your color intact:
- Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from direct sunlight.
- If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, consider applying a UV-protectant spray to your hair—many leave-in conditioners and styling sprays offer this protection.
- Opt for shaded areas when you can, especially during peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM).
3. Refresh Color with Toning Treatments or Gloss
If your color has started to fade, become brassy, or lose its shine, consider using toning treatments or color-glossing products. These are great for boosting vibrancy and neutralizing any unwanted undertones (like brassiness in blondes or reds).
Toning shampoos or conditioners are ideal for cool tones (blondes or silver hair) and can help balance out yellow or orange hues. A color gloss or glossing treatment is perfect for adding shine and enhancing the depth of your color without a full dye job.
For a quick color refresh, these treatments are an easy way to keep your hair looking fresh between salon visits.
Healthy Hair Starts from Within
While the right products and routines are key to caring for your hair, the foundation of healthy, vibrant hair starts inside—your diet and overall well-being play a huge role in how your hair looks and feels.
1. Stay Hydrated
Just like your skin, your hair needs plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to dry, brittle hair that’s more prone to breakage. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during the hot summer months when your body loses more fluids.
Proper hydration also helps keep your scalp healthy, which is essential for promoting hair growth and preventing flakiness or irritation.
2. Eat Hair-Nourishing Foods
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will support your hair’s health and growth. Focus on incorporating foods that are known to nourish hair from the inside out:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (found in fatty fish like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts) help keep your scalp hydrated and your strands shiny.
- Biotin (found in eggs, nuts, and avocados) is essential for promoting healthy hair growth.
- Vitamins A, C, and E (found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, and almonds) help protect hair from damage and promote overall vitality.
A healthy, balanced diet goes a long way toward supporting your hair’s natural shine and strength.
3. Consider Supplements If Necessary
Sometimes, even with the best diet, your hair might need a little extra support, especially if you’re dealing with thinning, breakage, or slower growth. Hair supplements containing biotin, collagen, or vitamins like B12 and zinc can help fill in any nutritional gaps.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to find the best supplement tailored to your needs.
Protective Hairstyles For Summer
When the sun is blazing and the humidity is high, keeping your hair out of your face and off your neck can make all the difference in both comfort and style.
Protective hairstyles not only help keep you cool, but they also minimize tangling, breakage, and exposure to the elements, giving your hair a much-needed break. Here are some of the best styles and tips for the summer months.
- Top Knots: A classic and versatile option! A messy bun on top of your head keeps hair away from your face and neck while still looking effortlessly chic. It’s perfect for hot, humid days and works well with both straight and curly textures.
- Braids: From loose side braids to tight French braids or box braids, braids are ideal for keeping your hair tangle-free while adding a bit of style. Braids also reduce friction, preventing breakage, especially when you sleep or during outdoor activities.
- Buns: A sleek, low bun or a high, voluminous bun keeps your hair off your shoulders and helps to prevent frizz. It’s simple yet stylish, and it works well with both long and medium-length hair.
These styles are especially great for reducing hair damage caused by the environment and your daily activities.
Nighttime Hair Care Tips
Taking care of your hair doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. In fact, your nighttime routine is an important part of keeping your hair healthy and looking its best. A few simple adjustments before bed can help reduce breakage, prevent frizz, and keep your strands nourished overnight.
1. Sleep on Satin/Silk Pillowcases
Cotton pillowcases are comfy but can cause friction to your hair, leading to frizz, tangles, and breakage. A satin or silk pillowcase is a game-changer. These materials create much less friction, which helps maintain the smoothness of your hair while you sleep.
Not only will your hair glide smoothly across the pillow, but satin and silk also help to lock in moisture, preventing your hair from drying out overnight. Plus, these fabrics are gentler on color-treated hair, helping to preserve your hue and shine.
2. Braid or Wrap Hair to Reduce Friction
If you have longer hair or a more textured style, braiding or wrapping your hair in silk scarves before bed can minimize tangling and prevent the breakage that often comes from tossing and turning at night.
3. Overnight Treatments for Hydration
Nighttime is the perfect opportunity to give your hair some extra love. Overnight treatments, like hydrating hair masks or oils, can work their magic while you sleep, leaving your hair soft, moisturized, and ready for the day ahead.
- Coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil are excellent choices for deep hydration. Simply apply a small amount to your hair, concentrating on the ends, and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash it out for smooth, nourished hair.
- DIY hair masks: You can also mix ingredients like honey, avocado, or aloe vera for a natural, moisturizing treatment. Apply it to your hair, wrap it in a towel, and let it sit while you sleep. Rinse out in the morning for silky, hydrated strands.
These treatments help replenish moisture and prevent dryness, especially when your hair is exposed to the sun and elements all day.
Quick DIY Summer Hair Sprays & Treatments
Sometimes, the best hair care solutions come from your kitchen! Here are a few simple and effective DIY recipes that you can whip up at home to help you refresh, hydrate, and style your hair this summer.
1. Sea Salt Texturizing Spray
Want those beachy waves without the trip to the shore? A sea salt texturizing spray is the perfect DIY for adding volume and texture to your hair while giving it a beachy, lived-in look. Plus, it can help enhance natural curls and waves.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or argan oil (for moisture)
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (for hydration)
- 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to combine.
- Spritz on damp hair, scrunch with your hands, and let air dry for soft, beachy waves.
This spray will give you that effortless, just-back-from-the-beach look, with a touch of added moisture to keep your hair soft and not dry or crunchy.
2. Aloe Vera and Rosewater Mist for Cooling & Hydration
When summer heat leaves your scalp feeling parched or your hair thirsty for moisture, this aloe vera and rosewater mist is a total lifesaver. It cools and hydrates, leaving your hair refreshed and nourished without weighing it down.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup aloe vera juice (or fresh aloe vera gel)
- 1/2 cup rosewater
- 1 tablespoon glycerin (for added hydration, optional)
- 5 drops lavender or peppermint essential oil (optional for a soothing scent)
Instructions:
- Mix the aloe vera juice and rosewater in a spray bottle.
- Add glycerin and essential oils, if desired, and shake well.
- Spritz on your scalp and hair whenever you need a refreshing boost.
This mist not only hydrates your hair but also provides a light, cooling sensation on your scalp, perfect for those hot, sticky summer days.
3. DIY Leave-In Conditioner Recipe
A leave-in conditioner is a must-have during summer to keep hair soft, detangled, and moisturized, especially after sun exposure. Here’s a simple DIY version you can make yourself.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shea butter
- 1 tablespoon argan oil or jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon glycerin (optional, for added moisture)
- 3-5 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to combine.
- After washing your hair, spritz this leave-in conditioner onto damp hair. You can also use it as a refreshing spray during the day if your hair feels dry or frizzy.
This leave-in conditioner works wonders for locking in moisture without weighing your hair down, leaving it smooth, manageable, and soft to the touch.
These DIY recipes are a quick and easy way to care for your hair this summer without breaking the bank. They’re all-natural, hydrating, and designed to keep your hair looking its best even when the weather is at its harshest.
Conclusion
Summer can be tough on your hair, with the sun, humidity, saltwater, and chlorine all taking their toll. But with the right care and a few simple adjustments, you can protect your hair, keep it healthy, and still have fun experimenting with different styles.
Building a simple yet effective summer hair care routine is easier than you think; just tailor it to your hair type and lifestyle. Whether it’s protecting your strands from the sun or giving them a little extra love with a deep-conditioning mask, taking care of your hair this summer will help it stay strong, shiny, and beautiful.
We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite summer hair tips? Share them in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going.