You’re not imagining that the more time you spend outdoors soaking up the summer sun, the drier, duller, and more damaged your curls become. Curly hair is more likely to get dried out at the best of times. Add sunshine, swimming, and sweating to the mix, and you risk a frizz fest. But with know-how and care, you can keep your curls lush and bouncy while you enjoy the glorious sunny days. 

You can keep your hair in good condition throughout the summer by choosing heat-free styling and applying UV-shielding and conditioning products to protect against environmental threats like sunlight, chlorine, saltwater, and humidity. Also, remove sweat build-up with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.  

You don’t need to give up what you love about summer to protect your hair. Let’s dive into the world of hair care in summer and make sure your mane stays magnificent all season!

Keep reading for the top 4 summertime threats to healthy, happy hair (and how to save your curls from each one), plus do’s and don’ts for looking after your hair while you live it up outdoors. 

You might look forward to summertime, but your hair likely dreads this time of the year because of its extra hazards. 

These are the main hair-wrecking threats to watch out for in summer and ways to protect your hair. 

Summertime Hair Threat #1: Sun

The sun’s UV rays attack the hair’s protein, stripping moisture and shine from curls and leaving them thirsty, frazzled, and breakable. 

Good to know: Lighter-colored hair (like gray) has an increased risk of sun damage because it lacks melanin, a pigment that protects hair from UV harm. 

Here are a few hair care products containing SPF:

Aveda Sun Care Protecting Hair Veil. This is a hair mist that can help protect your hair from the sun for up to 16 hours. It is lightweight and water-resistant, forming an invisible screen to reduce damage and dryness. The mist contains Ova/cub filters from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils to protect against sun damage, as well as vitamin E to fight free radical damage. It also helps protect against free radicals.

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist. Our product is a lightweight scalp mist that dries quickly and doesn’t make your hair greasy, with dermatologist approval. It’s a scalp and hair sunscreen spray that protects your skin from UVA/UVB rays and is non-comedogenic. The SPF 30 Glow is water-resistant, oil-free, and reef-friendly, suitable for all skin types. It’s free of Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben.

COOLA Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist. This product provides both sun protection (SPF 30) and nourishment to your hair and scalp. It contains a blend of plant-based antioxidants and sunscreen that will help maintain your hair color while also strengthening damaged hair. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is safe to use on hair that has been color-treated.

OUAI Hair Oil, Multitasking Oil Protects from UV. This oil has multiple benefits such as protecting color from fading, preventing heat/UV damage, smoothing split ends and frizz, and adding extra shine for any occasion.

BENEUNDER Bucket Hats for Women UPF 50. This sun hat can fit most head sizes and has reversible sides with different colors. To switch sides, simply detach and reattach the drawstring. The hat also provides UPF 50+ sun protection for your eyes, face, and neck while keeping you cool under the brim.

Swimming can roughen up your curls, whether you enjoy laps in the pool or splashing in the sea. 

Pool water’s chlorine and seawater’s high salt content do the damage. Chlorine removes the natural oils that keep hair in good condition. This go-to chemical for sparkling blue water can even break down hairs’ protein bonds, making them weaker and more likely to split. Salt-rich seawater pulls water from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. 

Here are a few recommended products:

• BounceCurl Leave-in Conditioner. This leave-in conditioner is a must-have to protect your hair from pool water or ocean water. It has been clinically tested and will protect your hair from dry air, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions.
• Underwater Audio AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense. This product is better than shampoo because it can prevent chlorine damage and green hair before they occur. It also protects natural hair color, smoothens the hair, and prevents dryness and brittleness.
• After Swim Shampoo and Conditioner Set. This swimmer’s shampoo and conditioner set, containing tea tree essential oil and argan oil, can help protect your hair after swimming. This duo is multipurpose and helps to clarify various mineral deposits, especially in hard water.
• AquaGuard After-Swim UV Leave-In Detangler. This essential misting spray is for swimmers and sunbathers. It helps eliminate tangles and frizz while soothing and softening your hair. Additionally, it neutralizes the harsh smell of chlorine and makes post-swim styling a breeze. AquaGuard is perfect for all hair types, including those with dense curly hair, platinum blonde hair, and color-treated hair. Don’t swim without it!

The air traps more moisture when temperatures are high, raising humidity levels. The water molecules in the air then enter your hair strands and force them to fold back on themselves.

When humidity levels soar, your hair can fold back so much that it breaks its outer layer, the cuticle. Then you get frizz and flyaways. 

Dry, damaged hair soaks up whatever moisture it can get from the air, which is why overprocessed, neglected hair is more likely to frizz. Exposing hair to too much sun, seawater, and chlorine can also turn it into a humidity hog.  

Recommend hair care products:

• OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel. This is my go-to gel for dealing with extreme humidity. It uses Anti-Frizz Nano Technology to seal the cuticle and prevent moisture loss so that curls remain well-defined and free of frizz. The product also has a UV filter that protects hair from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors.
• Bumble and Bumble Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil. This product is a combination of gel and oil that provides hydration, bounce, and shine to hair while also protecting it from humidity and UV rays. It also contains a mixture of oils (Avocado, Coconut, Jojoba) and butter (Shea, Cocoa) that deeply moisturize hair, minimize frizz, and increase shine.
• Jessicurl Confident Coils Styling Solution. This product provides more control than curl enhancement. It can be used alone for added hold and protection from frizz and humidity.
• Mizani Thermasmooth Shine Extend Anti-Humidity Spritz. Use this spritz as the final step to protect against the humidity.
• Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray – This is a spray that has won multiple awards for its ability to prevent frizz. Its special formula makes your hair waterproof even in extremely humid conditions. Additionally, it gives your hair a shiny, smooth appearance.

Beautiful summer days make me what to get out and move. The activity boosts my mood and body. But, coupled with the heat, it also gets my sweat glands going. If you’re a fan of active living, you know what I’m talking about.  

While sweating is essential to cool down your body, you risk an itchy scalp, blocked hair follicles, and parched curls (because of the salt in your sweat) when you sweat a lot. 

Recommended hair care products:

• Righteous Roots Clarifying Shampoo. I recommend using this shampoo to get rid of scalp and hair odor and sweat build-up. It contains tea tree and grapefruit peel oils, which gently cleanse your hair and remove product buildup without drying it out.
• The pH Stabilizing Spritz. One of my favorite products to use after a sweaty workout is this spritz which refreshes your hair. It helps to get your curls back on track by re-balancing the hair’s pH level and smoothing down the cuticles.
• Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Scalp Mask. This treatment is perfect for those experiencing a dry scalp that feels itchy and sweaty. Its main purpose is to hydrate the scalp and restore important moisture after exfoliation. The key ingredients are binchotan charcoal, which detoxifies, and aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, which provide hydration.
• Ouidad Botanical Boosting Mist. You can use this amazing curly hair refresher spray as a pre-workout application and also as a post-workout rehydration treatment to revive and restore your hair’s bounce and liveliness.
• TrailHeads Women’s Running Hat with UV Protection. This women’s running hat has a customized fit for women and can be adjusted using a hook and loop closure. It has a 50+ UPF rating that provides excellent UV protection. Additionally, this hat dries quickly to keep you comfortable throughout your run.