What’s the Best Summer Hair Care Routine?

Dear Anonymous,

From saltwater and chlorine, to humidity and sweat, there’s a lot that can take a toll on your hair during the hot, summer months. But with a good summer hair care routine, you can help protect your hair from getting dry and damaged — without giving up your favorite warm-weather activities.

What summer does to your hair

Summer usually means more swimming, sweating, and other outdoor activities that likely mean you’re washing your hair more often. All that extra shampooing — combined with the summer heat and sun exposure — can dry out your hair. You may also notice split-ends, brittle hair strands, or thinning. That’s because over time, the sun strips it of its protein. 

How to protect hair in the summer

There are a few things all hair types can benefit from in the summer. In general, hair needs more hydration and moisture when it’s more humid outside. Try a sulfate-free shampoo, which won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Treat your hair to a hair mask once a week to help it recover from heat and sun damage. 

When it comes to sun and heat damage, the easiest way to protect your hair and scalp is with a summer hat. You can also opt for a UV protection spray. It will help keep your color from fading and your hair from drying out. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair. 

Skip the full blow-dry when you can and let your hair air-dry. Not only will it save you some styling time and let you embrace your hair's natural texture, but it will also reduce your hair’s exposure to heat. If your hair is brittle, add a protein hair treatment into your routine. Don't leave it in longer than the instructions say — too much protein may actually cause hair breakage, too. 

Summer hair care tips for every hair type

It may take some trial-and-error to find the best summer hair care products and routine for you. Generally, here’s a good place to start to prevent damaged hair in the summer. 

The best summer hair care routine for straight hair

If you feel like your hair gets more oily in the summer, it’s likely thanks to over-shampooing. Shampoos that contain sulfates have a tendency to strip natural oils, which will dry out the scalp. Those sebaceous glands (the glands that produce sebum, an oily substance) then work harder. The solution may seem counterintuitive: Wash your hair less often with a sulfate-free shampoo. 

The best summer hair care routine for wavy hair

If you have wavy hair, look for a hydrating shampoo and conditioner with ingredients such as avocado oil or coconut oil to help maintain moisture. Stick to lightweight styling products including salt sprays to add extra volume, play with your natural texture, and avoid over-styling with heat.  

The best summer hair care routine for curly and natural hair

Make sure you’re using a moisturizing cleanser, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner. You’ll want to look for oils and butters in your hair care product ingredients lists. To help retain hydration in your hair, put your styling products in while you’re still in the shower. Kayganich recommends trying to avoid relying on your diffuser too much: Air dry for 30 minutes, then diffuse until your hair is completely dry, or diffuse for 10 to 15 minutes, then air dry until it’s totally dry.

If you’re sporting protective styles this summer (another great way to keep your hair from getting sun damaged), don’t forget to keep your roots and scalp hydrated with a scalp oil. To help your curls retain moisture, keep a curl refresh spray on hand to use between wash days. Hydrating products with almond oil, argan oil, and shea butter will be your natural hair’s best friend this summer.

Featured Expert

April Kayganich - April Kayganich is a hairstylist and curl expert at The Curl Whisperer in Austin, TX.