As a master hairstylist and celebrity hairstylist with over 20 years in the hair care industry, I have had the opportunity to work with all hair types. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “How do I keep my hair healthy for the summer?” I’ve heard your cries and your stories of frizz, and I offer you a few simple tips for keeping your summer hair healthy and beautiful.
Springtime brings about change. Out with the old and in with the new! The same rule applies to our beauty regimens. We have to switch it up in the summer!
But what causes most of our summertime hair care blues? Climate (a.k.a. the devil) is at the top of the list. No matter which part of the country you live, every region has a reason to have hair envy over another. In the west, most days are extremely dry and hot, which can be harsh on the hair because of the direct heat to your scalp and hair shaft. States in the south and on the east coast are dealing with an entirely different monster – humidity. So, what do you do?
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Here are a few tips for all of you naturalistas and those of you with chemically processed (color treatment, relaxers, keratin, etc.) hair to help keep it healthy and avoid breakage.
1. Always shampoo you hair twice with a moisturizing or deep conditioning shampoo before you condition. If you have issues with dry scalp, it is best to shampoo first with a dry scalp invigorating shampoo that will help stimulate the scalp and open the pores.
2. After you shampoo, follow-up with a conditioner and then a leave-in conditioner. If your hair is extremely dry, it’s best to use a hydrating conditioner. If your hair is normal, a good moisturizing conditioner will work and add shine.
3. Style as desired, but if heat is a part of your routine, please be cautious of the temperature when using thermal tools. Setting the heat too high on a styling tool is one of the fastest ways to damage your summer tresses.
If you wear hair extensions or braids, it is still very important to maintain and care for your natural hair underneath. Here are a couple of tips for maintaining your braids or extensions:
4. Be sure to brush the hair often and remove any tangles. When shampooing and conditioning your hair, always try to wash in between your braids or extensions and follow this step with a leave-in conditioner. Make sure all shampoo and conditioner is rinsed out properly to prevent build up.
5. Thoroughly dry your braids and hair underneath your extensions using a hair dryer when possible. If the hair is not dried thoroughly, it will foster the growth of mildew (creating an unpleasant odor), as well as water damage and extreme breakage to your natural hair.
Happy styling!
Kymm is the Co-owner of Creations Salon and Barbershop in Irvine, CA and creator of the Sumthin Serious Hair Collection. visit kymmscreations.com.
