4 Tips to Retain Length This Summer

Summer is just around the corner!  This, of course, means more heat and more  humidity.  You’ve got  to get  your  hair  ready for this change in weather so you get through the  summer with a head of healthy hair.  It’s always wise to change  your routine up a bit to keep up with the changing seasons.  Since you will be likely spending more  time in the sun, which can be really hard of hair, you’ll have to take steps to keep your hair protected.  Check out these four tips to retain length this summer.

1. Protect your hair  from the sun, which will make your hair  lighter, drier and more brittle. Wear  a hat when you know that you’ll be outside for a while.  There are so many different styles of hats, you will surely find  a style that works for you. Or better yet, wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf.  Scarves are gentler on your hair than hats and the satin  or silk material  will help to  keep your hair moisturized throughout the day.  Scarves are  also a great way to add some flair to your outfits.  For those days that you don’t want a hat  or a  scarf,  wear hair products with SPF protection.  Olive oil (SPF of 7.549) or coconut oil (SPF of 7.119) can also be applied to your hair,  but you may or may not need more SPF protection than that.

2. Wear protective styles.  Keep your  hair  further protected with braids, buns, updos, twists, Bantu knots, cornrows  or other protective styles.  These  styles  will protect your delicate ends, preventing dryness and breakage.

3. Wash your hair more often. This is important especially if you’re a  swimmer.  Since shampoos tend to be drying, rinsing and conditioner washes are ok, but stick to it after each dip in a pool or the ocean.  You should also deep condition more often.  The exposure to chlorine or salt water can be damaging, as well, so protect your hair before you dive in by applying conditioner or oil to your strands.

4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.  If  you’ve been in the natural community for any amount  of time, you know this mantra well. The sun is hot and will dry out your hair in the blink of an eye, so keep the moisture going, especially if your hair is out loose.

Try and stick to these four tips to retain length this summer and you’ll greet autumn with a smile!