Damaging ones hair usually occurs over a long term process of treatments, MIS-treatment, sun, and swimming; at least these are the causes we know of. But what about the things we don’t such as caffeine, lack of sleep or poor hygiene. Just like putting on a few pounds, you don’t see it the moment it happens and the gradual change can have you suddenly look at yourself in shock and wanting to pull your hair out, literally. With summer weather on its way, warmer conditions can add to already distressed tresses and it’s up to you to make some changes that will give your locks a complete turnaround from today. First, let’s get the obvious out of the way...exercise...eat well...take your vitamins...drink plenty of water and get enough sleep!! These aren’t just doctors orders, these are hard core facts that make your health overall, better. This includes the look of your skin AND hair! This said, we can move along to other things you may not think of or take too seriously.
Despite a common belief, one needn’t wash their hair on a daily basis; in fact, doing so removes the dirt, grime AND natural oils that serve to protect and moisturize your hair. We might love the feel of squeaky clean hair in the shower but when it’s so squeaky that your fingers practically get stuck sliding down, it’s too darn clean! Your best bet is to choose an all natural hair product that conditions while it shampoos and doesn’t have all the nasty additives that eventually do more damage than good. Some of our favourite shampoos and hair products come from Dr. Bronners because they really do deliver what they promise and are by far one of the most natural product companies out there.
While we all know that you are not going to walk around all day, every day wearing a hat on your head believe it or not, hair much like skin can get damaged from too much sun exposure, salt water or chlorine. A combination of these ingredients can leave your hair much dryer causing many more split ends so the next time you catch yourself admiring your sun kissed lighter locks in the mirror, take heed that this is due to hair damage, not so pretty, is it? Wearing a swim cap, and sun shield hair spray may help to deflect some of the harmful rays and chlorinated or salt water, and with so many cute hats out there, there is not a reason we can think of to not wear one most of the time!
Hydrating your hair is a key factor in keeping it looking great over the summer. While your skin is getting parched in the sun, so are your tresses. Moisturize moisturize moisturize, can we say that enough? I don't think so! Moroccanoil is our hair product of choice to keep our locks moist. Plus it smells soooo good.
When it comes to hair mousse, gel and hairspray in warm weather, avoid products with alcohol if you can help it and resort to a more natural look or all natural components. Sun is not the only thing that will suck your hair of moisture; alcohol products will do so before your hair even sees the sun. Because hair grows much faster in heat, be sure to get a regular trim to combat damage sooner than later.
We know you have proms, parties or dinners to go to but ease up on the hair straightening, curling with heat and hair dryers! Simply consider cutting down the frequency of using these tools and start scoping out new hairstyles that will be less damaging to your hair and take up less of your time. Without going into the details of why it is so bad for your hair, just remember the image of hot steam billowing from the iron wrapped around your wet locks...if hair could talk, it would be screaming!! If you simply HAVE to get that look daily, go for ceramic based irons that are a bit more forgiving on the hair and try to do it once every 4 days or so with minor touch ups in between.
Finally, brushing with bristles that are not suited for your hair type is a no no. If you did not notice, you may have lost some hair with age. If you have a tendency to go frizzy in humid weather, opt for a wide toothed comb rather than a fine bristled brush or you will end up splitting your ends even further by making them more dry and looking like a tent when you leave the house. Not pretty! All things considered, you can have fabulous hair this summer and year round if you treat your hair the way you would your face. You would not put a hot iron on it or slather it with alcohol we hope! Let your hair shine this summer, the natural way!
Via: START PROTECTING YOUR HAIR FROM THIS SUMMER