Summer can be a wonderful time for taking advantage of the great outdoors, but in the sometimes excessive temperatures, natural hair can take a bashing.

Harsh sun rays can damage hair, and fade hair color; increased humidity can cause extra frizz, dry air can result in brittleness.

Add to that, exposure to salty seawater, or the chlorine from swimming pools, and you have a mix of factors that can sabotage a healthy head of hair.

So how do we care for our natural hair in the summer heat?

1. Use lighter, water-based daily moisturizers, and seal them in.
Try mixing bottled water or rose water (tap water can be too ‘hard’ or contain unwanted chemicals) with argan oil or peppermint oil. Pay special attention to the ends of your hair, as these tend to be most prone to dryness. Seal with coconut oil.

2. Suffering from extra, extra dryness? Walk with a deep moisturizing spritz.
Very stressed, dry hair will appreciate the replenishment of moisture throughout the day. Concoct your own hair moisturizer for summer weather, if you prefer.

Mix:
Aloe Vera (2tbsp)
Vegetable Glycerin (1 tbsp)
Apricot Oil (1 tbsp)
Vitamin E Oil (2 tsp)
Sesame Oil (2 tsp)

Note: A word of caution to locs wearers: water and/or certain formulations, particularly in maintenance products, can cause new/yet-to-mature locs to undo. Before experimenting, ask your loctician how best to combat excessive summer dryness.

3. Don’t fight humidity in a losing battle: embrace your texture!
Many of us may be tempted to increase the application of smoothing and glossing serums in order to keep frizzies at bay when the humidity hits. However, such serums contain silicones (dimethicone is the most common) which, while creating an effective barrier against humidity, cause considerable build-up. This build-up often leads to hair that smells sweaty or it clogs scalp pores. The solution? Love your frizz and let it be – or chose protective styles that minimize the appearance of frizz. (See Tip #8)

4. Cleanse with a clarifying shampoo, try co-washes – and wash less often
A good clarifying shampoo will cleanse the hair of sweat and build-up without stripping. There are a number of excellent co-washes on the market that allow you to wash and go without dryness; but in the summer months, if you sweat a lot in your scalp, you may be tempted to wash hair more often which in turn, may result in dryness, dullness and breakage.

Consider instead cleansing the scalp with a cotton pad or small wash cloth doused in witch hazel. Or mix tea tree oil with vegetable glycerin for a natural astringent that provides anti-fungal and anti-bacterial protection.  You can also add peppermint and tea tree essential oils to your shampoo.  When used,  they can help in nourishing and nurturing your scalp while providing anti-fugal and anti-bacterial protection

Dry shampoos are also an option – there are some decent ones on the market – but beware: depending on your hair type, they can be extremely drying.

5. Air dry your hair after washing and skip the heat-styling tools
It’s already 96 degrees in the shade – don’t add to the heat factor by using hairdryers, flat irons and tongs!

6. Use a sunscreen wherever practical
UVA/UVB sun rays can damage hair, so protect it by wearing a hat or scarf made from natural fibers – they will allow your hair to breathe underneath. (Remember to sleep in a silk cap or on a silk/satin pillowcase, too.) Some Naturalistas, after applying SPF cream to their face or body, wipe the residue from their hands onto their hair as an effective sun protection step. Instead, apply a dime-sized amount of Shea butter onto your tresses – Shea butter is said to contain effective sun protection properties.

7. Condition before taking to the water
Going for a swim? I know plenty of black women who are militant about keeping their heads above water when going for a dip. Whether or not you plan to submerge yourself in the sea or the swimming pool, first coat your hair in coconut oil. It protects and seals whatever moisture is there and greatly reduces the hair’s vulnerability to the sun, sea salt and harmful pool chemicals. If you’re an underwater girl, rinse hair thoroughly as soon as possible after swimming.

By the way, we know that swimming caps are not the sexiest accessory, but consider wearing one to protect those precious tresses.

8. Wear protective hairstyles
Protect your ends by wearing braids, twists, cornrows or buns, for example. If, as many of us do, you opt for braid extensions or a weave while on vacation, don’t forget to moisturize your natural hair underneath. Here, moisturizing sprays are particularly good for reaching tucked-away natural hair. Regardless of the protective style you choose, remember not to pull and braid too tightly. And forget weave glues – no vacation convenience is worth that damage!

9. Drink plenty of water, eat your greens – and avoid sugary drinks
Drinking water really does impact the moisture levels of your hair. If you are not overly fond of water, add a couple of drops of lemon juice to your bottle/glass – it makes the taste infinitely more refreshing and delicious. Sugar dehydrates, so please – ditch the sugar fizzies. Eat plenty of green vegetables (kale, spinach and broccoli are among the most nutritious) and see the positive results in both your hair and your skin!

Love and rock those natural tresses and enjoy your summer!

That’s it for this week!  As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care