Tips for Beautiful Summer Hair

Hair Care Tips for this HOT 2024 Summer in Atlanta

Summer in Atlanta is known for its sizzling temperatures and high humidity, which can wreak havoc on your hair. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at Piedmont Park, enjoying a day by the Chattahoochee River, or hitting the bustling streets of Buckhead, your hair needs extra care to stay healthy and vibrant. In this blog, we’ll share essential hair care tips to help you beat the heat and humidity, keeping your locks looking fabulous all season long. From sun protection to managing frizz, we’ve got you covered with the best advice for maintaining gorgeous hair throughout this hot 2024 summer in Atlanta.

Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage

You have probably noticed by now that your brown-haired buddies are going with a blonde hair color for the summer. Well, they are not just having more fun. The more you play outside, the more your hair will transform. The sun not only damages your skin; it also attacks your hair, especially during the summertime. There are several reasons for this transformation. The heat from the sun is more intense during the weeks of barbecues and bonfires. As you enjoy the fun, the sun is not only burning your skin; it is also degrading your hair of its protective proteins. This causes the color to oxidize and turn brassy. The shine is gone, and your hair is brittle, broken, and fried.

Effects of UV Rays on Hair

Speaking of fried, your hair literally cooks under ultraviolet rays. Not only does this affect everyone, but if you have a colored ‘do it may become faded, bleached, and orange-tinged. Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH is a dermatologist in New York. She claims the sun genuinely cooks your hair.

The outer layer of your hair is known as the cuticle of the hair shaft. Rather than being smooth, it gets all dried up. This bleached look comes from sun-induced stress. But still, that is not the end of the torture. Besides the extreme ultraviolet rays, you also have to deal with the humidity, chlorine chemicals, and salt water.

Despite the drawbacks of the summertime regarding your hair, we still love Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Put your best foot forward and take note of hair care tips that will keep your tresses looking radiant throughout the summer months. Honestly, the best thing you can do is wear a hat. However, you might be stuck on your sleek, every-piece-in-place hairdo. There are a few different ways to go, look great, and forget about the humidity and other summer culprits.

Hair Care Tips for Summer

You can protect your hair from frying. Instead of dried-out dead ends, you will have shiny, manageable locks. In order to keep your tresses gorgeous throughout the hot days and warm nights, here are some answers so you can understand why your hair is acting unusual:

Why is my hair so frizzy?…Keep Hair Moisturized

If your hair gets super frizzy in the summer, we feel your pain. You cannot wear your hair straight and shiny without it puffing up like a lion’s mane. The thirsty hair absorbs the extra humidity, which causes the hair shaft to swell. The swelling also breaks the cuticle. Hello, frizz.

The best thing to do is keep your hair and scalp moisturized whether you choose to go with a salon treatment for damaged hair, a salon scalp treatment, or a do-it-yourself remedy. You can use natural oils like coconut oil, avocado oil, and other blends mixed with water. Although wearing your hair down in the summer seems to be practically impossible, there are solutions you can use to try to keep it maintained.

You can keep a spritz of water, aloe vera juice, and avocado oil mix on hand. Just pull it out of your purse when you are in the bathroom, and add a touch of moisture to keep your locks under control. Another concoction is argan oil and water.

What does swimming do to my hair?…Swimming Hair Precautions

Everyone loves to swim in the summertime. Whether you are at the beach or a backyard pool, it is fun to splash in the water. Well, that comes at a price, too. Your hair is soaked in chlorine if you are in a pool. This chemical strips your hair of protective oils. Natural blonde hair may even appear greenish. Copper molecules and other chemicals in chlorine bond to the hair shaft’s protein.

To get rid of this green mess, you can rinse your hair with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar and two cups of water. It will draw out the discoloration. Another note: Douse your locks in water before getting into the pool; your hair will not absorb as many chlorine chemicals.

If you are swimming in the ocean, you do not have to worry about chlorine. However, the salt will do another number on your locks. It draws water from your hair and your skin. That is why you have prune-like fingers if you stay in too long. The same advice for swimming pools goes for the ocean…wet hair before entering.

How does sunbathing affect my hair?…Sun Protection

If you are a stickler for putting on sunscreen because you know the damage it can cause to your skin, you might as well get used to wearing a scarf or hat. You need to cover up your hair if you are in the sun for a prolonged amount of time this summer.

Not only are you protecting your hair from damage, but you are also retaining moisture on the scalp. A hat or scarf keeps your do in place if it gets windy, too. Can’t bring yourself to wear a cap all day? Use hair products with UV protection. There are a variety to choose from. Consult your stylist for the best choice for your hair needs.

Hairstyles for Summer

Avoid tight buns that can stress dry hair…try a messy braid instead.

Avoid tying your hair up in a tight ballerina bun this summer. If your hair is already dry, this will only add salt to an open wound. You should try a messy braid. This style will not pull or tear your hair, and it will be easier to keep under control and out of the direct sunlight.

Beachy Waves

If you desire to have a beachy wave without the beach wave perm, you can spray your hair with a concoction of sea salt, coconut oil, and water. You only need one teaspoon of each. Mix them with water in a spray bottle and scrunch your hair. Don’t worry; the coconut oil will counteract any dryness you would get from the salt. Plus, it will look like you just came from surfing.

How often should I wash my hair?

You can wash your hair less often during the summer months. In general, washing strips your scalp of natural oils. Ironically, your hair will produce more oils; in turn, you will feel the need to wash your hair even more. To avoid this stimulation process, try just rinsing your hair after swimming instead of every day.

Dry shampoos are ideal, because you can go longer without washing. Another simple way to rid your hair of excessive oils is by dabbing a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel on your scalp.
Look for shampoos that contain UV protection, too. If you want to avoid the standard department store brands, you can simply run your hands through your hair after applying sunscreen to your skin.

What about conditioner?

You should always condition throughout the summer. A natural conditioner is always the best route. You can rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar diluted with water. A deep conditioning treatment once a week is necessary if your hair is extra dry and damaged.

If you want to smooth your tresses, an option is coconut oil or shea butter, depending on your hair texture—it may be too heavy. Nevertheless, these oils make your hair stay under control. They are ideal for wavy hair while it is air drying.

You may want to use a hot oil rinse occasionally. As mentioned before, coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oils are all perfect for keeping the hair silky and manageable. You can shampoo your hair as usual, add the oils to your tresses, rinse, and then condition as usual. Your hair will be moisturized but not greasy.

After you are done shampooing and conditioning your hair, you need to use a wide-tooth comb to untangle it because this type is the most gentle. You do not want to pull your hair when it is wet. Brushes and other types of combs will cause your hair to break.

Should I blow dry my hair?…Avoid Heat Styling

The easy answer is no. In fact, you should blow dry your hair as little as possible because it does not need the extra heat. Because of the season, your hair is exposed to enough of it, so you should just let your hair air dry.

If you do not want to do this, you should plan ahead for a night out, because flat irons are also a no-no. We already know your hair gets frizzy enough from the swelling of the hair shaft, so try to go natural.

Summer Haircuts Based on Hair Type

How should I get my hair cut for summer?

This is a big issue because your hair care tips will only be as good as your haircut, right? Well, your haircut and style depend on your type of hair. The next time you visit the salon, discuss these options:

Curly Hair

If you have curly hair, you love your bold, natural ringlets. It gives you a natural, cool edge. However, curls also have a mind of their own! They may take a turn that you do not like. You can manage these rebellious locks by getting a haircut just at the shoulders. It is a balance between wild and soft. The shorter it is, the wilder it will look.

If you are thinking longer, go with long layers that are no shorter than six inches. Any layers that are too short will spring up and disrupt the overall effect of the shape, especially if your hair is thin. Also, avoid layers made with a razor; the split ends will frizz.

So, when you go to your stylist for a summer cut, be sure to include a dry cut, a shoulder-grazing length, and long layers on the checklist. Check the salon for a rich, moisturizing styling cream before you leave.

Straight and Fine Hair

If your hair is fine and straight, you probably do not even know what frizz is! On the other hand, your hair will feel like it is plastered to your head, especially with the humidity. For the summertime, you should get a bob that is angled. It can be slightly shorter in the back and longer in the front. If you like bangs, consider a deep, side cut. This look is ideal for a thin or oval face. This shorter cut will be easy to manage

Another reason a bob is a good haircut for thin hair is that you have more hair follicles per square inch. Your roots probably get greasy and flat because of more oil-causing glands. This style of haircut will help this problem so that you do not have to wash your hair every day.

Avoid having your thin, straight hair too long in the summer. It will be hard for your hair to hold a style after it gets below the shoulders. You do not want to add layers, either. Besides a few long ones, it will make your hair look stringy.

You might want to vamp up your plain look with a few face-framing highlights and a lightweight volumizing spray.

Wavy Hair

If you have wavy hair, you can practically wash your hair and go. You probably look like you just stepped off of a beachside photo shoot. Your hair is naturally tousled. However, your hair is very inconsistent. It can look beautiful in one spot with a natural twist, but then on the other side, it is frizzy and flat.

You need a cut with varying lengths of layers. If you ask your hair stylist to start about halfway between your crown and ends, then you will encourage a full, not frizzy, wavy look. If your hair is extra thick, you can have the last inch or so of the bottom thinned out a little.

You never want to cut your hair with a razor or serrated edge. This will fray the delicate waves and leave the ends looking fried before you even hit the beach. If your hair is thin, avoid getting too many layers; otherwise, your style will be a pouf instead of holding a shape.

You want mid-length to end layers and a thinned out bottom. Be sure to grab some silicone serum in the salon.

Straight and Thick Hair

If your hair is thick and somewhat straight, you have lush, full locks. At the same time, you have a lot of hair already, so humidity only makes it worse. A triangular silhouette will widen at the bottom at the thought of
moisture.

In order to avoid this expansion, you can keep your hair longer. Although you have thick hair, the length will help prevent it from becoming overinflated. Likewise, you do not want a heavy drapery of hair throughout the summer.

The shortest you can go regarding a haircut is one that falls to at least your collarbone. This gives you enough weight and extra control. You should also request long layers that start about four inches above the ends. This will avoid the pyramid look. Another way to manage thick, straight hair in the summertime is by thinning at least the last two inches. That way, you will not have to deal with as much bulk.

Make sure you steer clear of blunt lines that make your hair look and feel heavier. Do not get any short layers, either, because this will make the fullness more difficult to achieve. A light-hold spray gel will help you reach the perfect look.

Keep Beautiful Healthy Hair this Summer in Atlanta

By following these tips, you can keep your hair looking fabulous all summer long, no matter its texture, length, or color. Visit our Buckhead Atlanta salon for personalized advice and treatments to ensure your tresses stay radiant throughout the season. Enjoy endless compliments on your beautiful summer hair!