When summertime rolls around it is easy to get caught up in the toasty warmth of the sun and forget to adequately protect your hair. Here’s how you can take care of your hair even on the sunniest of the spring and summer days!

Put a cover-up… on your hair
The biggest summer haircare mistake is over-exposure to the sun. If your hair is highlighted, the sun will accelerate the lightening process, which can fry the hair a bit. Take care to wear summer hats.  Especially when just walking on the beach. Dark hair will also lighten in the sun, although it will more likely go through more brassy or red tone stages. So the same rules apply for keeping the hair out of direct sunlight for too long.

Take a cold plunge when shampooing
Choosing the temperature of the water you use to shampoo should mimic the rules of doing laundry  the colder the water the more artificial hair color will hold to the hair! At least one shot of cold water at the end of your shower makes your hair shinier because it seals the cuticle — colder water is never a bad idea.

Switch your shampoo: During the summer months use more moisturizing or light shampoos. In hotter climates the key word is MOISTURE. Make sure you are using products that will give your strands more moisture and cleanse the hair more gently so sun exposed strands won’t dry out.

Opt for products with silicone’s: Hair tends to be more moisture deprived in the summer. Silicone’s are great for sealing moisture into hair strands.

Set your hair for a new look: You want to take a break from chemical and heat application in the summer when your hair is exposed to dryer temperatures. Try braiding or twisting the hair to give it a wave or crimp. Is your hair relaxed or straight? Set your hair with a light setting foam to give your straight hair some volume, texture and flavor.

Deep condition more often: Make sure you are using deep conditioners for your hair to restore proteins to your strands for strength and to replenish moisture. Deep conditioning requires using a plastic wrap or a plastic cap to allow the conditioner to penetrate your hair strands.