BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Summer is the perfect time to loosen up and let your natural hair texture take the spotlight. Ditch the high-maintenance routines and focus on keeping your hair strong, soft, and sun-safe. With a few mindful tweaks, you can keep your locks looking lovely through every heatwave, beach day, and humid afternoon, without turning it into a styling struggle.
Here are eleven chemical-free, low-effort tips to help your hair thrive all summer long.
1. Keep it covered
A wide-brimmed hat or lightweight scarf isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s your hair’s first defence against sun damage. Shielding your strands from UV rays helps prevent moisture loss, color fading, and tangles, especially in windy conditions. For color-treated or dry hair, a little coverage can go a long way.
2. Go loose with your hairstyles
Summer is the season of effortless beauty, so skip the tight buns and try a loose braid or messy ponytail instead. Tightly pulled hair can cause breakage, especially when strands are dry from heat or saltwater. A relaxed style keeps your hair managed and protected without adding tension.
3. Shampoo less frequently
Washing too often strips away your scalp’s natural oils, which can trigger more oil production in response. Instead, try rinsing with water after a beach or pool day, or use a natural dry shampoo like cornstarch to stretch out your wash days. Witch hazel on a cotton ball can also work wonders for absorbing oil at the roots.
4. Give heat styling a rest
Your hair is already dealing with sun exposure, so it’s kind to skip the blow dryer or flat iron whenever possible. Letting your hair air dry helps maintain moisture and reduces the risk of heat damage. Embrace your natural waves, frizz and all. A little texture is part of the charm.
5. Spritz on moisture and seal it in
Keep a DIY spray bottle filled with water, aloe vera juice, and a touch of avocado oil for on-the-go hydration. A few spritzes tame flyaways, refresh curls, or calm puffiness. You can also try argan oil mixed with water for a lightweight, shine-boosting option.
6. Condition consistently
Don’t skip the conditioner, especially in the summer. Try rinsing with diluted apple cider vinegar for a gentle, natural boost. After washing, smooth on a bit of coconut oil or shea butter to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. If your hair needs extra care, treat it to a deep conditioning session once a week.
7. Prevent and treat swimmers’ hair
Blond hair turning green after a pool session? Rinse your wet strands with a mix of one-quarter cup apple cider vinegar and two cups of water to neutralize chlorine discoloration. Better yet, saturate your hair with fresh water before swimming to reduce chlorine absorption in the first place.
8. Sneak in some sun protection
Most commercial UV-protectant shampoos are packed with chemicals. Luckily, there’s a simple alternative. After applying sunscreen to your skin, lightly run your hands through your hair. It’s a subtle way to add a layer of protection without an extra product.
9. Try a nourishing oil rinse
Coconut, olive, or avocado oils can deeply hydrate and strengthen hair. After shampooing, apply a small amount of your chosen oil from ends to roots, let it sit briefly, then rinse and condition as usual. Your hair should feel soft, smooth, and replenished (not greasy).
10. Get the beachy look—no ocean required
Recreate that tousled beach hair by mixing one teaspoon of sea salt and one teaspoon of coconut oil with water in a small spray bottle. Spritz and scrunch to create soft waves with a little grit. The coconut oil helps balance the drying effect of the salt for a perfectly undone look.
11. Be gentle with wet hair
Hair is most fragile when it’s wet, so steer clear of brushes right after washing. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to gently work through tangles without breakage. Start at the ends and work your way up to avoid snagging.
Love your summer hair, naturally
With just a few easy adjustments, you can keep your hair looking and feeling its best all season long; no harsh products nor fuss needed. Embrace the freedom of natural textures, protect your strands from the elements, and give your hair the TLC it deserves.
