The summer months always feel like a season of renewal—longer days, endless sunshine, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. But while we love soaking up every ray, our hair doesn’t always love the extra heat, humidity, and poolside dips. That’s why having a summer-specific hair care routine is essential to keeping your locks strong, shiny, and frizz-free.
From nourishing oils to easy styling hacks, here are some of the best ways to protect, care for, and style your hair this summer.
How to Care for Your Hair This Summer
The combination of sun exposure, salty sea breezes, and chlorinated pool water can leave hair feeling dry and brittle if you don’t give it a little extra TLC. Here are a few simple habits that can make a huge difference:
1. Embrace the power of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a summer essential. Not only does it help prevent excess oil build-up on your scalp, but it also soothes irritation and fights dandruff. A few drops mixed into your shampoo or scalp treatment can leave your head feeling fresh and balanced, even on sweltering days.
2. Don’t overwash
It may feel tempting to wash your hair every day during sweaty summer months, but overwashing actually has the opposite effect—it encourages your scalp to produce more oil. Aim to wash every 2–3 days instead. On off-days, dry shampoo can help you feel refreshed without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
3. Coconut oil is your best friend
If summer had a signature beauty product, it would be coconut oil. Use it as a light conditioner between washes, smooth a little into your ends to fight frizz, or apply before combing out tangles to avoid breakage. It’s also wonderful as a leave-in treatment before a beach day, giving your strands a protective barrier against saltwater and wind.
4. Choose a comb over a brush
Wet hair is fragile hair. Instead of running a brush through freshly washed locks, reach for a wide-tooth comb. It’s gentler and will help prevent unnecessary breakage.
5. Let it air dry
One of the perks of summer is that you don’t need a blow dryer—nature does the job for you. Air drying reduces heat damage, and as an added bonus, it enhances your hair’s natural texture, giving you that effortless “I just left the beach” vibe.
How to Style Your Hair This Summer
Caring for your hair is just one side of the coin—styling it in ways that are chic but still protective is equally important.
1. Accessorize with purpose
Hats, scarves, and headbands aren’t just trendy—they also shield your scalp and hair from direct sun exposure. Whether it’s a wide-brimmed straw hat at the beach or a colorful silk scarf tied into a ponytail, the right accessory pulls double duty by protecting your hair while elevating your outfit.
2. Looser is better
Tight ponytails and buns can stress your strands and cause breakage. Instead, opt for looser, more relaxed styles. A French braid, messy bun, or low ponytail gives you the polished look you want without the damage. Plus, these styles tend to hold up beautifully even on humid days.
How to Protect Your Hair from the Inside Out
Great hair isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s also about how you care for yourself overall.
1. Don’t skip sunscreen
We all know sunscreen is a non-negotiable for skin, but did you know it can also help protect your hair? After applying sunscreen to your body, run your hands lightly through your strands. This simple trick adds an extra layer of defense against UV damage.
2. Wet before you swim
Pool days are summer staples, but chlorine is tough on hair. A quick rinse before diving in helps your strands absorb clean water first, minimizing the amount of chlorine that soaks in. For even more protection, consider applying a leave-in conditioner beforehand.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
The simplest tip of all: drink more water. Staying hydrated keeps your hair nourished from within, helping it look shinier, healthier, and less prone to breakage.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time to enjoy, not stress about frizz or dryness. With a few thoughtful swaps—like trading your brush for a comb, air-drying instead of heat-styling, and treating your hair to nourishing oils—you can keep your locks looking their best all season long. Pair these habits with smart styling choices and a little extra protection, and your hair will stay as radiant as those endless summer sunsets.
So grab your favorite hat, sip some water, and let your hair shine this summer—literally.
