How to Prep Your Hair for Summer: Must-Have Treatments & Tips
As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, it's not just your skin that needs special care—your hair does too. Summer hair care is essential to maintaining strong, vibrant locks during the season of sun, sweat, saltwater, and chlorine. Exposure to UV rays, humidity, and heat styling tools can all wreak havoc on your strands. Fortunately, with the right hair treatments, summer hair prep, and hair protection tips, you can keep your hair healthy and glowing all season long.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to prep your hair for summer, what treatments to invest in, and expert tips to ensure your hair remains protected, hydrated, and beautiful.
Why Summer Hair Prep Matters
Just like your skin, your hair faces environmental stressors during summer. Intense sun exposure can fade color-treated hair, dry out natural oils, and break down the keratin structure of your strands. Chlorine from pools and salt from the ocean further strip moisture, leading to frizz, breakage, and dullness. That’s why summer hair prep is more than just a trend—it’s a necessity.
The goal is to protect, nourish, and restore. By incorporating targeted hair treatments into your routine, you can reverse damage and prevent further harm.
Start With a Deep Clarifying Wash
Before you begin any summer hair care regimen, it’s crucial to start with a clean slate. Over time, products, sweat, and environmental pollutants build up on your scalp and hair shaft. A deep clarifying shampoo helps remove this buildup and prepares your hair to better absorb moisturizing hair treatments.
Tip: Use a clarifying shampoo once a week during the summer. Follow it with a hydrating conditioner to avoid stripping away too much natural oil.
Hydrate with Intensive Hair Masks
Hydration is your best defense against the drying effects of summer. Invest in a weekly deep conditioning mask or treatment that replenishes moisture and strengthens your strands.
Look for masks rich in:
Argan oil
Shea butter
Coconut oil
Aloe vera
Keratin
These ingredients help restore elasticity, smooth frizz, and lock in shine. For those with color-treated hair, opt for masks with UV protection and anti-fade properties.
Must-Have Hair Treatment: Try a keratin-infused deep-conditioning mask weekly for smooth, humidity-resistant locks.
Shield Your Hair from UV Damage
While we’re diligent about applying sunscreen to our skin, we often forget that our hair and scalp need protection too. Prolonged UV exposure breaks down protein in the hair and fades color.
To combat this:
Use leave-in conditioners with SPF
Wear wide-brimmed hats or UV-protective scarves
Spritz your hair with a UV-protectant mist before stepping outdoors
Adding SPF-infused hair treatments to your daily routine is one of the top hair protection tips for summer.
Embrace Heat-Free Styling
High temperatures and hot styling tools don’t mix well. Excessive blow-drying, straightening, or curling can exacerbate damage already caused by sun and chlorine.
Instead, try:
Air-drying with curl-enhancing creams
Braids, buns, and twists
Leave-in texturizing sprays for beachy waves
If you must use heat, always apply a thermal protectant spray. This small step can significantly reduce heat damage and maintain your hair’s integrity.
Nourish Your Scalp
Healthy hair starts at the scalp. Summer can lead to a dry, flaky scalp due to dehydration or excess oil and sweat. To keep your scalp balanced:
Exfoliate once a week using a gentle scalp scrub
Massage in oils like tea tree, peppermint, or jojoba
Avoid overwashing, which strips the scalp of its natural oils
Integrating scalp care into your summer hair prep routine boosts circulation, prevents buildup, and encourages healthier hair growth.
Go for Protective Hair Treatments
Frequent exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and the sun can break down the protein bonds in your hair, leading to dryness and brittleness. Protective hair treatments like protein masks or bond-repair formulas help restore strength and prevent split ends.
Popular options include:
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (for repairing internal hair bonds)
Protein-rich leave-ins or masks (for elasticity and breakage prevention)
Using these once or twice a week can be a game-changer for summer-damaged hair.
Trim Regularly
The ends of your hair are the oldest and most fragile. Heat and sun exposure make them more prone to breakage and split ends. A trim every 6-8 weeks during summer helps maintain a fresh, healthy look and prevents damage from traveling up the hair shaft.
This is one of the simplest yet most overlooked hair protection tips.
Use Satin Accessories
Cotton pillowcases, rough hair ties, and hats can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Switching to satin scrunchies, scarves, and pillowcases reduces static, protects your hair cuticle, and helps retain moisture.
This is an easy, overnight addition to your summer hair care routine that makes a noticeable difference.
Hydrate From the Inside Out
No amount of hair treatments will work effectively if your body is dehydrated. Water plays a key role in hair health, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the summer months. Additionally, include hair-friendly foods rich in:
Biotin (eggs, nuts, seeds)
Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed)
Vitamin E (avocados, almonds)
This internal support complements your summer hair prep efforts and enhances results.
Customize Your Hair Care for Your Hair Type
Not all hair is created equal. Whether your hair is curly, color-treated, fine, or coily, tailor your summer hair care products accordingly.
Curly hair: Needs extra hydration and frizz control. Use creams and gels to define curls without crunch.
Color-treated hair: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and color-safe masks.
Fine hair: Use lightweight leave-ins to avoid buildup and heaviness.
Thick/coarse hair: Benefit from rich oils and butters that deeply penetrate the hair shaft.
Choose hair treatments that are formulated for your specific needs and watch your hair thrive.
Bonus Hair Protection Tips for the Pool & Beach
Rinse hair with fresh water before and after swimming to reduce chlorine/salt absorption
Use a swim cap for prolonged pool exposure
Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil before swimming to create a protective barrier
Avoid tying wet hair too tightly to prevent breakage
These small, proactive steps offer long-lasting protection and reduce the need for emergency hair treatments later.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to summer, a little preparation goes a long way in maintaining healthy, luscious hair. By incorporating the right hair treatments, following essential hair protection tips, and staying committed to a proactive summer hair care routine, you can prevent seasonal damage and keep your locks looking fabulous from June to September.
Whether it’s applying SPF mists, indulging in weekly hydration masks, or simply switching to satin accessories, your summer hair prep doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be consistent.
This season, let your hair shine just as brightly as the sun!
Elevate your self-care routine at ENMODA Salon & Spa in Downtown Princeton! Offering gender-neutral, texture-friendly services and a stylish, natural environment close to Princeton University, we make it easy to express your unique style. Book your appointment now!
FAQs
Why is summer hair care so important?
Summer hair care is crucial because the hot sun, humidity, chlorine from swimming pools, and saltwater from the beach can damage your hair. These elements can strip moisture, cause frizz, fade color, and lead to breakage. Proper summer hair prep ensures your hair stays healthy, hydrated, and protected from environmental stressors.
How can I protect my hair from the sun?
To protect your hair from harmful UV rays, use hair products with built-in UV protection like leave-in conditioners or sprays. Additionally, wearing hats or scarves can shield your hair from direct sun exposure. Using UV-protective hair treatments and staying consistent with them will prevent sun-induced damage.
What are the best hair treatments for summer?
Some of the best hair treatments for summer include:
Hydrating masks: To replenish moisture lost due to sun exposure.
Protein treatments: To strengthen hair and prevent breakage from the elements.
Leave-in conditioners with SPF: To protect hair from UV rays while providing hydration.
Clarifying shampoos: To remove chlorine, salt, and product buildup.
How often should I deep condition my hair during the summer?
During the summer, deep conditioning your hair once a week is ideal. This will ensure your strands are replenished with moisture and nutrients, keeping them strong and healthy. For hair that’s exposed to chlorine or saltwater frequently, you may want to increase deep conditioning to twice a week.
Can I use regular sunscreen on my hair?
Regular sunscreen is not formulated for hair, so it’s best to use hair-specific SPF products such as leave-in conditioners or sprays designed to protect hair from UV damage. These products not only shield your hair from the sun but also offer hydration and nourishment.
How can I prevent my hair from drying out in the summer?
To prevent hair from drying out:
Use hydrating hair treatments like deep conditioners or oils regularly.
Limit the use of heat styling tools.
Protect your hair with a leave-in conditioner or oil before swimming in pools or saltwater.
Drink plenty of water and maintain a diet rich in hair-friendly nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and biotin.
How do I avoid frizz during the humid summer months?
To control frizz during the summer:
Use anti-frizz hair treatments such as smoothing serums or oils.
Choose sulfate-free shampoos to retain moisture.
Avoid over-washing your hair, as it can strip natural oils that keep hair smooth.
Embrace heat-free styling techniques like braids or buns to avoid additional frizz from styling tools.
What are the best ways to protect my hair while swimming?
To protect your hair while swimming:
Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming to reduce chlorine or salt absorption.
Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to create a protective layer on your hair.
Wear a swim cap if you're in the pool for an extended period.
After swimming, wash your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine or salt buildup.
How can I keep my color-treated hair healthy in the summer?
Color-treated hair requires extra care during the summer months. To keep it healthy:
Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners that protect your color and prevent fading.
Invest in hair treatments that specifically target color-treated hair, such as those with UV protection.
Protect your hair from the sun and avoid excessive exposure to chlorine and saltwater.
Are there any natural remedies I can use for summer hair prep?
Yes, several natural ingredients can benefit your hair during the summer:
Coconut oil: Works as a deep conditioner and protects against dryness.
Aloe vera: Hydrates and soothes the scalp.
Argan oil: Adds moisture and controls frizz.
Apple cider vinegar: Acts as a natural clarifier and restores shine.
