Summer fun is in full swing, but before you let your hair down this weekend, follow these tips to prevent summer hair damage, protect your scalp health and transform your hair by Labor Day. 

One of the most forgotten places and the worst spots for sunburn is the scalp. If you’re enjoying a little sunshine without a hat, remember to pay special attention to your hairline and part when applying SPF since your skin is naturally thinner in those areas. Protecting this delicate skin helps prevent the dreaded flakes that come with peeling. Remember to reapply your SPF 30+ every 2 hours if you’re poolside or enjoying the water.

Beachy waves are great and we love our pool days, but nothing beats full, healthy-looking hair with its color shining at full wattage. To keep your natural oils where they belong, saturate your hair with fresh water before swimming. This will limit how much saltwater or chlorine it can absorb — helping you avoid the moisture-zapping properties of salty or chemically treated water. Dry hair is more prone to breakage, so it’s a good idea to rinse your hair after swimming, too.

This one may surprise you since hot weather leads to sweaty days, but the good news is that even when you skip the shampoo, you can still rinse with plain, deliciously cool water. Limiting wash days helps keep your natural oils in place and avoid dryness. And with all the cute summer hats and hair accessories, no one will suspect you’re rocking “dirty” hair. Keep a travel-size dry shampoo in your bag for post-gym or anytime refreshes. 

Yes, it’s ponytail season! We hear you, but ultra-tight top knots and ponytails put unnecessary stress on the scalp, which can lead to breakage and thinning over time. Alternate these summer styles with claw-clips, loosely secured silk scrunchies or chic chignons thrown together with a hair stick. It’s easier than it sounds, we promise! Bonus: no rigid creases means better texture and volume when you let your hair down.

This is a golden rule if you’re a summertime sun worshiper who loves spending lots of time out in the elements (peak sun is 10a-4p). Whether you’re hiking, relaxing, driving with the top down or simply dining al fresco, now is the time to break out your hair scarves, sporty baseball caps or chic, wide-brimmed hats. It protects your hair from the heat and UV rays and helps keep your face, neck and shoulders safe from environmental damage. 

If you’re normally a wave wand or styling iron loyalist, take the summer off and give your hair a much-needed break! Instead, go for loose braids and remove them for a soft wave or embrace the heatless curl trend to style while you sleep. Skip the dryer and towel dry gently with a soft, microfiber hair towel or even an old t-shirt to prevent frizz. Now is the time to lean into low-maintenance hair and celebrate your natural texture. Save the fussy (yet fabulous) styles for fall and focus on enjoying the refreshing summer season. 

Even if you condition religiously, sometimes warm weather calls for a little extra hair and scalp TLC. Introducing a hydrating hair mask 1-2 times per week and refreshing it with a nourishing leave-in treatment between washes can make a world of difference when it comes to softness and overall hair health. You’ll notice smoother strands and a glossier shine in no time.

As with anything, results take time, and consistency is key. If you’ve been taking hair supplements you love, stick with them and don’t let summer travel disrupt your progress. Stay the course with your HAIR Vibrant Scalp Treatment for noticeable volume, shine and fullness. Don’t forget to show us your “after” shots when you have the best hair of your life by Labor Day.

Even though summer is the season of low-maintenance beauty, a little upkeep goes a long way. Keep your deep conditioning treatments on the books and schedule trims every 4-6 weeks to keep your style fresh and prevent any split ends from spreading upwards. 

So you got swept up in the moment and spent a few too many hours outside. Life happens! But now you’re dealing with the aftermath of scalp sunburn. Here’s what to do to find relief and expedite recovery. There’s nothing quite as soothing as plain aloe vera. If you’re using a store-bought gel, store it in the fridge for a cool, soothing treat. If you’re lucky enough to have a plant at home, simply snip off a piece and apply that natural goodness right where you need it. As you heal, avoid too-hot showers to help minimize dryness and peeling.

We’re not about deprivation. Get out and ENJOY these bright summer days. Just keep your SPF bottle handy, rethink your wash days and take protective measures when you’re enjoying the pool, beach or the great outdoors. The result? Luminous hair that’s resilient, manageable and healthier than ever. 

Stay tuned for more summer-savvy beauty and wellness tips, and shop our entire elastin replenishment collection now for gorgeous natural results that stand the test of time.

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