Summer is my favorite season, but it takes a toll on my fine and color treated natural tresses. Even though I can finally dress how I like and spend more than five minutes outside, I find that I have to pay more attention to my hair. If your mane is totally unprepared for the warm months ahead, keep reading for 4 summertime natural hair no-nos.
1. Flat ironing/ using heat
If you’re natural, you may already be limiting your heat usage. Using hot tools on natural hair (especially without heat protectant*) can cause unrepairable damage.
It’s bad in the summer because the sun is already drying out our hair. Humidity is also a bad problem in the summer, and our hair is more susceptible to frizz.
You don’t want to straighten your hair then walk outside for it to be an afro before you hit the corner. Instead, try low manipulation styles that allow you to add moisture to your hair and keep it somewhat near its natural state.
2. Frequent shampoo
While shampooing helps remove dirt and build up, it has a tendency to dry out hair. Shampooing can strip our hair of its natural oils* as well as dirt.
You have to decide how often you need to shampoo your hair, but if you’re not using a ton of product every day, once a week or every two weeks is fine. To gently cleanse your hair without removing all of your moisturize, opt for co washing every few days.
3. Consistent hair manipulation
Personally, I think of summer time as protective styling season. Constantly washing and twisting my hair? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Constantly touching your hair, combined with the heat and humidity is a recipe for frizz.
Pick a protective style that doesn’t feel like a helmet on your head, and leave your hair alone for a few weeks. You won’t have to worry as much when you go to the beach or pool either – just make sure to keep your head clean.
4. Not moisturizing
Summer time means definitely adding more moisture to your hair. The sun is going to be out, and you may experience more dryness compared to winter months. Here are a few extra steps you can take in the summer to keep your hair moisturized:
• Invest in a cheap spray bottle – fill it with water, leave in conditioner*, and your favorite oil. Spritz your hair with it daily
• LOC Method – Liquid, Oil, Cream: do this after every wash to seal in your moisturize
• Deep Conditioning* – add a moisturizing deep conditioning* treatment to your regimen every week
Don’t let the change in season alter any progress of your hair journey. Learn what your hair likes and doesn’t like this summer season. Just remember that moisture is good all year round, and by making small changes, your curls are sure to flourish!