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I’ve been wearing my curly hair naturally — no flat ironing or curling. Even though I always use a heat protectant when styling, I’ve noticed my hair looks healthier without added heat. No surprise there, but I started reading about other ways I can protect my hair.
Here are 5 ways you can protect your hair during summer….and all year long.
1. Use a wide-tooth comb
It’s summer time — you’re in and out of the pool, relaxing at the beach or the lake, or just showering the sweat away — your hair is getting wet possibly more than usual. It’s important to be gentle with you wet hair; it’s weaker when it’s wet. Brushing through your wet hair with a brush will pull your hair and can cause breakage. Using a wide-tooth comb is more gentle. Start combing from the bottom and work your way up to the roots. If your hair gets very knotty, use a detangling spray to help you comb through.
This detangling comb from The Body Shop is $7.
This Wide-Tooth Comb from Silk Elements is infused with olive oil and wheat germ. $4 from Sally’s Beauty Supply
2. Avoid heat styling
Like I said before, added heat can be rough on your hair. Of course a heat protectant can help, but especially during summer, try to avoid extra heat.
3. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase
A silky pillowcase will allow your hair to slide and glide freely. Standard cotton pillowcases can absorb the natural oils from your hair, drying it out. Cotton can also cause your hair to stick and with your head turning, your hair could snag and break.
A silk pillowcase can also be hydrating to your hair because of it’s natural amino acids.
Sleepnbeauty.com highlights some things to keep in mind when searching for your silk pillowcase.
4. Ribbon Hair Ties
If you’re like me and you wear a lot of ponytails, you should try Ribbon Hair Ties. When I wear my ponytails in the same spot, I notice some breakage where I tie the usual Goody hair ties. Nothing is wrong with traditional Goody hair ties, especially if you adjust the height of your ponytail regularly, but ribbon-type hair ties are much more gentle on your hair.
They’re basically an elastic ribbon, tied in a knot. You could make your own or you can buy them from a number of retailers.
5. Don’t wear you purse on your shoulder
If your shoulder bag rests on your hair, it could be causing breakage. Constant tugging on your hair on the same spot can make your hair weak. Try switching up your bag placement, or being mindful to move your hair out of the way before taking your bag.
Obviously, the healthier your hair, the less likely it is to break. If you already have dry hair or split ends, a good hair cut can give you a fresh start and always looks great for summer.
