With summer comes dreams of blue skies, warm temperatures, and beachside fun. You’ll most likely be spending more time outside while vacationing, hiking, or sitting in the sun. While these activities are tons of fun, take care to protect your skin and hair from the elements during the summer months! Here are a few tips to tailor your hair and beauty routines for the summer.
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1. Stay hydrated
It is important to drink plenty of water in warmer temperatures as being dehydrated can lead to the declining health of your hair and skin. Keep a water bottle with you, and add lemon or lime slices for some extra flavour! To keep yourself extra hydrated, try adding fruits and vegetables with high water content to your diet.
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2. Shield yourself from UV rays
Harmful rays from the sun are the cause of many hair & skin problems. It is advised to wear a scarf or a hat when outdoors in the summer. This protects skin from UV radiation, helps hair retain moisture, and reduces wind damage. Choose a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, and remember to reapply if you’re out in the sun throughout the day. For full protection, look for a sunscreen that offers coverage from both UVA and UVB rays.
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3. Moisturize
Hair and skin need all the extra moisturization and conditioning they can get in the summer. Skin will do best with a non-greasy moisturizer in addition to sunscreen. Hair requires deep conditioning treatments such as oil masks. The lips are not to be forgotten, and need a good lip balm with SPF.
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4. Exfoliate regularly
Skin can be kept free of oil and impurities that might clog pores by exfoliating regularly. Especially when using sunscreen regularly, ensure you are properly cleansing your skin.
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5. Hair protection from chlorine
Hair absorbs chlorine, and this can result in damage and discolouration of hair. To protect your hair, try wetting your hair with clean water before jumping in the pool to reduce the chlorine absorbed. After your swim, use a clarifying shampoo to cleanse your hair. If hair is discolored by chlorine exposure, try rinsing with a solution of diluted apple cider vinegar ( ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar mixed in 2 cups of water).
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6. Reduce heat treatments
When hair has been exposed to the sun’s heat on a daily basis, it is better to cut back on heat treatments to reduce the stress it puts on the hair.
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7. Removal of body hair
While some people like to show more skin in the summer, last-minute waxing or shaving sessions might do more harm than good. Skin tends to be at its most irritable after hair removal and immediate exposure to the irritants such as sun, sand and chlorinated water will create skin problems. It is best to give skin a rest for at least a day before hitting the beach or pool.
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8. Treat your hair with care
Hair should be handled gently, especially after a swim. Wet hair should be combed with a wide-toothed comb. Hairstyles are also recommended to be loose and airy to enable air circulation and cooling of the scalp.
Using these hair and beauty practices for the hot summer months should help you stay protected from the elements!
