How to Help Your Hair Recover From Summer

Summer is fun for us, but it's not always so kind to our hair. Between long days in the sun, dips in the pool or ocean, humidity, and a little extra heat styling, it's common to head into fall with hair that feels dry, frizzy, dull, or just a bit "tired."

The good news is that fall is the perfect time for a reset. With a few simple changes, you can bring back softness, shine, and strength before the colder, drier months arrive. Here's where to start.

What Summer Does to Your Hair

Sun exposure. Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by UV rays. The sun breaks down the proteins that keep hair strong and can leave it brittle, rough, and more prone to breakage. It can also fade color, both natural and dyed.

Chlorine and salt water. Pool chlorine strips away your hair's natural oils, and salt water pulls out moisture. Both can leave hair feeling straw-like and tangled.

Humidity. Humid air causes the outer layer of your hair to swell and lift, which leads to frizz and a rougher texture.

Heat styling and ponytails. Blow-drying, straightening, and tight summer ponytails all add stress to strands that are already working hard.

Your scalp takes a hit too. Sun, sweat, and extra washing can leave your scalp dry, irritated, or flaky, and a healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair.

Step #1: Get a Trim

If your ends feel rough or you're seeing split ends, a trim is the fastest way to make your hair look healthier. Split ends can't be repaired, and left alone, they can travel further up the strand. Even taking off a quarter to half an inch makes a noticeable difference in how your hair looks and moves.

Step #2: Switch to a Gentle, Nourishing Wash

After a summer of sweat, sunscreen, and pool days, your hair may need a good cleanse, but harsh shampoos can strip away even more moisture. Look for a gentle, sulfate-free formula that cleans without leaving your hair feeling squeaky or rough.

The Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner with Coconut & Hemp Seed are a great fall reset for dry, summer-stressed hair, adding moisture back in as they cleanse. If your scalp feels like it needs a little refreshing too, the Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner are a nice option with a cool, invigorating feel.

Tip: wash with lukewarm water, and finish with a cool rinse to help smooth the hair's outer layer and add shine.

Step #3: Make Deep Conditioning a Weekly Habit

This is the step that makes the biggest difference for summer-stressed hair. A weekly hair mask gives your strands a concentrated dose of moisture and helps restore softness and elasticity.

Try a hydrating hair mask. Apply to damp hair after shampooing, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. For an extra treat, wrap your hair in a warm towel while it works.

Step #4: Don't Skip the Leave-In

A leave-in conditioner is like moisturizer for your hair. It adds lightweight hydration, helps with detangling, and gives your hair a layer of protection throughout the day. A few pumps on damp hair, concentrated on the ends, helps keep frizz and breakage in check.

Step #5: Give Your Scalp Some Love

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. If yours feels dry or tight after summer, try a gentle scalp massage when you shampoo. Use your fingertips (not your nails) in small circles for a minute or two. It feels wonderful, helps loosen buildup, and encourages circulation.

Step #6: Turn Down the Heat

Give your hair a break from hot tools while it recovers. Air-dry when you can, use the lowest effective heat setting when you do style, and always use a heat protectant. Swapping tight elastics for soft scrunchies or claw clips also helps reduce breakage.

Step #7: Prep for Cooler Weather

Fall brings its own hair challenges: dry indoor heat, static, and friction from hats and scarves. A few small habits help:

• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.

• Keep up with your weekly mask as the air gets drier.

• Protect your hair from hats and wool scarves by tucking it in loosely or lining with a silk scarf.

• Drink plenty of water and eat protein-rich foods, since your hair is made of protein and relies on good nutrition to grow strong.

The Bottom Line

Summer may leave your hair a little worse for wear, but it's easy to bring it back. Trim away damage, switch to gentle and nourishing products, deep condition weekly, and treat your scalp well. Within a few weeks, you'll notice softer, shinier, stronger hair that's ready for the season ahead.

Not sure which hair products fit your hair type? Feel free to reach out, or come chat about it in our VIP Community on Facebook.