5 Summer Hair Problems Solved

This summer is going to be extra hot and dry. And the UV levels will be higher than ususal. Protect your skin and your hair.

1.    Humidity-Induced Frizz
Because hair is porous, the cuticle absorbs moisture—and when summer humidity is at its height, the cuticle swells and expands, causing the hair to spread, twist, and ultimately frizz. Tame your tresses by investing in a hydrating, smoothing shampoo and conditioner. Also, use a silicone-based finishing product to seal in moisture, like Citre Shine’s Anti-Frizz Polishing Serum ($7 at Drugstore.com)—a popular frizz-fighting serum on social shopping site Kaboodle. Finally, refrain from over-styling your hair with blow-dryers, curling irons, or flat-irons, as too much heat damages the cuticle and leads to more frizz.
2.    Burnt Dry Scalp
The scalp is one of the most commonly missed spots when it comes to sunscreen application because people incorrectly assume that hair serves as a natural barrier to the sun’s rays. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice style by smearing on greasy sun block or completely covering your ‘do with a hat to get adequate protection. Myriad hair care products with built-in SPF, including leave-in conditioners, styling serums, and hair sprays, have recently hit the market. Just remember to pay particular attention to where your hair naturally parts (and where your scalp is most exposed).
3.    Greasy-Looking Strands
With sweltering temperatures and excess perspiration, it’s no  surprise that hair can get overly greasy in the summertime. Prevent excess oil by avoiding hair sprays and gels—especially close to the scalp—as they can create a greasy-looking buildup at the root.
Likewise, keep conditioner away from the scalp. Also, although it seems counterintuitive, consider washing your hair less frequently, as too much washing strips the scalp of its natural oils and causes glands to produce even more oil to compensate. Finally, do not touch your ‘do! The oils on your palms and fingers easily transfer to your hair, giving you that dreaded greasy look.
4.    Chlorinated Green Hair
Exposure to the oxidized metals in chlorinated pools can cause blonde, light brown, and color-treated hair to turn a ghastly shade of green. Stave off sage-colored strands by wearing a swimming cap. Consider the cap a fashion faux pas? Invest in a color-safe clarifying shampoo that contains EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid), like Kenra’s Clarifying Shampoo ($11 on Folica.com), and use it immediately after jumping out of the pool. If you’re already victim to greenish hair, get it back to normal by combining a quarter cup baking soda, three mashed-up aspirins, and one cup of water and massaging into hair for a few minutes before shampooing. (Yes, really.)
5.    Split Ends
The combination of sun-exposed strands, scorching temperatures, and everyday use of heat-emitting styling products typically results in brittle, frayed ends. Save your strands (and valuable time) by shampooing less often, which gives your hair much-needed room to absorb its natural oils. Bonus: The less you wash your hair, the less you have to subject it to hot styling tools like a hairdryer. Finally, stay on top of your scheduled hair trims—most hair stylists recommend cutting your ends every four to six weeks during summer months.
As wonderful as the sunshine season is, it can really wreak havoc on our hair—from scalp scorched by the sun’s intense rays to weather-induced frizz. Here are five common hair problems solved, so you can sport healthy, vibrant-looking locks all summer long.