THE JOURNAL

Illustration by Jalcalara, Colagene, Creative Clinic
Summer is the season of expectation. When the vacation we’ve been yearning for, the beach body we may (or may not) have been working on, and the chance to relax in the sun finally all comes to fruition. Follicularly speaking, though, summer is arguably the cruellest season to deal with. Hot weather can spell trouble for even the most fastidiously groomed coif. From harmful UV rays to frizz-causing humidity, sweat and melting products, a good hair day can turn bad as soon as you’re out of the comfort of the AC. In short, your usual haircare routine likely won’t cut it when the mercury starts to rise. To help that summer glow extend to the very tip of your head, we spoke to some experts for some summer hair tips to follow.
01.
Know your hair type
The first step in preparing a robust summer haircare routine is to understand that everybody’s hair will respond to the heat differently. “For some people, it will mean they perspire more, so their hair might get greasy,” says London-based hair stylist and groomer Ms Natalie Shafii. “While for other people, it will make their hair dry and brittle, especially if it is blond or bleached. And if you frequently go swimming, the chlorine or sea can dry the hair out, too.”
Depending on which type camp you fall into – and how much time by the pool or sea you plan to spend – will affect how you switch up your routine. Which brings us to…
02.
Handle humidity accordingly
“Curly hair will often get bigger and puffier in humid weather, whereas straighter, finer hair might get limper and greasier,” Shafii says. If you have natural curls or waves that tend to get wilder in the heat, a curl cream or oil will help tame the frizz, while finer, or straighter hair will benefit from a texturising hair powder to absorb the scalp’s natural oils and keep everything looking on point.
A salt spray is an easy summer go-to if you struggle with greasier looking hair in the summer. “It will add a bit of texture and go with that beachy feel rather than trying to work against it,” Shafii says.
03.
Protect your scalp at all costs
Thought sun protection was just for your face and body? Not quite. “Just like you would protect the rest of your skin from the sun, it’s important to shield your scalp as well, especially if you have thinning hair or a visible scalp,” says Mr Jeffrey Laub, co-founder of NYC men’s haircare brand Blind Barber. For this, he recommends applying a sunscreen specifically designed for the scalp, which will be formulated to stop hair getting weighed down.
Or you could get creative with your sun cream and use it as a styling product. “It won’t have as much hold obviously,” Shafii says. “But if you have shorter hair, it can be a great way to add some texture and is great for protecting the skin.”
The experts’ tip if you can't get your hands on an SPF you like? Have a hat handy. As well as being a failsafe for protecting your scalp from harmful sun rays, it’s just the thing for a bad hair day.
04.
Heat-proof your routine
Even if you’re usually good at handling the heat, your hair products probably aren’t as hardy. “Heat can break down most styling products, since the majority are water based,” Laub says. “Instead of the heavier hold products, opt for lighter alternatives, such as a lightweight styling creams, sea-salt sprays, or even a clay that has kaolin, which works to help soak up any excess oil. All of these lighter-touch styling products will help maintain your look while not weighing the hair down, nor adding any additional shine.”
05.
Wash with balance
“Heat leads to more sweat, excess oil and accumulated debris, which can clog the hair follicles,” Laub says. This build up can lead to scalp issues, such as inflammation and dandruff, which likely isn’t part of your plans this summer. To combat that happening, switching up your shampoo and conditioner to something more summer-appropriate is key.
“If you have dry, bleached or coloured hair, or you’re going swimming a lot or are in the sea, try using products that are more moisturising,” says Shafii. Or, if your hair doesn’t need any help staying oily, opt for a gentler, lightweight shampoo, or start using dry shampoo to absorb excess oiliness.
Either way, regular washing is advisable. “Cleanse your scalp regularly with a to remove impurities and keep the follicles clear, but be sure not to over wash the hair, which will strip away natural oils,” Laub says.
In summer, washing hair every two to three days should be enough for most of us. “It’s all about balance.”