Summertime can be rough on your locks between the heat, UV rays, pool chemicals, saltwater allergens, and dry wind. However, taking extra care of your hair may be the last thing on your to-do list during the warmer months. Whether your hair is long or short, you will want to do some things to keep your hair healthy and happy. And don’t worry - it won’t take too much time away from your summer plans. Here are 10 ways to take care of your hair during the summer months from our hair experts.

Yes - your hair actually needs sunscreen. This recommendation may come as a surprise, as most of us only hear about using sunscreen for our skin. But, hair can be affected by harmful UV rays as well. UVA and UVB rays are known to increase free radicals in the body, and one of the best ways to prevent them, aside from staying indoors and wearing sun-protective clothing, is to use sunblock. In your hair, free radicals damage the cuticle, which is the out protective layer of each hair strand. Of course, the sun also damages your scalp, which can cause irritation and inflammation.

Only a select few shampoo products offer UV protection, and most of them are not safe for many hair types of color-treated hair. However, the RADIA shampoo and conditioner line has SPF and is safe for every hair type, even color-treated hair.

It can be tempting to wash your hair more often in the summer because you are more likely to get sweaty from the heat. But, overwashing your hair can be particularly drying on both your hair and scalp. Try to plan out your washes to coordinate with when you are doing sweaty summer activities, so you don’t find yourself washing every day, twice a day.

Conditioner is always your friend, but it is essential during the dry, hot months of the year. Use a conditioner that is specific for dry hair like the RADIA conditioner. It is ideal for hydrating and clarifying and leaves your hair soft and shiny and your scalp revitalized.

Avoiding the summer heat can be tough, but one way to decrease your hair’s exposure to high temperatures is to toss out any hairstyles that require hot styling tools like straighteners and curling irons. Summertime is the perfect opportunity to go au natural, and it has the added benefit of helping your hair heal before the colder months arrive.

We can’t speak about protecting your hair without discussing how to protect your scalp. An unhealthy scalp leads to unhappy hair. Make sure to cover any exposed areas of your scalp from sun rays, like your forehead, part line, or thinning areas. Again, this is where a good shampoo with SPF comes in handy, and you may also need to use regular sunscreen if your hair is particularly thin in areas.

Let your hair down this summer by getting rid of tight buns and ponytails, and opt for looser styles. Pulling too much on your scalp can cause tension hair thinning because the follicles can get damaged.

If you are struggling with hair loss, there is no time like the present to take steps to get it back. After all, hair is one of the ways our body protects itself from sun damage, so it is pretty important.

There are several steps you can take to regrow your hair. Firstly, you will want to nourish your hair from within. One of the best ways to do this is by taking hair regrowth supplements that have all the right ingredients to support hair growth, like the REVITA Nutraceutical Tablets. Secondly, you will need to use a hair regrowth product to stimulate growth topically. For example, both men and women can benefit from using Nanoxidil 5%, a hair regrowth compound that has been clinically proven to stimulate hair growth without side effects.

We have already talked about the importance of using SPF on your hair and scalp, but sun hats are an excellent way to keep harmful rays off your head. It also helps prevent sun damage around your face and shoulders, depending on the type of hat you choose.

If you have heard rumors about hats causing hair loss, don’t fear. There is really no evidence that supports this theory. Rather, there is likely a correlation here because people who do struggle with hair loss often conceal it by wearing a hat.

When choosing a hat, make sure it offers full protection. For example, you will want to avoid hats that have holes or other gaps where sunlight may enter.  

Summertime is full of things flying in the air, like tree, grass, and weed pollens. It also is a time where people are more likely to swim in chlorinated pools and saltwater. Being outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, but it can also irritate your scalp and hair. If you leave chemicals and allergens on your scalp, it can lead to inflammation. In turn, inflammation will suppress your hair growth and may even increase hair fallout.

While daily washing may not be ideal, as it can dry out your hair and scalp, regular washing is essential to cleanse your scalp and hair. Try to plan out your washes, so you make sure to rinse your hair after swimming at the pool or beach, but not so that is is too often to where it is too drying.

As a good rule of thumb for all seasons, use a wide-toothed comb to prevent hair breakage. One of the best times to use a comb on your hair is in the shower when you are conditioning. First, apply your conditioner and then use a wide-toothed comb to spread it all over your hair. This practice helps to ensure it coats all your strands evenly with the added benefit of detangling simultaneously.