STYLE

Summer's in full swing, and that means long days full of sun, pools and saltwater. Sadly, while all these elements make for fabulous memories, they're not so rad for your hair. But DW, gal—there are endless products that can help combat bad hair days this summer. Ready to dive in?

Tackle tangles and seawater 

@chloe_clarice

Swimming in saltwater oceans or lakes is an essential summer activity, but the salt particles can dry out your hair and leave it totally tangled. If you're serious about hair protection in the sea, go for this Saphira leave-on hair mask, which blocks off hair cuticles from all those drying factors before your soak. Not willing to splurge? Check out this after-beach 3-in-1 leave-in detangler from PUREMIX. It's rich in vitamins and minerals and will leave your hair feeling even softer than before your swim. 

Protect your pool hair

@mel.amartinez

Unfortch, chlorine from pools can deprive your locks of their natural moisture, resulting in split ends and further damage. We know, it's hard to resist hopping into the pool the second you arrive to your summer hangout spot. However, dry hair (AKA hair that has not been rinsed in clean water yet) soaks up chlorine in a super unsatisfying, sponge-like way, so it's best to douse your hair pre- and post-pool sesh. Go the extra mile and add some coconut oil to your shower routine to help lock in that moisture. 

Repair with hair masks 

Hair Redemption Restorative Butter Masque, $31, better-notyounger.com

Sun exposure can dry out your hair, making it brittle and dull. In order to prevent this, deep condition your hair pre-boat ride with a reparative hair mask. Your natural moisture will be locked in and ready to bask in the summer sun.

Add sunscreen to your part

Scalp and Hair Mist SPF 30, $18, Sun Bum

Not-so-fun fact: 5% of melanomas (a type of skin cancer) occur on the scalp. Good news is, it's preventable. Simply spritz your hair and scalp with this spray from Sun Bum fifteen minutes before you hit the beach, and you'll be golden. And curb your worries about feeling greasy or weighted down after using it—it's super lightweight *and* smells good. 

Cover your hair with scarves and hats

Shell-trimmed crochet headscarf, $14, Urban Outfitters

In order to minimize sun exposure, tie up your hair in a cute scarf or hat! You can also don trendy caps like this New York Yankees option or a cool crochet hat. Any extra protection from the sunny skies is fab for your hair health!

How are you styling your hair this summer? Tag us in your pics @girlslifemag on Insta!

Looking for more summer style recs? You've come to the right place. 
🏖️Pick your summer persona and we'll give you a fashion moodboard
🏖️ This is a sign to start crocheting your clothes
🏖️ The best body glitters that are actually good for your skin

Top image: @pressley
Slider image: @mel.amartinez

by Julia Szymanski | 7/27/2023