Ah, summer: the time of sun, beach, and a million more opportunities for adorable outfits and hairstyles. Well, be honest—scorching heat can make those luscious locks a sticky and tangled mess. Don't let rising temperatures dampen your summer style! This guide will help you gain control over heat and keep your hair stunning all summer.
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| Photo: senivpetro/Freepik |
Understanding Your Hair and the Summer Elements
Before diving into specific hairstyles, let's take a minute to understand how summer elements set the backdrop for your hair.
- Humidity: High humidity can frizz the hair and cause it to lose shape.
- Sun Damage: Sun exposure dries the strands, which results in breakage and split ends.
- Saltwater: That refreshing dip in the ocean that may be great for the heat can be damagingly drying to your hair.
- Chlorine: Chlorine in pools can dry out all-natural oils, leaving your hair feeling brittle.
Armed with these facts, you can pick a hairstyle and the right products to help you withstand the summer conditions.
Getting Your Hair Ready for Summer Success
A bit of pre-styling prep work does much to save your hair and make it more manageable throughout the season. Here are some key things to bear in mind:
- Deep Conditioning: Deep conditioning regularly locks in moisture and promotes strong hair. Look for products containing coconut oil, argan oil, or shea butter. Heat Protectant: Use heat protectant spray every time you style your hair with heated appliances such as straighteners or curling irons. Leave-in Conditioner: Also, a leave-in conditioner with SPF will give extra protection against the sun.
- Embrace Natural Textures: Ditch the damaging straightening treatments and embrace your natural texture this summer. This will reduce the amount of heat styling/effect.
- Scalp Care: Your scalp is not exempt! Having product buildup on your scalp may further irritate it, leading to dandruff. Once weekly, clarify your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove excess product and dead skin cells.
5 Summer Hairstyles to Get You Through Any Occasion (at Any Skill Level)
Now that your locks are all prepped and primed, let's dive into some awesome summer hairstyles that are gorgeous and practical.
1. Effortlessly Chic Messy Bun
This beauty is endlessly useful for those crazy mornings or just to loaf around one lazy afternoon. It really can be dressed up or down by any address or other accessories.
- Technique: Sweep back your hair to the crown, and then secure it with a hair tie. Don't worry about the symmetry—this is a messy bun; everything will be all right. You can systematically wrench out some strands next to the face to surround it.
- Styling Tips: Add some texture by braiding a small piece of hair before sweeping it back into the bun. Add a very decorative bobby pin or headband to add some personality.
- Best for: All hair types, casual outings, lazy days, second-day hair.
2. The Sporty and Sleek High Ponytail
This hairstyle is lifesaving during those super hot days and is great for keeping hair out of your face when working out or engaging in any outdoor activity.
- Technique: Gently sweep back your mane and tie it high up at the crown in a ponytail. Use a hair tie that matches your hair color
- Styling Tips: Use a little hairspray or gel if you find that random strands are flying everywhere. Throw on a colorful elastic band or scrunchie for lively bursts of color. To make this really much sleeker, take one small strand of hair and wrap it around the hair tie, then bobby pin in place.
- Best for: All hair types, active lifestyles, workouts, errands, hot and humid days.
3. The Versatile Half-Up Half-Down
This is a very romantic and practical hairstyle that manages to strike a perfect balance between keeping one cool by tying one's hair and being able to still see its flowing beauty.
- Technique: Divide your hair where you want to, then take the top half and secure it in a ponytail or braid at the back of your head. You can do different types of braid designs or just twist the air and attach it by a clip.
- Styling Tips: Curl the loose hair on to ensure that whimsical effect or let it be loose and relaxed with a few strands framing your face. For sparse-haired people, treat yourself to a bit of teasing at the crown center to achieve extra volume before putting up the top half.
- Best for: All hair types, casual outings, dates, work, and everyday wear.
4. The Braided Beauty: Endless Options for Every Skill Level
Braids are absolutely awesome for keeping your hair both neat and stylish during the summertime. From simple plaiting to complex French braiding, there is some form of a braid that suits every level of expertise and occasion.
- Simple Braid: This is the simplest and most traditional option. It is easy to learn, requires very minimal effort, and works really well if you're just starting your endeavor with braids. It basically involves dividing your locks into three parts before overlaying the two outer portions over the middle portion time and again till the end. Finally, secure everything in place with a hair tie.
- French Braid: This braid provides a more secure, detailed look, whereby you begin at the hairline with a three-strand braid, but instead of crossing the outer sections clean over the middle, when you weave in, integrate little side hair sections into the braid. Just keep braiding down the head, picking up new hair with each section until you hit the bottom.
- Dutch Braid: A form of braid done in the same manner as a French braid but slightly differently to raise the bolder effect. Similar to a French braid, take three sections at the beginning of the hairline. However, against the French braid, weave the outer sections over the middle rather than under. By so doing, the sides of the braid are brought up.
- Fishtail Braid: Such a braid creates an attractive, woven design. Your hair should be divided into two portions. By crossing a small piece of hair from the outside of one section to the inside of the other, it should resemble the image of the fishbone. Do the same on the other side: take a small piece from the outside and weave it through the opposite section. Do this all the way down the hair until you have reached the end.
- Headband Braid: This stylish braid comes in so handy in keeping the hair out of your face. Take a small piece of hair along your hairline and braid it on one side at a time. Secure the ends with bobby pins behind your ear. Do the same on the other side. Meet the braids in the back and pin them securely.
- Braided Updo: Incorporate the braids into an updo for a sophisticated, yet practical, hairstyle. Take your hair to both sides of your head and start a French braid, Dutch braid, or any other kind of braid that you will feel comfortable in. Braid the locks together at the back of your head using bobby pins to secure them into a bun or chignon.
- Braided Ponytail: Take your classic ponytail up a notch by adding a braid. You will braid a section of hair sitting on one side of the head, then take the rest into a ponytail and wrap the braid around the base, finishing with a bobby pin for a polished finish.
5. The Chic and Easy Scarf Wrap
Scarves can be godsent on those days when you really do not have the time and strength to indulge in elaborate hairstyling. It adds a dash of your personality while also saving your hair from the sun's harmful rays.
- Method: There are many ways through which you can wear your scarf in your hair. Here are a few popular ones:
- Headband Wrap: Fold your square scarf into a triangle. Then tie the ends at the back of your head, making a really beautiful and practical headband to keep the hair out of your face.
- Turban Wrap: This style has a bit more coverage that really adds an extra bohemian kick. Starting at the hairline, take the scarf around the head, tucking as you go, giving quite a secure look with bobby pins.
- Ponytail Wrap: Take a ponytail. Wrap the scarf around the hair tie to completely cover it. Tuck the ends under the ponytail or tie them in a bow.
- Styling Tips: Use a scarf that will complement your outfit and the color of your hair. You could go for several combinations with different patterns and textures of scarves to create your look while working.
Bonus Tips for Summer Hair Care
- Swim-After Rinse: Chlorine and salt water can be damaging to your hair. After swimming, rinse your hair with clean, cool water to rid yourself of harsh chemicals that were in the pool. Consider using a clarifying shampoo once a week during the summer months.
- Air dry whenever possible: Avoid using heat for styling your hair as far as possible. Let your hair dry naturally to avoid any heat damage. In case you must make use of heat-styling tools, then do so at the lowest possible temperature.
- Hydrate it out: Like all other areas of your body, your hair needs hydration too during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water and religiously use a good, hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
- Don't Forget the Hat: Your hats can be a good protective means against the harmful rays of the sun. Pick one with a wide brim that will shade your face, neck, and scalp.
With these pointers and the hairstyles enumerated above, you will be sporting great hair all summer long. Go out there, soak in the sun, and flaunt your summer hair with poise!