The heat and humidity during the warmest months of the year can wreak havoc on your hair, causing it to become frizzy, brittle and dull. If you want to maintain healthy-looking locks this summer while still enjoying the sun, sea and sand, you can use these simple tips to protect and nourish your hair. 

1.  Apply a UV Protectant

Heat styling tools aren’t the only way to damage your tresses. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage your hair’s protective outer layer (cuticle), leaving the core of the strand vulnerable to pigmentation loss and protein deterioration.

Apply a UV protectant containing ingredients like Cinnamidopropyltrimonium chloride, a powerful UV light absorber and substantive that bonds to your hair and remains even when you’re splashing in the waves. 

Sun Bum Anti-Frizz Oil Mist not only contains UV light absorbers to combat sun damage, it is also formulated with sea kelp extract, Tamanu oil and Kukai Nut oil to strengthen your hair. It is vegan and animal-cruelty free and the ultra-fine mist can be applied to any hair type.

2.  Wash Your Hair With Care

The summer heat can leave your scalp feeling sweaty and you may think you need to wash your hair daily to remove any buildup. However, overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing dryness and brittleness, which is already exacerbated by the intense summer heat. 

If you must wash your hair every day, choose a mild shampoo labeled for daily use. These shampoos typically have lower levels of surfactants, the ingredients that eliminate oil from your hair. 

Pantene Nutrient Blends Miracle Moisture Boost Rose Water Shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens and mineral oils. It is gentle enough to use every day and has a subtle rose fragrance to leave your hair looking and smelling amazing. 

If you can’t wash your hair daily, invest in a high-quality dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo. Dry shampoos contain absorbent ingredients like rice starch to eliminate excess oils, helping to give your hair added volume and bounce between washes.

Throughout the summer, you should also use a deep conditioning treatment once every two to three weeks to hydrate your locks. Deep conditioning treatments like SheaMoisture Deep Hair Conditioner - Avocado Butter and Manuka Honey contain higher concentrations of humectant ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera to draw in moisture from the environment. They also contain emollients like shea butter or coconut oil which form a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.

3. Unplug Your Curling Wand

Although you may covet beach-ready waves this summer, curling irons, straighteners and heated rollers can reach temperatures of up to 450°F, damaging your hair’s structure and leading to frizziness and breakage. 

Unplug your heat styling tools and choose heatless curling techniques instead. Foam rollers are an excellent option to create luscious curls overnight without damaging your locks. Conair Satin Foam Rollers come in two sizes and feature satin covers to protect your hair against breakage and overdrying. The foam core offers fast-drying action, allowing you to use them on wet or dry hair.

Due to the high humidity in summer, when using non-heat styling tools, you may need a little extra help to create volume and defined curls depending on your hair type. Apply a root booster such as John Frieda Root Booster Spray if you have fine or naturally straight hair. This can help lift your crown for added volume. 

For natural hair or tight coils, ensure that you use a curl-defining product such as Gold Series from Pantene Sulfate-Free, Curl Defining Pudding. This product can be used on damp or dry hair and the long-lasting helps to separate your curls and tame frizz.

If you do use heat styling tools, ensure that you apply a heat protectant to your hair. Products like Pantene Pro-V Heat Primer Thermal Heat Protectant are formulated with micro-polymers to help shield strands from damage and enhance shine.

4. Protect Against Chorine and Salt Damage

If you love soaking in the hot tub, swimming laps in the pool or splashing in the ocean, it is critical to protect your hair from the salt and chlorine-treated water. Chlorine breaks down the amino acids that give your hair structure and increases its porosity. It also strips the pigment from colored hair, leaving your strands brittle and broken. Saltwater dries out your scalp and hair, leaving it coarse and prone to breakage and split ends. 

You can minimize salt and chlorine damage by rinsing your hair with cold, fresh water before swimming or wearing a swim cap. Rinsing your hair before swimming causes your strands to soak up the fresh water and limits the amount of chlorine your strands absorb. 

If you have blonde hair and regularly swim in chlorinated water, consider buying a clarifying shampoo to prevent your hair from developing a green tinge.

5. Towel Dry Gently

Whether climbing out of the pool or stepping out of the shower, towel drying your hair too vigorously can damage already stressed hair. Beach towels are typically covered in salt residue and sand that is abrasive on your locks and the standard terry bath towels’ weave is too coarse and can raise the hair cuticle, leading to split ends. 

In addition to using the correct towel drying technique, try using an ultra-absorbent microfiber towel specifically designed for hair. The Conair Hair Drying Frizz Free Towel is crafted from a soft cotton jersey and features an elasticized hem to keep the towel in place. Once you have wrapped the towel around your head, it gently absorbs excess moisture. 

You can also save money and space in your beach bag by using an old 100% cotton t-shirt to dry your hair. 

Protect Your Hair This Summer With Quality Products From Rite Aid.

At Rite Aid, we have all the products and tools you need to protect and support your hair this summer, from heat protectants to styling tools. Visit your local Rite Aid store or explore our inventory online and check out our collection of digital coupons to receive discounts on your favorite products.