When it comes to summertime beauty, you're all about protecting your skin. You already know that too much time in the sun can be harmful to your complexion. You've heard about the dangers and have been taught to limit your exposure to the sun. But there are some bad summer habits that can ruin your hair that you may not even be aware of.
Believe it or not, swimming, sunbathing, and even wearing a ponytail can do some pretty major damage to your hair. But things like wearing a protective hat and thoroughly washing your hair after a swim can help prevent some of the dryness and discoloration that can make your locks look less than perfect.
Your summer social calendar is probably already filling up, and the last thing in the world you want is to have to run from the camera in fear every time someone wants to post a pic to Instagram. But if you stay away from some of these bad summer hair habits, you can keep your hair healthy and looking great all summer long. And that's enough to get you a picture that's worthy of becoming the new profile pic — at least for a few months.
1
You Use The Wrong Ponytail Holder
An article in Redbook cautioned against those thin hair elastics, as they cause breakage to your hair. Instead, use bobby pins to pull hair away from your face gently. Your hair will thank you.
2
You Get Too Much Sun
Marie Claire warned girls about the damage too much sun can do to your locks, including dryness and discoloration. If you're going to spend a lot of time outside, be sure to wear a hat or use a heat protectant on your hair first.
3
You're Rough With The Brush
You may be in a rush after your morning swim, and think you have to comb through your hair. But according to the Huffington Post, you should take your time when detangling your hair. and enlist the help of a detangling spray and a wide tooth comb.
4
You Get Salty
According to Stylecaster, the ocean's salt water can leave your hair a dry, tangled mess. The site recommended applying a good leave-in conditioner to your hair before taking a swim in the ocean to combat the negative effects. And be sure to give yourself a good shampoo afterwards.
5
You Wash It Too Much
With all of that beach and pool time, you're definitely going to take more showers this summer. But too much shampooing will strip your hair of it's natural moisture and lead to breakage, according to the Aveda Institute. For daily washing, it's best to use a lighter shampoo or co-wash.
6
You're Trying To Lighten Your Hair
You may want to add a little lemon juice to give your hair a sun-kissed glow. But on their website, Urban Bush Babes warns that things like alcohol, peroxide and lemon can dry out your hair. Leave the lightening to the pros.
7
You're Covered In Chlorine
Prevention magazine noted that chlorine buildup can cause some pretty major hair damage, including leaving a disgusting green film. To combat the pool's damage, the magazine suggested protecting your hair by rinsing it with tap water before you dive into the pool. Additionally, adding leave-in conditioner after will help retain moisture.
