Sunshine and water are two things that are hard to avoid in the summer time. Being oustide, going on hikes, tanning by the pool, swimming in the ocean, these are just a few of the activities everybody loves doing in the summer. If you didn't already know, sun and chlorine can be damaging to hair but don't let that keep you inside all summer long. We have come up with a list of ways that you can help protect your hair in the summer while enjoying and embracing the beautiful outdoors!

• Do not shampoo your hair before swimming in chlorine!  If you know the day before that you are going to be spending the day by the pool, refrain from washing your hair that night. Chlorine will strip away all of the protective oils that your hair has built up exposing it to the chemicals found in pool water. If you don't wash your hair before jumping in the pool your hair will be somewhat protected from damage. If you are the type of person who feels their hair is always greasy don't wash it anyway, you're going in the water so what is the point of styling your hair? Don't be afraid to just throw your hair up in a messy bun or wear a hat! You are going to want to keep your hair out of your face since it is hot out so do your hair some good by not washing it!
• This brings us to our next tip, wear your hair up!  Slicking your hair back into a ponytail is doing less damage to your hair when you're out in the sun. By doing this you are protecting your scalp from being burnt by the sun. Aim for hair styles like loose buns or ponytails, these will cause less breakage because you aren't putting too much stress on your hair. Also alternate the position of your up do each day, this will also release some stress to your hair by not pulling on the same strands repeatedly. Before going to bed or while relaxing inside wear your hair down. Since you are indoors the sun can't cause any damage. By letting your hair down you will give your hair the break it needs.
• Don't overuse your hair products.  Overusing hairspray, oil, shampoo, etc. can dry out your hair. The sun is already doing a pretty good job of that so don't add to the damage! By constantly adding product to your hair you are causing the strands to become dry and delicate.
• Keep hydrated!  Drinking lots of water and other cooling liquids will only be good for your hair and your body! There's nothing better than lying by the pool and sipping on something refreshing! A great and fun way to keep hydrated is by adding fresh fruits or vegetables to your water! The flavors of fruit will infuse the water and make your drink even more delicious! Drink as much water as you can through out the day because it will keep your hair and skin from drying out as much.
• Get your hair cut in the beginning of the summer!  If it hasn't gotten too hot yet then prepare yourself by getting a trim before the sun starts to come out. If your hair has any dead ends trim them before summer has officially begins to prevent any extra damage. If your hair is already in bad shape then the sun will only add to this damage. By the end of the summer you might have to cut off more hair then you were planning on so take caution before hand. If you get a haircut at the beginning of summer your hair will be healthy, and any damage that occurs after will not leave your hair in a condition where you have to spend all of fall and winter trying to repair.
• Purchase a hydrating shampoo and conditioner!  Extra hydration will do your hair some good when you've been out in the sun all day. Look for products that DON'T contain any harsh sulfates, parabens or sodium chloride. These ingredients will weigh down your hair making it appear flat.
• Just like you need to intake a lot of water to keep hydrated, you also want to apply water to your hair to keep it hydrated to!  A trick we learned about includes spraying water on your hair before going in the pool or ocean. You don't want to drench your hair but just spray enough water to dampen it, this will add an extra layer of coating to your hair. That extra layer will protect your hair from absorbing all of the chlorine and salt water. All you need to do is fill up a spray bottle with cold water. You can place it in your beach bag and take it with you whenever you will be going to the pool or beach. This way you will always be prepared and so will your hair!
• Use UV-shielding products and apply them to damp hair!  By applying protective products to damp hair rather than dry, you are allowing the product to absorb fully into your hair. If you wait until your hair has fully dried to use any UV-shielding products then it will just sit on the surface of your hair and won't sink in, not allowing it to actually protect your it.
• Brush your hair with care!  Brushing your hair when it is wet does more damage than good. So instead of immediately detangling any knots wait until your hair is fully dry. Then, instead of using a brush gently run through your hair with a wide tooth comb. Hair is very delicate so you want to go easy when your combing it, this will prevent any additional damage!