Get Your Hair Summer-Ready with These Pro Tips
Summer Is Coming—Is Your Hair Ready?
As the temperatures rise and the sun stays out longer, our beauty routines shift to accommodate the season—and hair care should be no exception. Just as you wouldn’t head out for a beach day without SPF, your hair also needs protection and seasonal TLC. From sun damage to humidity-induced frizz, summer can wreak havoc on your strands if you’re not prepared. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back (and your roots).
Here are our top professional tips to help you protect, nourish, and style your hair all summer long. Whether you’re hitting the beach, the pool, or just soaking up sunshine on the daily, these summer hair care tips will have you looking—and feeling—fabulous.
1. Trim Away the Past, Make Room for the Season
The very first step in prepping your hair for summer? A fresh trim. Winter can leave behind split ends, dryness, and a lack of shape. Trimming those ends off not only helps your hair look healthier, it also prevents further damage and breakage—especially crucial when you’re about to expose your hair to sun, chlorine, and salt water.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re growing your hair out, a small trim every 8–12 weeks will keep it looking strong and stylish.
2. Hydrate Like Your Hair Depends On It—Because It Does
Between the sun, salt water, and chlorine, summer can be incredibly drying. That’s why moisture is everything. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners, along with weekly deep conditioning treatments or hair masks, are your summer MVPs.
Look for products rich in ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera to restore moisture, add shine, and improve elasticity. A leave-in conditioner or hydrating spray is also great for on-the-go protection, especially for days at the pool or beach.
3. Say Yes to SPF—for Your Hair
We’re all familiar with the importance of sunblock for our skin, but did you know UV rays can damage your hair too? Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dryness, color fading, and brittleness. If you color your hair, sun damage can also dull vibrancy and change your tone.
Protect your strands with UV-protecting hair sprays or serums. These lightweight mists create an invisible barrier against the sun’s harsh rays—kind of like sunglasses for your hair. And if you plan on being out for long stretches, consider rocking a cute sunhat or scarf for extra coverage.
4. Beat the Heat—Without Overheating Your Hair
With temperatures already high, adding heat tools to the mix can push your hair over the edge. Minimize the use of hot tools like flat irons and curling wands during the summer. Embrace heat-free styling techniques such as braids, buns, and natural air-dried waves. Your hair (and your electricity bill) will thank you.
If you must use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray first. And try to keep the heat on a lower setting to reduce damage.
5. Beware of Chlorine & Salt Water
Pool days and beach trips are what summer dreams are made of—but chlorine and salt water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
Here’s a pro trick: Rinse your hair with clean water before and after swimming. This saturates the strands so they absorb less chlorine or salt. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming to create a barrier that protects your hair shaft.
Afterward, shampoo and condition thoroughly to remove any residue and restore moisture.
6. Turn Down the Shampoo, Turn Up the Conditioner
You may be tempted to shampoo more often in the summer, especially with all the sweating and swimming—but overwashing can actually lead to more dryness and oiliness. Stripping the scalp of natural oils causes it to overcompensate, producing more oil.
Instead, try spacing out your washes and using a dry shampoo between wash days to keep your scalp fresh. Focus on co-washing (conditioner-only washing) or using a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your hair’s natural protective barrier.
7. Embrace the Humidity—Tame the Frizz
Humidity is summer’s frenemy. It adds volume but also invites the dreaded frizz. To keep your hair sleek and manageable, use an anti-frizz serum or smoothing cream—especially if you’re rocking curls or waves.
Look for products with humidity-blocking ingredients like silicone (if you’re not avoiding it) or natural oils that seal the cuticle. If your hair tends to puff up, styling with a bit of cream while damp and letting it air dry can help lock in shape without the frizz.
8. Summer Styles That Save Your Hair
Why not take advantage of the season by switching up your look? Summer is the perfect time to experiment with low-maintenance, protective hairstyles that keep your hair healthy and your mornings simple.
Try:
- Loose braids or fishtails
- Top knots or messy buns
- Low ponytails with a silk scrunchie
- Beachy waves (natural or created with braiding overnight)
These styles not only look effortlessly chic—they also protect your hair from sun, heat, and friction, especially while sleeping or swimming.
9. Refresh Your Color the Right Way
If your hair is colored, summer can make it fade faster. To maintain your tone, consider a color-refreshing gloss or toner at the salon. These quick services enhance shine, boost pigment, and tone down brassiness.
For blondes: A purple shampoo can keep unwanted yellow tones at bay.
For brunettes and redheads: Use color-depositing masks to keep richness and depth in your color.
And always protect your hair with color-safe, sulfate-free products to help your hue last all season long.
10. Feed Your Hair from the Inside Out
Beautiful summer hair isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s also about what you feed it. Nutrient-rich foods high in omega-3s, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A and E support healthy hair growth, strength, and shine.
Load up on:
- Salmon and avocados
- Leafy greens
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Berries and sweet potatoes
And of course, drink plenty of water. Hydrated hair starts with a hydrated body.
11. Nighttime Hair Care—Don’t Sleep on It
Don’t let all your daytime efforts go to waste. Summer nights are the perfect time to implement gentle nighttime hair care routines. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, tangles, and frizz. You can also loosely braid your hair before bed or use a silk bonnet or scarf.
Adding a light overnight hair oil treatment once a week can also work wonders while you sleep—leaving you with nourished, soft locks in the morning.
12. Book a Professional Treatment for the Ultimate Boost
Sometimes, your hair needs more than an at-home mask. A professional salon treatment—like our Milbon smoothing treatment or customized deep conditioning—can give your hair the intense care it needs to stay strong and glossy through the season.
These treatments repair damage, improve texture, and often provide long-lasting results that you simply can’t replicate with drugstore products.
13. Customize Your Summer Routine
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to summer hair care. Your routine should reflect your hair’s unique texture, condition, and lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with curls that crave moisture, fine hair prone to limpness, or color-treated strands needing extra love—consulting with your stylist can make all the difference.
Let your summer hair goals guide your product picks, styling habits, and treatment schedule. And don’t be afraid to ask your salon for help tailoring your routine.
Get Summer-Ready Hair That Turns Heads
Summer is the season of adventure, fun, and self-expression—and your hair should reflect that! With the right tools, tips, and care, you can protect your strands from seasonal stressors and keep them looking effortlessly radiant all summer long.
So, are you ready for your best summer hair yet? Book your appointment today and let our expert stylists help you refresh your look, restore your hair’s health, and get you glowing from root to tip. Your summer style starts here!