Let’s talk about summer hair care!
Summer is all about sunshine, pool days, beach vacations, and living your best life—but your hair? Not so much.
Between harsh UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and sky-high humidity, summer can turn even the healthiest hair into a dry, tangled mess.
That’s where a solid summer hair care routine comes in. With the right products and a few easy habits, you can protect your hair from damage, keep it hydrated, and still enjoy all the fun summer has to offer.
This guide has everything you need—from UV sprays and deep conditioners to frizz-fighting oils and pool-day must-haves. Whether your hair is curly, color-treated, fine, or thick, these tips will help you keep your strands healthy and shiny all season long.
Let’s dive in.
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#1. Learn How Summer Weather Wrecks Your Hair
Let’s break it down:
☀️ Sun can fade your color and dry out your strands.
💧 Chlorine and saltwater strip away natural oils and make your hair feel brittle.
🌬️ Humidity and sweat turn your scalp into an oil slick while the rest of your hair frizzes out.
Even if you’re not lounging poolside every day, the heat and UV exposure can still cause split ends, dullness, and major breakage.
💁♀️Summer hair care tip #1: Be proactive, not reactive. Use products that prevent damage before it happens (don’t worry—I’ve linked some Amazon favorites throughout this post).
#2. Hydration Is Your Hair’s BFF
The first thing your hair needs in the summer? Moisture. Lots of it.
Start with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that’s sulfate-free. Then, layer in a leave-in conditioner or hydrating mist to keep your strands soft and shiny throughout the day.
My top picks:
💎Pro tip: Keep a mini leave-in spray in your beach or gym bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
#3. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Yes, your hair needs SPF too! Just like your skin, your hair and scalp can suffer from too much sun. UV exposure can lead to:
- Color fading
- Dryness
- Weakened strands
A UV-protectant spray is a must-have in your summer hair care lineup.
👉Try these:
And yes, a good hat absolutely counts as protection. It also helps prevent sunburn on your scalp (ouch).
#4. Chlorine, Saltwater & Pool Hair Rescue
Whether you’re a pool rat or just hit the beach once in a while, chlorine and saltwater will mess up your hair fast if you don’t rinse and protect.
Here’s how to minimize the damage:
- Rinse your hair with clean water before swimming – It helps prevent your hair from absorbing as much chlorine/salt.
- Use a swimmer-friendly shampoo after to get rid of residue.
- Deep condition weekly to replenish moisture.
💎My Amazon go-to’s:
If your hair turns greenish after pool time? The Malibu C packets are your best friend.
#5. Skip the Heat—Try These Summer Styles
When the temps rise, the last thing your hair needs is more heat styling. Instead, embrace low-maintenance summer hairstyles that keep you cool and cute:
- Braids (fishtail, boxer, Dutch—you name it)
- Heatless curls
- High buns or messy top knots
- Claw clips for a quick fix
👉Try these tools and accessories:
You’ll save time, prevent breakage, and let your hair breathe.
#6. Deep Conditioning & Repair
Even with the best protection, your hair will still need some TLC during the summer. That’s where deep conditioning comes in. Use a mask once a week (or more if you swim often).
Look for masks that balance moisture and protein, especially if you color or bleach your hair.
💎Top deep conditioners that sell like crazy:
Pop one on while you’re doing your Sunday reset, and thank yourself later.
#7. Color-Treated Hair in the Summer
If you dye your hair—especially blonde—summer can be brutal. Between sun fading, brassiness, and dryness, you need a targeted game plan.
Here’s what works:
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Add a purple shampoo to tone brassiness
- Use a UV protectant spray regularly
👉Favorites from Amazon:
#8. Tailored Summer Hair Care by Hair Type
Not all hair reacts the same way to summer heat, humidity, and UV exposure. The products that work for your bestie’s thick curls might totally weigh down your fine, straight strands—or vice versa. The key to great summer hair care is customizing your routine based on your unique texture and needs.
Here’s how to tweak your summer routine by hair type:
Curly Hair
Curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to frizz—especially in the summer when humidity is high. Focus on hydration, definition, and frizz control.
Tips:
- Skip harsh shampoos and go for co-washing or sulfate-free formulas.
- Use a rich leave-in conditioner and layer with a curl cream or gel to lock in moisture and shape.
- Refresh curls mid-week with a misting spray or curl refresher.
Top Pick:
👉 DevaCurl SuperCream – A rich cream that hydrates, defines, and tames frizz without weighing curls down.
Straight Hair
Straight hair can get greasy quickly in hot, sweaty weather. The goal here is to keep it fresh, light, and bouncy.
Tips:
- Use a lightweight shampoo and avoid heavy conditioners at the roots.
- Add texture and volume with a dry texture spray.
- Try braided styles or loose buns to keep your look polished without heat.
Top Pick:
👉 Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray – Adds volume, grip, and beachy movement without stickiness or stiffness.
Fine Hair
Fine hair can easily get weighed down or appear flat—especially in the heat. Your summer game plan is all about volume, lift, and breathable hydration.
Tips:
- Avoid thick oils and creams. Instead, use volumizing mists or mousse.
- Dry shampoo is your best friend for absorbing oil without extra buildup.
- Air dry upside down for more natural lift at the roots.
Top Pick:
👉 Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast – Instantly adds lift and fullness with a weightless feel.
#9. Travel-Friendly Hair Care Tips
Summer = vacations, road trips, and beach getaways. Don’t neglect your hair while you’re off adventuring!
Here’s what to pack:
- Mini bottles of your fave shampoo + conditioner
- Dry shampoo for quick refreshes
- Detangling brush and silk scrunchies
Travel faves:
Also, skip the hotel blow dryer. They’re weak and fry your hair.
Final Thoughts
Summer hair care doesn’t have to be high-maintenance—it’s all about using the right products and protecting your strands from damage before it starts.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, running errands in the heat, or planning a weekend trip, this guide has you covered with Amazon-approved favorites that keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
Until next time,
🌟 Your Turn: Do you have any other summer hair care tips to add to this list? Are you going to try any of these? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
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