Growing up, I was always told to use sunscreen to protect my skin. However, I was never taught how to protect my hair and keep it looking and feeling healthy throughout the warm weather. Much like any accessory, your hair can make or break your outfit. If your hair is exposed to the sun’s UVB rays for an extended period of time, then it is more likely to be prone to breakage and discoloration. Luckily, over the past few years (and through trial and error) I’ve learned some tips and tricks on how to maintain my hair’s health year round.
Hot Oil Treatments Are a Must
Now I know you’re probably thinking, “Wait, so you’re telling me the best way to beat the heat is with… heat?” Long story short—yes. Heat helps open up the cuticles of your hair which allows it to get the deep conditioning it truly needs. My all-time favorite hot oil treatment would have to be St. Tropica’s Organic Coconut Hot Oil Mask. Coconut oil is perfect for hydration and also leaves your hair with a luscious, natural shine.
The All-Purpose Avocado
You’ve seen them at grocery stores, on T-shirts at several clothing stores, and possibly even throw in a little extra cash for some guacamole at Chipotle. As if wearing avocado earrings wasn’t strange enough, it turns out that avocados also make a great mask for your locks. Since they are high in protein and carry several vitamins and minerals, avocados play a huge role in repairing dry, damaged hair. To make your very own mask, simply mash up a ripe avocado in a bowl. To create a smoother consistency, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil. After that, apply the mask to your hair starting from the bottom, and rinse out completely about 30 minutes later. Whether or not if you’re into the whole avocado trend, homemade avocado masks are certainly worth a try.
Honey, Please
Being a college student, I’ve learned to appreciate the most cost-effective hair remedies. Someone who suffers from color treated or sun-damaged locks could highly benefit from using honey. This natural sweetener helps attract and trap moisture, allowing any hairstyle to withstand the heat. All you have to do is comb about half a cup of honey into your hair while damp. Twenty minutes later, you are free to wash out the honey completely and style as you normally would.
I know a lot of these remedies might seem (and even feel) a bit weird at first, but trust me they work wonders!
What natural remedy are you most excited to try this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
