Now I know we already a month into summer (please don't tell me about Spring) so this post is slightly late. With the end of a long and depressive winter, 1 September marks the beginning of what we call 'Silly Season'. Event organisers get out their white couches, we take out our picnic baskets and spend the weekends outside drinking and soaking in the sun. Now although this is great for the soul, its not great for your hair.



Now, your hair reacts differently to each season, but in summer, you might find that it:

• You will struggle to retain moisture and your hair will feel dry and brittle
• It will feel limp and and lifeless- This is especially common for people who stay in humid areas like your coastal areas
• Sweaty scalp that leads to itchy scalp, dandruff and frizz
• Discolouration, especially if your hair is already colour treated. 

How to  protect your hair

1. Protective Styles 

The easiest and most full proof methods when it comes to protecting your hair during every season is protective styling. Braids, cornrows, wigs etc are all great ways to keep your hair safe from the nature's elements. Just remember to wash and moisturise your hair even when its 'hidden'. If you will be wearing a head wrap, then make sure wear a silk/satin scarf underneath.

2. Use shampoo sparingly

This is especially important if you plan on swimming. As you know, shampoo strips your hair of oils which can leave your hair dry and brittle. This means your hair will be especially prone to breakage if it is constantly exposed to harsh chemicals like chlorine. If you sweat a lot, then opt for co-washing and if you must use a shampoo, use sulphate-free shampoo and make sure you pre-poo before you wash your hair.

3. Moisturise

Now Im sure you are tired of hearing about the importance of moisturising, but it really is the most important step in having a healthy afro. Make sure you use a daily spritz, more than once if necessary.  I recently struggled with dry hair, so I started using the baggy/ greenhouse effect method to moisturise my hair. Consider using Aloe Vera juice instead of water in your daily spritz.  Also remember to drink water because what is happening inside will definitely show on your skin and hair. This is especially important if you plan to be drinking.

This is water with fruits, not Gin

4. Deep condition and Hot oil treatments

If you are going to be out in the sun, swimming, I would suggest you do a full blown wash day every week instead of every other week. This will make sure your hair retains moisture. Few Moisture retention recipes you can try out:

Egg Mask

• 1/4 Cup Plain Yoghurt
• 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise 
• 1 Egg

Mix all ingredients, cover hair for 45mins- 1hr then rinse using a conditioner

Banana and Honey Mask

1 mashed Banana (make sure you mash it  enough otherwise you will spend the whole day picking banana bits from your hair)

• 1 Egg
• 3 Tablespoons
• 3 Tablespoons milk 
• 5 Tablespoons Raw Organic Honey

Mix all ingredients, cover hair for 45mins- 1hr then rinse

Coconut, Avocado and Honey mask 

• 1 mashed Avocado
• 4 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Raw Organic Honey

Mix all ingredients, cover hair for 45mins- 1hr then rinse

5. Avoid Heat, chemical treatment and over manipulation

Having a colourful hair in summer is a definite mood, but like most chemical treatments, hair dyes tend to dry your hair. If you want to dye your hair, consider dying it a month before the sun comes out in full force. Once you die your hair, remember to 'CARE FOR YOUR COLOUR'. This means deep conditioning, spritzing and doing a whole lot of extra work. If you plan on washing your hair, give yourself time for it to air dry so you don't have to use any heat. If you must use heat, then use a heat protectant.

Blonde-Pink TWA

6. Baggy or Greenhouse method overnight

If you have spent time out in the sun the whole day and your hair feels 'sum typa way', then consider doing the baggy method over night. This involves applying leave-in conditioner, a sealant oil and wrapping your hair with plastic bag (you can use cling wrap) and then sleeping. This method uses the heat that your head radiates and allows for the absorption of moisture that would evaporate under normal circumstances.  This will leave your hair feeling moisturised and Frizz Free.

These are the basic ways in which you can have better hair in summer. Just remember to keep it simple and moisturised