Summer brings to mind sunny days, beach outings, and, unfortunately, humidity – not the best conditions for keeping straightened hair sleek. Whether you've painstakingly perfected your smooth style or you're just seeking ways to combat the inevitable frizz that comes with warmer weather, finding effective strategies for summer hair care is crucial. Armed with valuable insights into the best practices for your hair, achieve impeccable locks despite the scorching heat. Dive into the realm of hair care science and unlock the secrets to salon-worthy straightness all summer long.
8 Essential Tips For Maintaining Straightened Hair In The Summer Months
1. Utilise a Silk Pillowcase
Investing in a silk pillowcase isn't just about luxury; it's a smart move for maintaining straightened hair, especially during summer. Silk's smooth texture minimises friction against your hair strands while you sleep. Why does this matter? Friction from cotton pillowcases can cause hair tangling and breakage, resulting in frizz and flyaways – the last thing you want after straightening your hair. Additionally, silk helps retain the hair's natural oils, preventing it from becoming dry and brittle. So, not only will your hair look smoother and shinier, but it will also stay healthier in the long run.
2. Opt for Cold Air Blow Drying
When it comes to drying your hair, the temperature matters, especially for maintaining straightened hair. Cold air blow drying is a game-changer. Why? Well, hot air can strip the hair of moisture, leading to damage and frizz. Cold air, on the other hand, helps to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and keeping each strand smooth and sleek. So, next time you reach for your hairdryer, consider switching to the cool setting for a healthier, straighter look.
3. Embrace Hair Oil
Using hair oil is like giving your hair a nourishing treat, especially after straightening. Oils like coconut, argan, almond, and macadamia are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep hydration and protection. These oils not only help to keep your hair straight overnight but also prevent frizz and flyaways throughout the day. Additionally, they create a protective barrier against environmental stressors like heat and humidity, ensuring your straightened style stays intact for longer.
4. Harness the Power of Essential Oils
Essential oils aren't just for aromatherapy; they can work wonders for your hair too. Certain oils, such as coconut, argan, almond, and macadamia oils, contain molecules small enough to penetrate the hair shaft, nourishing it from within. These oils also have sealing properties, which means they help to close the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother, sleeker strands. By incorporating essential oils into your hair care routine, you're not only maintaining your straightened look but also promoting overall hair health and vitality.
5. Limit Heat Styling Tools
While heat styling tools can create temporary straightness, they can also cause long-term damage, especially if overused. Excessive heat exposure can weaken the hair's protein structure, leading to breakage, split ends, and dullness. For those with naturally wavy or curly hair, frequent heat styling can alter the hair's natural texture, making it more difficult to maintain straightened styles. Instead of relying solely on heat, explore alternative methods like air drying, braiding, or using heatless styling techniques to achieve your desired look while minimising damage.
6. Schedule Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy, straightened hair, especially if you're prone to split ends. When left unchecked, split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing further damage and frizz. By scheduling regular trims every 6-8 weeks, you're not only preventing split ends but also promoting overall hair health. Trimming removes damaged and dead ends, leaving your hair looking and feeling fresh, sleek, and straight. Plus, regular trims help to maintain the shape and integrity of your hairstyle, ensuring it stays looking its best.
7. Opt for Microfibre Towels
Ditch the traditional cotton towels in favour of microfibre towels for drying your hair. Microfibre towels have a smoother texture and absorbency compared to regular towels, which means less friction and less damage to your hair. Traditional towels can rough up the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage, especially when drying straightened hair. Microfibre towels, on the other hand, gently wick away moisture without causing friction, leaving your hair smoother and more manageable. Plus, they help to reduce drying time, which is always a bonus, especially during the summer months.
8. Choose the Right Brush
When it comes to maintaining straightened hair, the type of brush you use matters. Opt for brushes with gentle bristles, such as boar bristle brushes or wide-tooth combs, to minimise breakage and snagging. Avoid brushes with metal or plastic bristles, as they can cause damage to the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and breakage. Additionally, consider using a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner to make brushing easier and reduce hair damage. By choosing the right brush and being gentle with your hair, you can keep your straightened style looking sleek and smooth all summer long.
Top Amazon Deals On L'Oréal Products For Summer Hair Care
When it comes to haircare, L'Oréal stands tall as a beacon of excellence, synonymous with innovation and quality. Now, with their stellar lineup of hair care essentials on Amazon, achieving salon-worthy hair at home has never been more accessible. Here are some of our top picks to have your locks ready for the summer.
1. L'Oréal Professionnel Xtenso Care Shampoo
Description: L'Oreal Professional Xtenso Care Shampoo is a hair care product designed to maintain and prolong the effects of hair straightening treatments, leaving hair soft, smooth, and manageable.
2. L'Oréal Professionnel Xtenso Care Serum
Description: L'Oreal Professional Xtenso Care Serum is a hair serum specially formulated for chemically straightened hair. The serum also helps to protect hair from heat damage and frizz, leaving it looking sleek and healthy.
3. L'Oréal Professionnel Xtenso Care Masque
Description: L'Oreal Professional Xtenso Care Masque is a deep conditioning treatment. It helps to nourish and moisturise the hair, restoring its natural softness and shine.
4. L'Oréal Professionnel Xtenso Care Shampoo And Mask
Description: L'Oreal Professional Xtenso Shampoo & Mask is a gentle cleansing formula designed to moisturise and repair the hair, keeping it looking healthy and straight for longer.
5. L'Oréal Professionnel Xtenso Care Shampoo + Mask + Serum Combo Pack
Description: Together, these products work to maintain and enhance the results of the Xtenso straightening treatment, leaving hair looking beautiful, straight, and healthy.
Final Thoughts
As temperatures rise and humidity soars, maintaining straightened hair can seem daunting. However, armed with the knowledge and insights gleaned from science, you can confidently navigate the challenges of summer hair care and keep your straightened strands looking flawless. By incorporating silk pillowcases, cold air blow drying, nourishing oils, and other similar strategies into your routine, you can minimise frizz, prevent breakage, and ensure your hair remains sleek and smooth despite the sweltering conditions. With a little care and attention, you can embrace the beauty of straightened hair throughout the summer months and beyond. To help take your efforts a step further, don't forget to shop for your favourite L'Oreal products on Amazon.