African American Summer Hair Care Tips

June 9, 2009

Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy and flourishing during these wonderful summer months.

By Eddie Simpson

It's finally summer time and you are probably ready to have some fun in the sun! If you are anything like me, you are likely trying to soak up every bit of summer because before you know it, winter will be here again. I love biking, taking long walks, swimming, or spending all day at amusement parks during the summer months. All of these activities are great for my mind, body and soul, but wreck havoc on delicate tresses if they are not properly cared for.

It's just as important to take extra precaution in the summer's sun as it is in the harsh winter's frigid weather. Many people don't realize that the sun dries out the hair and may leave it brittle if it's not properly and regularly moisturized; remember, just because there's humidity in the air, doesn't mean there's automatically moisture in your hair. Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy and flourishing during these wonderful summer months.

1. Keep your hair protected by wearing buns, extensions, or twists to avoid total exposure to sun

2. If you are planning to stay in the sun for long periods of time, use a protective sunscreen on your hair before stepping out. Be sure to wash the hair afterwards.

3. Stay away from heating appliances such as flat-iron, hot combs, or curling irons. If you MUST use them, be sure to use a heat protectant like Isoplus Oil Sheen Hair Spray ($4.33): Hair doctor in a can!

4. Do not wash your hair with hot water; this will dry out the hair. Use cool water instead.

5. Avoid using products containing alcohol, mineral oil, paraffin gel and other ingredients that lead to dry brittle hair. Natural products do not contain these harsh ingredients.
Try Eko Coconut Shampoo ($1.60): this unique formula with botanicals and natural ingredients penetrates every strand to restore condition and shine, without causing build-up or weighing hair down. Beautifies and Conditions all types of Hair.

6. Moisturize your hair daily. Use a light misting spray or natural moisturizer regularly, like Proline Soft and Beautiful Just for Me Oil Moisturizing Lotion ($3.03): it conditions, adds moisture and shine.

7. Always use a moisturizing shampoo that does not contain lauryl/laureth sulfate.

8. Deep condition your hair after each shampoo.
You will love Magnificent Hair Food Formula ($2.96): a light conditioner that offers deep penetrating nutrition for the hair. It contains Wheat germ oil, Coconut oil and also Vitamin E.

9. Drink plenty of water to help keep yourself and your hair hydrated.

10. If your hair is natural, moisturize your hair at night and sleep with a plastic cap under your scarf in order to allow the moisture to penetrate your hair.
Use Queen Helene olive oil hot oil tubes strength and elasticity hair treatment ($3.99): it gives immediate relief to dry, brittle and overstressed hair.

11. Before plunging into a pool, be sure to coat the hair with either a moisturizer or conditioner if possible. Wear a swim cap, and wash the hair as soon as possible after exiting the pool.
Use Eboline Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner with Vitamin E ($2.96): coconut oil lubricates and softens the hair shaft through the action of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron.