By Caroline Weller
For far too long, our culture has displayed the ideal summer woman as one with carefree, beachy waves as the beauty standard. However, like most other societal beauty standards, this one is unattainable for most people. It is particularly challenging to achieve any sort of carefree yet perfect look in the summer months when the hotter climate affects and often damages textured hair. Factors such as dry heat, chlorine, sand, air conditioning, and the sun’s strong rays unfortunately possess the ability to dishevel and damage curly and textured hair. However, there are methods in order to limit and even rid the effects of these factors on your luscious curls.
According to Los Angeles-based hairstylist Michael Forrey: “[The] sun is an oxidizer, therefore making the hair dryer and more damaged.” He adds, “For curls that means less moisture and moisture (is what) creates (defined) curls.” Since the effects of the sun as well as chlorine and dry heat lead to the hair being more porous and therefore less moisturized, Forrey recommends using a weekly mask as well as moisturizing products in the summer months to hydrate the hair. He advises that applying product to the ends of the hair and then putting the hair back into a loose ponytail or bun will add both UV protection and moisture when in the sun. “The hair isn’t too different than the skin,” he says. “So, wearing a hat and/or staying out of direct rays is beneficial.”
He recommends adding moisture through a crème and then a light hold mousse throughout the hair in a ribbon like pattern, twisting sections of hair to encourage a uniform curl pattern.
These are our favorite hydrating products for adding that crucial moisture to your curls in these warm summer months.
