Summer brings three things that afro and curly hair has to deal with: humidity, sun and water. Here is how each one affects your hair and what to do about it.
Humidity
In humid air, hair takes in moisture and swells. That causes frizz and shrinkage, and a silk press or straightened style can revert quickly.
- Use an anti-frizz or anti-humidity product over your styler.
- Choose styles that work with shrinkage, such as wash-and-gos, twist-outs and braids.
- Use less heavy butter and oil, which can attract dust and feel greasy in the heat.
See our summer frizz control and protection.
Sun and heat
Strong sun dries hair out and can fade colour-treated hair.
- Cover your hair with a hat or scarf during long days outside.
- Use a leave-in with UV protection if you colour your hair.
- Keep moisture light but regular with a leave-in spray or hair milk.
See our summer leave-ins and light conditioners.
Swimming
Chlorine and salt water both dry the hair.
- Wet your hair with clean water and apply conditioner before you swim, so it takes in less pool or sea water.
- Rinse straight after swimming.
- Use a clarifying shampoo afterwards, then deep condition.
Sweat and build-up
You sweat more in summer, and product builds up on the scalp faster. Wash more often than in winter, and use a clarifying shampoo every few washes. A co-wash is a gentle option between shampoo days. See our summer shampoos and co-washes.
Protective styles in summer
Braids and twists are popular for holidays. Keep the scalp clean with a diluted shampoo or scalp rinse, moisturise with a light braid spray, and do not leave a style in for longer than your stylist recommends.
For the full step-by-step, see our summer afro hair care guide.
