Summer is all about fun in the sun, beach trips, and pool days. However, the season can also bring challenges for textured hair. The combination of heat, humidity, chlorine, and saltwater can lead to dryness, frizz, and damage. But with the right care routine, you can keep your child’s textured hair healthy and beautiful all summer long. Here are some essential tips for caring for textured hair during the summer months.

1. Hydration is Key

The summer sun can be harsh, leading to dry and brittle hair. Keeping your child’s hair hydrated is crucial.
•  Deep Condition: Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your child’s routine once a week. Look for products rich in moisture-boosting ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
•  Leave-In Conditioner: Use a leave-in conditioner to provide continuous hydration throughout the day. Opt for one that suits your child’s hair porosity to maximize moisture retention.

2. Protect Your Hair from UV Rays

Just like your skin, your child’s hair needs protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
•  Hats: Wear a wide-brimmed, fedora, or baseball caps to shield your child’s hair from direct sunlight.
•  UV Protectant Sprays: Use hair products that contain UV filters to provide an extra layer of protection against sun damage.

3. Minimize Heat Styling

Excessive heat styling can exacerbate dryness and lead to breakage, especially in the summer.
•  Air Dry: Embrace your child’s natural texture and let their hair air dry as much as possible. Try heatless styling methods like braiding or twisting for defined curls and waves.
•  Heat Protectant: If you must use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.

4. Rinse and Cleanse After Swimming

Chlorine and saltwater can be very drying and damaging to textured hair.
•  Rinse Immediately: After swimming, rinse your child’s hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove chlorine or saltwater residues.
•  Gentle Shampoo or Co-wash: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash to cleanse your child’s hair, followed by a moisturizing conditioner.

5. Lock in Moisture

High humidity can lead to frizz, while the sun can strip their hair of its natural oils.
•  LOC Method: Use the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) to lock in moisture. Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner, then apply an oil to seal in the moisture, and finish with a cream to define and hold your curls.
• Humectants: Incorporate products with humectants like glycerin, which draw moisture from the air into your hair.

6. Protective Styles

Protective styles can help minimize damage and breakage while giving your  child’s hair a break from daily styling.
•  Braids and Twists: Consider braids, twists, or other low-manipulation styles that keep your child’s ends tucked away and protected.
•  Night Care: At night, protect your child’s hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to reduce friction and maintain moisture.

7. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet

Healthy hair starts from within

•  Drink Water: Ensure they are drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep their body and hair hydrated.
•  Balanced Diet: Prepare a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support hair health like vitamins A, C, D, E, and biotin.

Conclusion

Caring for textured hair in the summer requires a bit of extra effort, but with the right routine, your child can enjoy the season without compromising their hair’s health. Hydration, protection, and gentle care are key to maintaining beautiful, vibrant textured hair all summer long. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to embrace the sun, sand, and sea with confidence!

Do you have any summer hair care tips or favorite products? Share them in the comments below!