Summer is a time for fun in the sun but realizing that some hair care tips are more hearsay than helpful is not fun. Even if you think you have excellent hair hygiene, taking care of your hair during the warmer months is a different animal. There are many myths and misconceptions about caring for hair and hair extensions in the summer, and we're here to separate fact from fiction.
This guide will debunk the falsehoods surrounding summer hair care and present expert tips for keeping your natural hair and extensions healthy and beautiful throughout the season.
Myth 1: Don't Wash Your Hair Every Day
FALSE: We are all lovely individuals with unique genetics, lifestyles and preferences, making devising hard-and-fast beauty rules a bit precarious. The consensus says every 2-3 days is best, and we're big proponents of not over-washing your hair, especially if you have long hair or hair extensions prone to dryness.
If you've been cooped up inside or at the office, let your hair tell you when to wash or wait. However, wash your hair after a dip in the pool, a day catching waves, or a sweaty night at a festival, regardless of how long it has been. Use a gentle, hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to remove the salt, sweat or seawater, restoring your hair's softness and shine.
BELLAMI Truth: Always wash your hair after a swim or sweat session. Otherwise, you should wait to wash your hair and extensions until they are oily or feel unclean.
Myth 2: You Don’t Need a Conditioner in the Summer
FALSE: All the best parts about summer are the worst for our hair and extensions. The sun and surf rough up our cuticles, usually leading to tangles and breakage. Luckily, a conditioner helps vulnerable strands withstand the elements! A conditioner replenishes the hair's moisture to stay soft, shiny and tangle-free. On top of that, our strands are like sponges, ready to absorb whatever comes along—like chlorine or salt water.
BELLAMI Truth: A conditioner is essential in the summer to protect your hair after shampooing and as a leave-in. If it has been a taxing week for your tresses, swap your conditioner for a nourishing mask to repair and strengthen them.
Myth 3: Your Hair Doesn’t Need Sunscreen
FALSE: The sun may be the source of life, but it can also cause damage. UV exposure opens the hair's cuticles and starts to break down keratin—the building blocks of our hair. There's no doubt that sun protection isn't just for the skin anymore, but not all protection is created equal. Thanks to BELLAMI Premier Educator Nicolas Burgos, we now know that Avobenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreen, can turn your hair extensions orange, pink or salmon-colored!
"Discoloration from sunscreen happens when long hair extensions are allowed to rest on shoulders and backs that have had sunscreen applied. Look for sunscreens that are mineral-based [or] make sure the ingredient list is free from Avobenzone."
BELLAMI Truth: Don't skimp on SPF—the right kind, like mineral-based or avobenzone-free formulas. BELLAMI Moisture Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, Miracle Mask, Flawless Blend Leave-In, and Total Defense Spray contain UV filters that we designed to be safe for natural hair and hair extensions.
Myth 4: Salt Water is Good for Your Hair
FALSE: We can blame all those saltwater sprays popular in the early 2000s. Promises of beachy waves, whether you had access to the ocean, left many believing that salt water must be good for our hair. Sadly, salt is an intensely dehydrating element—and since dryness is the primary perpetrator of tangling and breakage, it's best to avoid it. Salt water also can strip away color from color-treated hair.
BELLAMI Truth: Enjoy your beachy texture until you get home and can wash your hair. Then, follow up with a deep conditioning mask. We recommend wetting your hair with fresh water and applying a leave-in conditioner like Flawless Blend to add a protective layer against the salt water and prevent color fade. Or, put your hair up to avoid getting wet.
Maintaining beautiful hair in the summer, especially with hair extensions, is possible once you understand the truths behind the common misconceptions. Great hair is a recipe that needs adjusting in the summer. With the right products and habits, conditioner and sun protection, and mitigating the effects of swimming, you can enjoy the sun and have fun while ensuring optimal hair health.