Curl power

Lazy sunshine-filled afternoons, pool days and al fresco dining… Summer is the perfect time to relax and unwind. You may even be tempted to let your hair go with the breeze. But this is, in fact, the time to kick your hair care into high gear. Curls are the most sensitive of all hair textures, and the harsh environmental changes in summer can take your curls from luscious to sweaty, brittle, or downright beat. Making a few small changes to your daily and weekly hair care regime is key if you’re after curly hair that stays soft, hydrated and frizz-free all season long. 

Co-wash more often

During the summer months, you may wash your hair more frequently to remove sweat and refresh the scalp. But sweaty doesn’t always mean dirty. Co-washing - washing your hair with conditioner only - is also a great way to keep your scalp and hair clean (without over-drying your hair) in between shampoos. But do make sure your hair is clean - build-up is one of the main causes of frizz.

Shop now
•    Aunt Jackie's Purify Me Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser
•    Ethnogenics Conditioning Co-Wash
•    Girl Boss Co-Wash Mango & Marula
•    Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash
•    Sheer Elegance Afro Naturals Co-Wash & Treat 
•    The Body Shop Jamaican Black Castor Oil Conditioning Cleanser

Protect your hair from UV rays

We tend to spend more time outdoors during summer, which means our hair will be exposed to the sun’s harsh UV rays which could lead to even more dryness, breakage, or even heat damage. Limiting exposure is ideal, but when you are relaxing by the pool or spending a long day at the beach, cover your hair with a hat or head scarf, and use products with thermal and UV protectants.

Shop now
•    Umberto Giannini Heat Protection Spray
•    Sorbet Drybar Let's Turn Heads Heat Primer Serum
•    The Body Shop Moringa Shine & Protection Hair Mist
•    Nativechild Heat Defence Spray

Lighten up

While curly hair needs moisture all year long, summer allows you to use lighter products for nourishment and moisture (your regular winter haircare staples might weigh your hair down). Stick to sulphate-free shampoo formulas to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, followed by a hydrating conditioner. Applying a lightweight curl cream or lotion daily will also ensure your curls look their best.

Shop now
•    Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Wash Shampoo with Vitamin B5
•    CurlyBerry Hair Bath Hydrating Shampoo
•    Flawless by Gabrielle Union Curl Refresher
•    Lee Stafford For The Love Of Curls Moisturising Conditioner
•    Cantu Shea Butter For Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner 

Amp up hydration

Curly hair is already prone to dryness, and being in the sun can leave it feeling even drier. To counter the damage caused by the elements, incorporating regular deep hydration treatments like moisturising masks for hair and scalp and super-charged leave-in conditioners is essential, and will not only provide the extra moisture needed but will help strengthen your curls and keep them soft and shiny.

Shop now
•    The Body Shop Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner 
•    Umberto Giannini Banana Butter Repair & Restore Leave-In Conditioner
•    CurlyBerry Refreshing Leave-In Conditioner
•    Flawless by Gabrielle Union Repairing Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment Masque
•    Camille Rose Lavender Whip Cream Leave in Conditioner 

No sweat

Summer weather inevitably leads to more perspiration and this excess sweat can cause deposits of minerals and other lipid (oil) molecules on the surface of the scalp and hair shaft. That’s why it is essential to wash your hair at least once a week with a cleansing or clarifying shampoo to remove build-up and bacteria. 

Shop now
•    Aunt Jackie's Grapeseed Power Wash Moist Shampoo
•    Umberto Giannini Grow Scrub Scalp Scrub
•    Flawless by Gabrielle Union Soothing Scalp Tonic
•    The Perfect Hair Grow On The Go! Waterless Cleanser
•    Sorbet Drybar Treatment Mask Charcoal 

Handle with care

Since curly hair is more fragile and delicate by nature, it’s essential to handle tangles with extra care. Instead of rubbing your hair with a conventional towel, use a microfibre turban wrap to dry your hair by gently squeezing out the moisture. Then, use your fingers to separate and detangle your damp curls. While your hair is still wet, work a leave-in conditioner or detangling lotion into your hair and then use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently brush through it.

Shop now
•    Aunt Jackie's Knot Havin It Leave-in Ultimate Detangling Moisturizer
•    Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Coil Calm Detangler 
•    Flawless by Gabrielle Union Detangling Shampoo
•    The Perfect Hair Conditioner Deep Detangling
•    Dark and Lovely Beautiful Beginnings Ouchless Detangler

Fight frizz

Natural hair tends to have more frizz than other hair types because of dehydration in the strands which leaves it vulnerable to frizzing. This can be even more of an issue during the summer due to a rise in humidity. Incorporating products containing emollients like shea butter and natural oils may help minimise frizz, control flyaways, and shield your hair from the humidity. You might also want to apply a gel (especially around your edges) to tame flyaways. 

Shop now
•    CurlyBerry Curl Control Hydrating Hair Anti-Frizz Activator
•    Umberto Giannini Miracle Work Smooth Serum
•    Flawless by Gabrielle Union Curl Defining Cream 
•    The Body Shop Jamaican Black Castor Oil Curl Activator
•    Sorbet Drybar Smooth Do Anti-Frizz Styling Cream

IMAGE:123rf.com