Seven Tips to Repair Summer-Damaged Hair

We’ve had a cool summer in the south. Since “cool summer” means “under 90 degrees” you’d think I’d have gone to to pool more. One of the benefits of less pool time is better hair days. Chlorine and sun are tough on your tresses.

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Even with minimal harsh treatment, all the summer excitement can ravage your hair. Here are a few tips to get it back in shape.

1. Turn Down the Heat
Your locks have been suffering the heat all summer long. Give them a break by using a cooler hair dryer setting for a bit while your hair recuperates. Even let your hair air dry when possible.

2. Stash the Irons
Try out some of the new fall styles that don’t require a flat or curling iron. Your hair will thank you, and you might find a look you like even better. Most women stick with the same hairstyles for decades. Change it up a little!

3. Get a Trim
After all the sun, wind, and chlorine it’s a wonder you have any nutrients left in your hair – and the result is split-ends and frizz. Getting a little trim is an easy way to start fresh for the fall.

4. Avoid Alcohol
…in your hair products that is. If you’re hair is already feeling dry and dehydrated, using styling products that have alcohol in them, like gel, will make your hair even more brittle. You can still have a glass of wine if you want.

5. Get a Good Brush
Use a boar bristle brush to brush your hair thoroughly at least once a day. This will help distribute your hair’s natural oils throughout your tresses and help your hair heal any damage on its own.

6. Do Some Deep Conditioning
It can be as easy as leaving a deep conditioner in instead of rinsing it out or trying out a new hair masque. Either way, your hair needs this like a cool drink of water on the hottest summer day.

7. Use a Healthier Hair Color
Looking to darken your shade for the fall? A lot of permanent hair color formulas contain ammonia, resorcinol, PPDs and alcohol, all of which can damage your hair far beyond what it’s already been through this summer.

Give your hair a nutrient boost instead with Madison Reed hair color. They don’t use any of those chemicals! Instead they pack salon-quality formula with naturally-derived ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root extract for vibrant, long-lasting color in your favorite fall shades.

I was sent a Madison Reed hair color to test out for myself. I’ve had my hair color done only in a salon for the last year or two, so it’s the first time I’ve colored at home in a while. I thought it was comparable in outcome. Look for my full review coming soon!