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Every summer that I spend a considerable amount of time outside or at the beach, the sun wreaks havoc on my curls. I also struggle to keep my daughters’ curls from getting into a tangled knotted mess.
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned to protect my curly locks from dryness & heat damage:
Swimming Caps/Protective Styles for the Beach & Pool
For those of us in the south, the summer weather drags on into the fall. Swimming in the pool is still acceptable in September. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the pool, know that chlorine strips your curls of moisture.
If you are more of a beach gal, know that the sun can have the same drying effect on your dresses. To prevent and protect your hair from heat & chemical damage, try wearing a swim cap.
It can keep your hair protected while you swim to your heart’s content. Don’t like the look of a swim cap? Then opt for a protective style. One of my favorite protective style is braids.
Deep Condition/Oils After the Pool
Deep conditioning your hair adds moisture that is lost due to heat or chemical damage. If you have color in your hair, conditioning is a must if you spend time the pool. Color + chlorine wreaks havoc on your curls.
Choose a conditioner that moisturizes, but doesn’t weigh your hair down. I’ve found that the thicker your hair is, the more conditioners with pudding-like consistencies tend to work. For a list of my favorite deep conditioners, click here.
If the change in seasons brings about dry scalp, try adding a little tea tree oil or Jamaican black castor oil into your conditioner to soothe a dry and itchy scalp. Don’t go the cheap route, be sure to get the 100% authentic oils.
You will need to dilute them because a little goes a long way. Tea tree is very strong and can burn if not mixed with another oil, or conditioner.
Handle (Curly) Wet Hair with Care
I know, it’s so easy to throw your hair into a ponytail or bun after it gets wet. This causes breakage!
Wet hair is fragile and must be handled with care. This is also the time that your hair is most susceptible to split ends and breakage.
Find ponytail holders that won’t break the hair when it is time to remove them. My favorite ones for my daughters are the Goody Ouchless terry ponytail holders. They are cheap and they get the job done.
Stick to Natural Products
Thankfully, the natural curly look has made a comeback, and many companies are marketing their products specifically to people with curly locks.
The problem is that there are some companies that fill their products with ingredients that can be harmful to your hair over time.
If you look at the label and see a list of ingredients that you can’t pronounce, that isn’t a good sign.
Give Your Curls A Break From the Heat
I love straight hair as much as the next girl, but do your curls a favor and leave the heat alone on occasion.
Heat stresses your hair, and can (over time) permanently damage your curl pattern. That’s why many curly girls opt for the big chop and start all over–their hair was damaged beyond repair. Don’t be that girl.
Add Moisture That You Lost in the Summer
One of my favorite ways to add moisture in my hair is through steaming. If you haven’t invested in a Q-redew, then I highly recommend it. It’s a handheld steamer that is easy to use, and can quickly bring moisture back into the most damaged hair.
I use it as part of my monthly deep conditioning regime.
Use A Satin Pillowcase or Scarf to Protect Your Hair at Night
Cotton pillowcase soak up the moisture in your hair & causes it to tangle and frizz while you toss and turn during the night.
You can find satin scarves at your local beauty supply stores like Ulta or Sally’s, or you can just order a satin pillowcase online from Amazon.
If the satin pillowcase is not the route you want to take, you can have the same effectiveness with a satin scarf.
Curly girls, what do you do to protect your curls from the changes in the seasons? I’d love to hear all about it! Leave me a comment and give this post a share! Grab a coupon for Sally’s before you go! Take 20% off Entire Purchase with code 888005! Valid 9/15-9/18
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Thanks. I needed that. My hair is dry and I am working on getting it hydrayed and tamer.
I’m glad! Let me know how the tips work for you.
Love this!! Had no idea ponytail after a shower is bad!! Thanks for sharing!!
Yes Breanna, stop the madness now!! Try a braid instead.
wonderful advice for protecting your curls and your hair. I am all for looking good and feeling good.
Thanks Rebecca!
I don’t have curly hair, but my hair is fried, frizzy, and greasy. I hate getting it wet because then it turns into a big poofball. I wonder if that deep conditioner would work on my hair.
If your hair is naturally oily, you’ll have to find a light conditioner..maybe a nice light leave in like hair milk.
I have curly hair and it is so fragile. I have to baby it all the time wet or dry. Thi is mostly due to my chemo though.
I’m sorry about that Terri. Try taking some hair vitamins like Biotin to strengthen your hair.
I will have to give the satin pillowcase a try! Plus I bet it stays nice and cool at night. I hate hot pillows!
I don’t have curly hair but protecting your hair, whatever type it is, is so important!
Yes Ma’am!
My hair gets so much drier going into the colder months. I always try to keep it moisturized without added weight.
Finding the right leave in conditioner can be tricky. A light conditioner like hair milk may be the trick for you.
OH, my hair is ‘just plain old misbehavin’ this year!! Thanks for this, maybe now I can put it in a time out !
Oh boy..you just made me laugh out loud. I hope some of these tips work for you!
They say satin pillows are also great to avoid wrinkles. 🙂 These are awesome tips to protect curly hair.
Yes, they are! It doesn’t soak up the moisture out of your skin either like cotton pillowcases.
I have mostly straight hair… But my daughter and granddaughter both have very curly hair… I did not know anything about taking care of curly hair with my daughter but she has learned and is able to help her daughter, thank you for posting this to help us who have not clue…
Your welcome! That’s exactly why I write these posts!
Oh, I love your curls. When I was a kid, it was my dream to have a curly hair!
Aw, thank you Nicole! It was definitely a journey to loving mine!
I have curly/ wavy hair and should really do more to protect my curls. Deep conditioning them sounds like an excellent idea.
Oh, I wish my hair had some curl to it! This looks like such a great post for those that do. I am also a big fan of satin pillowcases!
Growing up I always wished I had curls (to some degree I still do) although in the heat I am definitely thankful I don’t have to deal with all the hair management!
This looks like a great product to get those curls. My hair tends to become frizzy in the summer and just lifeless in the winter. This would definitely help me.
Try it & let me know what you think.
I am always on the hunt for hair products to make my hair ah-mazing. This looks like it would do the trick.
Reesa, me too! I hope it works for you.
I have always wished I had curly hair! These look like awesome products for those with curly hair however.
I have the opposite issue. I want curls to stay in my hair. They fall out quicker than it takes me to get them in!
Aw, you must have fine hair
I always wanted to have curls!!!
I am very happy that you found your own tips that work best for your hair.
Thank you Veronica! Lots of trial & error
I have naturally wavy hair, whereas my daughter’s hair is very curly, so I’m always looking for ways to protect our hair since our hair is prone to frizz and tangles so easily! I’ll definitely have to look into getting a satin pillowcase for us.
I think you’ll find that it makes a huge difference. Also try braiding her hair at night
I have put my hair up so many times when wet, it has definitely been bad overall for my hair. I have been trying to let it air dry and heal as of late.
Try braiding it at night after you apply a leave in conditioner. It will feel moisturized in the morning.
Great Post! I’m surely guilty of tying up my hair when wet. I will be trying some of these products to see how well they work for me.
Stop it right now Shirley! Let me know how those products work for you!
I don’t have curls, oh I wish I did some days. This looks like it works so well for your hair!
Thanks Ashleigh! It does work very well.
My hair is crazy curly and I helpfully passed along this gene to my daughter. I am going to have to try this product because my favorite curly hair product was discontinued. I cried. Even at two, I tell my daughter, “Always comb your hair when wet” and “Never get bangs!” I am glad you posted us for us crazy curly girls!
Aw, Brittany. It’s all about finding the right deep conditioner and gel. Gel tames the frizz. I’m glad this was helpful to you.