As summer rolls in, bringing with it the signature heat and humidity of mid-July, many of us find ourselves grappling with the challenges of maintaining our hair and skin. The sweltering temperatures create a seemingly endless cycle of stickiness that often first affects our faces and bodies before moving on to our hair. Indeed, while we might notice the impacts of summer heat on our skin right away, our hair isn’t far behind in feeling the strain. Celebrity stylist Kadi Lee, known for her work with stars like Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow, emphasizes that hair is equally vulnerable to the elements, suffering from sunburn, dryness, and the lingering effects of chlorine and saltwater exposure.
Lee explains that the sun can break down keratin, the protein that gives hair its structure, leading to brittleness and dullness. When saltwater and chlorine are thrown into the mix, the results can be even more damaging. “Excessive sun, chlorine, and saltwater make hair more susceptible to damage,” she notes, cautioning against certain products that can exacerbate the issue. Ingredients to avoid include essential oils, sulfates, alcohol-based products, and non-water-soluble silicones. These components often weaken the hair cuticle, leaving it more porous and prone to damage under the scorching sun.
To combat these effects, Lee advises steering clear of alcohol-based hair products, which can strip the hair of moisture and amplify dryness. Instead, she recommends incorporating deep conditioning masks into your hair care routine, ideally on a weekly basis. Such masks not only nourish hair but also help fortify it against the rigors of summer. Lee emphasizes the importance of lightweight products packed with hydrating and strengthening ingredients, which can provide both humidity control and frizz resistance.
Frizz can be one of summer’s most frustrating challenges, but Lee has a few go-to products that effectively tame unruly hair without weighing it down. Among her favorites are the Virtue Frizz Block Smoothing Spray and the Christophe Robin Hydrating Leave-In Cream, which also serve as heat protectants. She highlights the misconception that heat protection is necessary only during styling; environmental exposure, especially from sun and heat, can cause just as much damage.
Just as individual skin types react differently to the sun, hair colors can also exhibit varying degrees of vulnerability to the same elements. Fading is a common concern, particularly for chemically treated or colored hair. Lee points out that blond hair, often processed more than other colors, tends to be especially drought-prone. On the other hand, brunettes may notice a “sun-bleaching” effect during summer months, which can lead to unwanted brassiness. Lee advises that some hair fades beautifully, and it’s essential to manage expectations around hair color during the hot months.
Red hair poses its own set of unique challenges throughout the year. Lee emphasizes the importance of protecting this color investment and encourages clients to embrace any natural fading that occurs during the summer. Acknowledging that hydration is key to maintaining vibrancy, she suggests that hair can evolve from a striking copper hue to a softer, sun-kissed strawberry tone by the end of summer, and that such transformations can be beautiful in their own right. Ultimately, taking care of hair during summer isn’t just about preserving it—it’s about celebrating its natural evolution through the season.