Summer is finally here! And it’s time for sun, sand and swimming. With Jack Frost official out of your life – well, until next year – it’s time to adjust your hair routine. Here are some tips to keep your curls heat proof and going strong through the hot and humid summer months.

Swimming
Before you go swimming, saturate your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or oil. This will prevent your hair from absorbing a lot of the chlorine or salt water. When you're done swimming, rinse your hair with clean water again and apply a leave-in conditioner for your hair to soak up. Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to remove traces of chlorine or salt water.

Use the sun as your heat cap
Let the warmth of the sun penetrate your hair products deep into your hair strands. Apply your favorite moisturizing cream or oil, style your hair into a bun, and let the sun do its job! Make sure you protect your hair and apply a hair product that has shea butter or sesame seed oil, which have natural UV properties, and will together protect and moisturize your hair strands.

Moisturize and protect your hair from UV
Just like your skin, your hair can also burn in the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Keeping your hair moisturized with creams and serums will help prevent UV damage to your hair. Shea butter is especially rich in SPF and protects your hair from harmful UV rays. Apply moisturizing creams and serums that also help combat frizz and humidity. If your hair is extremely parched, try a deep conditioner or an oil rinse. For the oil rinse: after you shampoo your hair, apply an oil that penetrates hair (coconut, olive or avocado) and follow up with your conditioner. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse out.

Low maintenance hair styles
The summer is a great time to play with hair accessories such as hats, flowers, or colorful scarves. Protective hair styles also work well in the hot summer months. Loose buns, braids, twists outs, etc. will help protect your hair. If you opt for braids, make sure they are not too small and don’t pull your edges. And make sure not leave them in too long; I recommend 6-8 weeks as the maximum.

Store products in the fridge
For a refreshing wear and style, put your hair products in the fridge. The shelf life of some DIY hair butters and oils may be prolonged. Cold hair products will also encourage your hair cuticle to close and decrease frizz. Not to mention, it will keep you cool on a hot summer day!

Do you have any go-to summer tips that you can't live without?