The best summer haircare routine
- Jo DeSerio Jones
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 3
Summer is here, and you might be wondering what you should be doing differently for your clients (or your own) curls?
The answer is: it depends
And it depends on one thing~ What kind of climate are you in?
In drier climates you'll need to start with a leave in conditioner, and probably a humectant. Remember, humectants attract moisture so they're great in a dry climate. The more moisture you can "pull in", the better. Apply these first, then lay styling products over top. This way the moisture can get inside of the hair strand and not have to fight it's way through styling products.
Moisturizing ingredients
Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5)
Shea butter
Cocoa butter
Coconut oil
Hydrolyzed quinoa
Jojoba oil
Caster oil
Humectants
Glycerin
Aloe vera
Hyaluronic acid
Agave
It doesn't end there though. After the hair is dry, you'll want to add a wax or balm to seal it all in, otherwise that moisture WILL be pulled out and evaporate.
Humidity IS moisture, so in humid climates you've already got water (hydration) in the air, so you're a step ahead of the game. So in this case, you just need to seal it in with a finishing product like a wax, balm, pomade or oil.
What about that client who says, "My hair hates humidity"? Actually, curls LOVE humidity! My response is that they likely don't have enough product in their hair, or they're not using the right products.
I spent 25 years living in Ft Lauderdale Florida and NEVER needed a leave in conditioner due to the constant high humidity (80-90%). Then I move to Portland Oregon, where, (despite what people think), it is quite dry in the summer (30% humidity). I quickly realized how I took that humidity for granted, and my hair definitely misses it! So now I've resorted to using a leave in conditioner too 😊
Something to consider in either type of climate is sunscreen.
UV protection in haircare products usually contain ingredients like avobenzone, octinoxate, zinc oxide, and benzophenone-4.
Natural ingredients that provide protection include shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera and raspberry seed oil, and the degrees of protection will vary.
I used to use a little cream sunscreen in my hair while at the beach and shampoo it out.
A hat is another great option.
Do clients need to clarify after a day at the beach or pool? Since salt water is water soluble and a lather shampoo will take out any sunscreens, the answer is no after the beach, But clarifying might be needed after a pool depending on the chlorination. For one time pool use, it's probably not necessary, but for multiple visits to the pool is probably a good idea to clarify once a month. You don't want to over do it because clarifying shampoos are drying to the hair.
So the main summertime hair question should be~ What is the humidity level?
Want our Summer Haircare Cheat Sheet for your salon?
Just download and print it!
If you found this helpful or know someone who might, share it!
Happy summer,
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