Summer-Proof Your Curls: 7 Ways to Beat the Heat, Humidity & UV Damage

jennewithatwist
7 days ago
2 min read

Summer is here, and while sunshine, lake days, and pool hangs are good for the soul, they can be tough on your curls. Between sun exposure, dry air, sweat, and humidity, your hair goes through a lot. But don’t worry—I’ve got you.

Here are 7 tried-and-true tips to summer-proof your curls so they stay hydrated, defined, and protected all season long:

☀️ 1. Start with a Clean Slate: Detox Weekly

Between sunscreen, sweat, and water minerals, product buildup can sneak in fast during the summer. Use a gentle detox mask once a week to remove buildup without stripping your curls. Your products will work better, and your scalp will thank you.

💡 Pro tip: Detox after lake or pool days to clear out chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residue.

💦 2. Hydrate Like You Mean It

Summer heat zaps moisture from your curls, leaving them frizzy and dull. Combat that by layering moisture:

Start with a hydrating leave-in conditioner
Follow up with a curl cream to lock it all in

Think of it like sunscreen, but for your strands—moisture is your hair’s best summer defense!

🎩 3. Protect Your Curls from UV Rays

Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs SPF! UV rays can damage your hair cuticle and fade color.

Wear a hat (bonus points for one with a ponytail hole!)
Use a UV-protectant spray or SPF mist for hair
Avoid direct sun during peak hours when possible

🧢 Bonus tip: Line your hat with a silk scarf to reduce friction and frizz.

💧 4. Refresh Without Overwashing

Daily washing can strip curls, especially in summer. Instead:

Refresh with water + leave-in in a spray bottle
Use your hands to scrunch or finger-coil where needed
Add a little curl cream to revive definition on dry spots

Light touch-ups keep curls poppin’ without causing dryness.

🧖‍♀️ 5. Deep Condition Weekly

Make deep hydration a part of your summer self-care. Use a hydrating mask once weekly to replenish what the sun and elements take away. Add it to your ends, and condition the rest of your curls with your daily conditioner.

Add heat or steam (use a

shower cap or thermal cap) to help the mask penetrate deeper.

🧴 6. Be Mindful of Product Ingredients

Alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and silicones can dry your curls or create buildup, especially in the heat.

Opt for clean, moisture-rich products like Innersense Organic Beauty or other curl-friendly lines that support your hair’s health. I love to check my ingredients in the Switch Natural app.

🥤 7. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Yes, your water bottle matters! Hydrated curls start with a hydrated body. Sip water all day and consider adding electrolytes (I love Zipfizz) to help stay balanced in the sun.

✨ Final Thoughts:

Your curls don’t have to suffer through summer. With the right care, they’ll stay soft, defined, and thriving no matter how hot it gets. Just remember: detox, hydrate, protect, repeat.