Summer is almost here, bringing hot temperatures and scorching days -- which are great for vacations, but bad for your hair. If your scalp and hair are particularly dry in the summer, it might be time to change your usual hair care routine and use some new products.

Whether you have short or long hair, keeping the strands healthy in the hot and humid air can be challenging.

Keep reading to learn 7 incredible tips for having healthy hair during the hot summer months.

1. Know Your Hair Type

Before you buy any hair products, you should know your skin type and hair type. This is important for your hair health because not all products are equal.

For example, if the skin on your scalp is dry and flaky, but produces too much sebum to make up for it, you'll need products for dry scalps and hair products for greasy hair to address these issues separately.

On the other hand, using too many different products can have the opposite effect and overwhelm your scalp. This is why you should learn how to layer hair products the right way to avoid oversaturating your scalp and hair.

2. Create a Hair Care Routine

Having the right hair-washing routine for your hair type can make all the difference in how it looks and feels. Men's hair might seem easier to maintain than women's, but even if your hair is short, you should still know how to properly wash it.

A good hair care routine includes choosing the right products, knowing how often to use them, and learning to work with your scalp and hair all year round. A good hair care routine should consist of the following steps:

• Brushing
• Shampoo + conditioner
• Targeted hair treatment for specific issues
• Detangling
• Styling and protection

The steps and products you use will depend on your hair type and hairstyle. It should also be based on whether you prefer natural hairstyles or use hot tools.

In the summer, you may need to switch out your products and use different ones to protect your hair from the warm air and the sun's UV rays.

3. Use Hair Conditioner

After shampooing your hair, make sure to use a hair conditioner to give the hair nutrients and smooth finish. Some conditioners are best used after using shampoo, others work their magic before you rinse, and yet others are leave-in, which means you don't have to rinse them off.

To make sure your hair is always soft and frizz-free, develop a hair conditioning schedule that works for your hair type. In the summer especially, your hair needs more care and attention than usual. Go for deep conditioning treatments and pick high-quality products that'll make your hair look and feel healthy.

4. Wear Hats

Hats aren't just fashion accessories. In the summer, they're the best way to protect your hair and scalp from the sun. As long as the hat covers your entire head, you don't have to worry about sun damage or dryness.

If hats are not your thing, you can also wear scarves or other types of hair accessories. Make sure to stay away from the harsh sun rays, especially in the water. If your hair is very short, use SPF in some form on your scalp to prevent sunburn.

5. Avoid Heat

Hot summer air, the sun rays, and using heat for styling can make your hair frizzy, damaged, and dry. If you can't avoid the sunshine in the summer, you can at least avoid hairdryers and other hot styling tools.

If you must use them, make sure to apply a heat protecting spray or other defensive products on your hair to make sure it doesn't break. You can also learn new hairstyles that don't require heat or curl your hair in a bun or hair rollers overnight.

6. Get Regular Trims

Whether you've had the same haircut for years or want to make a change, regular trims can do wonders for your hair health in the summer. Sweat, hot weather, and sea water can dry out your hair and cause split ends. The best solution is to get a trim at least once a month.

If your hair is long and the ends are very damaged, it's best to cut it back into health and let it thrive without the weight of dry, lifeless ends.

Avoid cutting your own hair if you're not experienced with it. Hairdressers have special high-quality scissors specifically made to prevent hair damage. Also, choose a hairstyle based on your lifestyle and one that you'll be able to maintain without frequent visits to the hairdresser.

7. Use Dry Shampoos

Washing your hair too often in the summer can damage your strands and lead to split ends. No matter the length of your hair, you should only wash it two to three times a week rather than every single day.

Washing your hair too often can lead to an overproduction of sebum in the scalp, which means, the more you wash your hair, the greasier it'll become.

This is where dry shampoos come into play. By choosing the right dry shampoo, you can still have great hair days and let the scalp breathe. You can also use baby powder to help absorb the oils from the scalp and give your hair a little volume and bounciness. 

You Can Have Healthy Hair in the Summer With These Tips

Healthy hair in the summer can be challenging, but with the right products, routine, and protection, you can have healthy, strong hair not just in the summer, but all year round.

Whether you have long or short hair, knowing your hair and skin type can help you find the best products for you. Avoiding heat and letting your hair dry naturally can help reduce frizz and damage.

Not sure where to start with your hair care routine? We can help! Send us your questions and we'll guide you through the perfect hair product for your hair type.