Protecting Your Hair This Summer

David Evangelista Offers Advice

(CBS)  Slick Hair Back:
Slick your hair back into a bun or ponytail, slather on some deep conditioner and enjoy a short spurt of sun time. Remember that too much of anything is a bad thing. After an hour of baking your conditioned hair, slap on a cool hat to eliminate hair sizzle.

Use the Best Summer Hair Care Products:
Some hair care products work better than others at filtering the sun because of the way they interact with the hair cuticle. Most gels, mousses and hair sprays only float on top of the hair shaft. This makes them less durable and less protective from sun, salt and dry hot air. Rinse out, leave-in, and deep conditioners are designed to soak deeply into the hair cuticle offering hidden sun blocking protection. Coated cuticles are more resistant to summer toxins.

Use leave-in conditioners on days you know you'll be soaking in the sun or surf. Remember that normally dry, long, color-treated and/or curly hair needs extra conditioning during the hot summer days. Treat your hair to weekly or as needed deep-conditioning treatments.

Summer Shampooing Strategies:
Combat potential hair damage with gentle, moisturizing shampoos that will protect your hair by building a protective moisture barrier against the sun. When possible, use moisturizing sudsing products with built-in UVA and UVB protectors to help filter the sun's rays.

Postpone Color/Highlighting Until Fall:
Ditch the itch to go blonder or lighter. Summer months are the worst time of the year to add chemically drying color to hair that is already parched. If you must lighten your locks, use a temporary color that does not contain peroxide or damaging ammonia. Consider wild-hued clip on ponytails and braids as a whole alternative.

Cap It Off:
Allowing hair to be exposed to more than just tiny amounts of sun or pool chemicals is like sticking your precious locks in the microwave. If you absolutely can't wear a bathing or other cap, rinse hair before and after swimming. Treat your hair with products designed to counter the impact of sun and surf.

Deal With Damage:
Don't despair if you find yourself with damaged hair from salt, sun or chemicals. Select a product that can help with hair damage recovery by restoring, hydrating and lubricating hair exposed to damaging summer conditions. Consider using a detox or after-sun shampoo that is designed to remove salt, pool chemicals and damaging environmental toxins.