The Ultimate Summer Regimen For Your Natural Hair

It is raining like crazy today and I got caught in it. I don’t know about you, but every time it rains and I am rocking that ‘bun life’ I feel extra energized. There was a time in my life where I would run from the rain, avoid it like nobody’s business.

Spring has definitely showed up with all it’s spring shower glory and I am happy about the change because if last year is anything to go by summer droughts can be pretty ruthless. I bring up spring showers because they have set the stage for what I think is best for my hair all summer long.

The extreme weather for the last couple of seasons makes me think that my regimen has to be tight not only to preserve my hair’s health but also flexible enough for me to have a little fun over the summer as well.

Summer regimens typically involve a lot of focus on moisture naturally. It is so hot that jumping into the shower to do a co wash and a wash and go becomes second nature for us curlies.

So what does a summer hair regimen look like?

If you are the type of girl that needs a plan then keep reading. Your list of priorities for the summer are the following: moisture, protein and protective styling. It is really that simple. Once you get focused on those three things then all you need to do is adjust the when and how often.

Extra moisture to combat the heat

If you plan to spend as much time outside in the summer heat as I do then ensuring that your hair is very moisturized is your top priority. To get your hair as moisturized as it needs to be at the very minimum you will need to deep condition and co-wash weekly.

The mid-week wash is for those of us that need something a bit extra especially if we spend a ton of time in the sun, working out, or swimming.

Depending on your week’s activity you might decide to cleanse mid-week as well because shampoo is needed to get rid of any excessive buildup from sweat, chemicals from chlorine and extra gel that might be on your strands because of your wash and go styles.

If you are shampooing twice a week, you will need to deep condition twice a week too. Shampoo strips the hair of all its moisture so to get your hair back on an even keel a 20 minute deep condition is essential.

If you are not cleansing with harsh shampoos more than once a week then you only need to deep condition once per week. Deep condition with moisture based conditioners and moisture based additives two times a month.

You may find it easier to just pick your summer products and use the same ones all summer long. For example if you like using your favorite hair mask with an egg cracked in because it gives you just the right amount of moisture and protein, then stick with that for the entire two months.

The point is when you find your perfect product combination especially if it has taken you a while to figure out what works for your hair during the different seasons, then there is no point changing it. If it aint broke…

If you prefer to experiment then by all means do so, but keep the backbone of your regimen consistent.

Protein to balance out the moisture and combat the extra manipulation

For every regimen post we do you will always see protein as a separate topic because the source of super soft, strong springy curls is protein. Your hair is made of protein so when you fortify your strands with it more you give your hair the strength to stand up to the heat of the sun, windy weather and your own hands.

We recommend deep conditioning* with a protein based deep conditioner* every other week to start with especially if you are unsure of how your hair handles it. It should give those with normal hair the perfect balance between protein and moisture.

You can then adjust that regimen depending on your hair’s porosity level. If you have low porosity hair using protein bi-weekly might be too much for you. In that case you can protein treat your hair once per month to start with otherwise you can focus on light protein options that will still keep your hair healthy but will not work against your hair’s natural porosity levels.

When choosing products for your bi-weekly treatment ensure that they have protein listed high on the ingredient list. Hydrolyzed protein is best because it penetrates the strand and ‘conditions’ it from the inside out.

Protective style to take advantage of the extra growth boost

Our bodies adjusts seamlessly to all seasons and summer as you know is the season of plenty. Summer harvests of big ripe strawberries, cherries, peaches and all manner of vegetables means that our bodies adjust to the extra vitamins* and minerals flooding your system by growing our hair faster. What better way to take advantage of all that extra growth then by protective styling?

My choice for the summer are always buns, because my hair is out of my face, my ends are protected, and they are perfect for that summer fresh faced look.

Protective styles mean a variety of things to different people, the one thing they have in common however is that your ends are tucked away and your hair is free from manipulation.

Other things to consider

Always deep condition with heat. This opens up the cuticles and allows your product to flow in freely. Also use a leave in conditioner* daily to keep your hair hydrated.

Eat well and drink a ton of water! You worked hard to get that summer body so keep doing that good stuff and you will see your hair flourish from it.