3 At-Home DIY Products To Help Sun-Fried Summer Hair

Keeping hair hydrated can feel like a year-round, full-time job. In the winter, strands are subjected to dry air and chilly temps. But in the summer? Well, UV damage, pollution, and increased washing does a number too—arguably more! But how you care for your hair in the summer may look slightly different from how you care for it in the winter.

Yes, just like your skin, your hair needs seasonally appropriate hair care. To start, be mindful of your scalp and sunburns by investing in a scalp SPF (our favorites). Then you can help manage humidity-induced frizz with some classic staples (be it of the at-home variety or via clean styling products). As for caring for your hair post outdoor escapades? Well, that requires a healthy dose of TLC...and antioxidants...and moisture...and probably some fatty acids, too.  

Sun damage causes free radicals and oxidative stress for the hair and scalp, much like it does for the rest of the body. So it's oh-so-important to coat strands with antioxidants to help protect them from the effects. And after the sun, antioxidants can help bring back some vibrancy to dull, damaged hair. 

There are actually several ways to feed your hair antioxidants (Botanical oils! Masks! Hair serums!), but according to hair expert and board-certified dermatologist Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D., a green tea rinse is one of the most effective. 

The beloved skin savior does wonders for your hair and scalp, too. Aloe vera is often used on sun-drenched bodies to help hydrate, soothe, and alleviate tenderness caused by UV exposure. Well, don't forget to take the gel just a bit north to your hair and scalp (lest you forget: Your scalp is skin, too). The benefits come from the plant's potent anti-inflammatory properties1 and notably high water content.   

Some of the best hair treatments around are so effective because they contain fatty acids. Fatty acids help nurture and condition stressed-out hair with the nutrient-dense lipids the cuticle needs. And where can you get those in real life? Avocados! 

"Avocados are extremely rich in oleic acid and monounsaturated fats. In fact, avocado oil is one of few oils that can actually penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize your hair rather than sitting on top and coating your hair," says Muhga Eltigani, founder of NaturAll Club about avocado and avocado oil. "These fats also strengthen the hair shaft and help prevent breakage."