How to Prep Your Hair for Summer

A woman washing her dark hair in a soapy lather

As the balmy breezes and sun-soaked days of summer draw near, it's the perfect time to rethink and rejuvenate your summer hair care routine. The season brings its own set of challenges—intense UV rays, humidity, saltwater, and chlorine can all take a toll on your tresses. Whether you're planning to spend your days at the beach or just want to navigate the hot months with style, preparing your hair for summer and protecting hair from the sun is key to keeping it healthier-looking and more vibrant.

Here's your comprehensive guide to getting your locks summer-ready, featuring essential tips and must-have products from Paul Mitchell®.

Protect Your Color

Sunshine and hair color often have a love-hate relationship. While natural sunlight can enhance your hair's highlights, prolonged exposure can lead to fading and hair sun damage, especially in color-treated hair. To protect your colored hair from the sun and keep it more vibrant throughout the season, the Paul Mitchell® Color Treated Hair collection is your best ally.

image of the Paul Mitchell Color Protect collection

This specialized range includes products that protect against UV rays and can help maintain color depth and longevity. For a summer-ready routine that protects your hair from the sun, start with a protective shampoo like our Color Protect Shampoo that cleanses without stripping color. Follow up with our Color Protect Conditioner to hydrate and seal the cuticle. And don't forget a color-safe leave-in treatment to help provide a barrier against environmental damage.

Embrace Frizz-Free Living

Humidity is a constant during summer, and for many of us, that means battling frizz. Incorporating products from the Frizz Control collection by Paul Mitchell is essential to keep your hair smoother and more manageable. These hair products for frizzy hair are designed to tame frizz, smooth flyaways, and add a layer of protection against the summer air.

image of a bottle of Lavender Mint Taming Cream

Lavender Mint Taming Cream
$24.00

Look for sprays and creams like our Tea Tree Lavender Mint Taming Cream that lock in moisture and help ward off humidity to protect hair from the sun. A good tip is to apply an anti-frizz cream to damp hair before styling to help seal the cuticle and prevent moisture from wreaking havoc.

Get Straight to the Point

For those with naturally straight hair or anyone aiming for a sleek summer look, the Paul Mitchell® Straight Hair collection offers a range of products that help maintain straight styles without weighing down your hair. These formulations not only keep your hair aligned but also add a luminous shine that catches the summer light beautifully.

image of a bottle of Super Skinny Serum

Super Skinny Serum
$10.50 - $39.00

Whether you blow-dry to achieve a polished appearance or prefer air-drying for a relaxed style, using a lightweight styling serum or spray, such as the Paul Mitchell® Super Skinny Serum, is crucial. It helps protect frizz-prone hair from the effects of sun and humidity, ensuring your hair remains smooth and refined even in those harsh summer conditions.

Daily Care and Instant Refresh

A great summer hair routine isn't just about preventing hair sun damage and combating the elements; it's also about ease and spontaneity. Swap any heavy styling products for lighter alternatives that won't weigh down your hair.

image of a bottle of Dry Wash Dry Shampoo

Dry Wash Dry Shampoo
$27.50

A dry shampoo like Paul Mitchell's Dry Wash Dry Shampoo is perfect for those days when you want to freshen up your locks without a full wash. This product absorbs excess oil, adds volume, and extends the life of your hairstyle—ideal for transforming your look from a day at the beach to an evening out. Finish your style with our Awapuhi Wild Ginger® Styling Treatment Oil to boost shine and enjoy refreshed locks!

Hydration is Key

Chlorine from pools and salt from the ocean can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. To counteract this, it's crucial to incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your summer hair care routine. Once a week, treat your strands to an intensive moisturizing mask or treatment like our Tea Tree Lavender Mint Deep Conditioning Mineral Hair Mask to help further strengthen and protect hair from the sun.

image of a bottle of Lavender Mint Deep Conditioning Mineral Hair Mask

Lavender Mint Deep Conditioning Mineral Hair Mask
$32.00

Our nourishing hair masks deeply penetrate the hair shaft to help replenish lost moisture and repair damage. After a swim, be sure to rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible to remove chlorine or salt residue.

A Summer-Ready Evening Routine

After a long day of summer activities, give your hair some TLC. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo followed by a nourishing conditioner can help repair daily wear and tear. Our Awapuhi Wild Ginger® HydraSoft shampoo and conditioner are the perfect choice for a clean, hydrating wash.

image of the Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrate collection

Before bed, apply a leave-in conditioner like our Lavender Mint Moisture Milk to work its magic while you sleep, so you wake up to soft, manageable hair that's better protected from the sun's rays.

Summer-Proof Your Hair Routine with Paul Mitchell®

Preparing your hair for summer means more than just choosing the right products; it's about adjusting your hair care routine to suit the season's challenges. By protecting, hydrating, and styling your hair with care, you can enjoy all the fun of summer without letting the sun, sea, or humidity dampen your hair's style. Help protect your hair from the sun and embrace the season with vibrant, resilient locks that reflect your carefree summer spirit.

Ready to transform your hair care routine for the brighter days ahead? Visit a Paul Mitchell® salon near you or explore our full collection of products online to find your perfect summer hair routine and hair sun damage options. Start your journey to better summer hair today and step into the sunshine with style and confidence.