Summer Hair Problems + How To Solve Them!

next
My Laundry Routine

Summer presents us with so many great things, but sometimes it can really negatively affect our hair! I asked Instagram to submit some common hair problems in the summertime, and here are just a few of them:

Problem One: The humidity is out of control and you need to have somewhat presentable hair.

Solution: There is a delicate balance of using *enough* product and too much product. For humidity fighting, try this if you have curly hair, or use this as the “final step” to your hairstyle!

If you are looking for a few ponytail-focused hair tutorials, here is a tutorial for a high pony, this is a really easy to do low, messy bun, and here is a simple low side braid!

Problem Two: Dry, straw-like texture especially around the ends of the hair (from regular damage or chlorine/saltwater/sun damage)

Solution: Don’t skimp on a weekly deep conditioner (focus it on mid-shaft to ends), and look for a serum to apply to your ends before blowing dry. I love the Healing Oil by Virtue, or the Pantene Damage Repair Overnight Restoring Serum (obviously ignoring the title and using it in the daytime too!).

Problem Three: Extra sweat from working out in hotter temperatures. My dry shampoo cannot keep up!

Solution: Don’t be afraid to blow dry the sweat after a workout. You can still apply dry shampoo, but use your blow dryer to help dry the hair faster (using cool air!) and to refresh the hair. You may also want to consider adding a little water to the edges of your hairline to dampen your hair before hitting it with the blow dryer. I have recently tried and REALLY love the new Bumble and Bumble Post-Workout Dry Shampoo Mist. It refreshes my hair even after the sweatiest ride on my Peloton.

Problem Four: Breakage from wearing it up in a ponytail all summer long.

Solution: I’ve been using hair ties from Gimme Beauty for a little while and absolutely love how well they hold my hair without being too tight to cause damage. Between those and the fabric version of the coiled hair ties (NEVER the silicone/rubbery feeling ones). The best thing you can do, though, to prevent breakage from your hair tie is to change up where you put your ponytail. Wear a low pony sometimes, or even throw it back in a braid if you’re able.

Problem Five: It’s too hot to blow it dry, I need an air-dry style that feels presentable!

Solution: The key to making air-dried hair not look totally lifeless is to make sure you are using texturizing or body-building products that don’t leave the hair feeling sticky. A cream-based product is best for this result! Something like this looks like a great option to add in some texture without added weight, plus the UV protection is a nice feature as well!

Problem Six: My blonde hair gets brassy from all the chlorine.

Solution: Usually this can be managed at home with regular purifying or clarifying shampoos plus a regular rotation of a purple shampoo to cut out orange tones (read this post for my recommendations). But, if you cannot adjust the color at home, go see your stylist. They may recommend an in-salon clarifying treatment to remove build-up that can cause brassiness.

Problem Seven: After spending time straightening my hair, it starts to frizz and bend as soon as I step outside.

Solution: Start by using a smoothing, frizz-fighting cream (like the Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter by Alterna) to help combat the frizz from the start. Then, after you style, apply a generous mist of a humidity-fighting aerosol like the Amika The Shield. Finally, it may help to bring a smoothing mist or serum with you in order to touch up mid-day. Frizz is hard to fight, for sure, but the right mix of products helps a lot. If you want to go the chemical route, I had a handful of clients who got regular Brazilian blowouts in the salon and loved them. It’s worth exploring!

comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Kandie says · 06.23.20

Kate,

These are great tips!

Do you have any tips as to what vitamins to take to promote hair growth? I have had so much breakage and shedding since being on lockdown and other than maybe prenatals since those did wonders for my skin and hair many moons ago, I wasn’t sure what others have tried. Biotin? I’ve heard that can cause hair growth in places you don’t typically have hair, which has made me quite leery lol. Even just some good hair treatments to help my fragile hair at the moment?

Thanks!

Reply
Patti says · 06.23.20

I just got Viviscal- I have heard from a couple people that it is great for growth and texture. I have a thyroid condition and I lose a lot of hair in the shower.

Reply
Kandie says · 06.24.20

Thanks Patti!! I’ll have to check that out. I hear you about all the hair in the shower. Ugh! I’m not sure how I’m not bald by now. Yet thyroid is good. 🤷‍♀️

Reply
Alyssa says · 06.23.20

Why never the silicone coil ponytails? My daughter has super thick hair and that’s what we use to hold her hair up (and all of our hair)! I didnt even know they made fabric, just curious what makes the silicone ones a no no?

Reply
nicole says · 06.23.20

I’ve never had any luck with the silicone ones, I’ve always found they stuck to my hair making it more difficult to slide off of a ponytail or easily remove. You don’t have those problems?

Reply
Michele says · 06.23.20

These are all great tips! I always appreciate your hair advice. I’m struggling right now because Pinterest has failed to inspire me and As a result I haven’t gotten my hair cut in almost 2 years (I know). It’s now waist length and in no hope of getting it anytime soon, since salons have been slow to reopen and are tough to get an appointment for. Any advice for styles for the super long-haired mom just trying to not use the kitchen scissors on herself?

Reply
Jen says · 06.23.20

I have thick wavy hair that I usually keep somewhat long so that the weight helps keep it in check. Its long enough now that the only type of bun I can wrangle it into is a “granny bun”. It needs to be cut and I would love a just below the collarbone length but I’m scared it’ll poof up and be crazy looking. Could you recommend anything to help tame the shorter length?

Reply
Sandy says · 06.23.20

Do you have any recommendations for salon color treated (brown hair, lowlights) that fades fast (after just a few washes) and turns an auburn shade? It’s so expensive and doesn’t last. I’ve tried not washing for a few days after getting done, washing every other day, wearing a hat in the sun, less heat, and now I’m trying a blue tinted shampoo. Please help a girl out 😊

Reply
Fiona says · 06.23.20

Thank you! My poor hair is in the pool almost daily and I can’t keep it dry (3 boys!) So having tips for products is so helpful!
Our pool is salt, which is so much nicer on my skin, but boy does it stick to my hair!

Reply
Thicktails says · 06.23.20

Can I ask more about this hair growth products https://thicktails.com/collections/thicktails it says that it helps to recover and back your natural hair, can I ask more info about this product?

Reply
Cami says · 06.23.20

What about fine hair and humidity? Makes my hair flat and stringy and don’t have enough hair for a pony tail.

Reply
Kiersten Sterling says · 06.23.20

I love all of your tips, so helpful. I would really love a similar post but one where you test out summer hair and humidity products that are in the drug store price range. COVID hit my family hard and Sephora products just aren’t in the budget for me. But dang the summer frizz has been awful 🥴

Reply
Patoots says · 06.23.20

Question Kate: I have naturally dark brown hair and get highlights. I think my stylist is out of practice. Way too heavy this time and already brassy looking. Is there anything I can do to tone it down till I go back in?

Reply
Kate says · 06.25.20

Yep, but you should talk to her about it first. Secondly, look into the glosses by Kristin Ess at Target, they make one to cut out brassy tones and that should help.

Reply
Jessica C says · 06.24.20

Hi Kate!

I am wondering what product(s) do you recommend when you say to not skimp on a weekly deep conditioner? I assume you mean something more than the daily conditioner? I have been loving the Biologe ultra hydrasource conditioner daily, but I’ve never tried a deeper type and would love some direction!! 💕
Thank you so much for your sweet willingness to help us!!

Reply
Kate says · 06.25.20

Briogio is a great brand and if that product is working, keep it up! And yes, all I mean is a weekly treatment that may offer a little bit more than what a daily conditioner would!

Reply
Kate says · 06.24.20

Thanks for all the product recommendations! I have been looking for some new products to help with the chlorine situation. Will definitely try it out!

-Kate
https://daysofkate.com/

Reply
SallyHeffelkamp says · 06.26.20

…your ends…

Reply
Laura says · 06.27.20

What about us gals with thin, flat, no curl, stuck to your head hair? Sad

Reply
Heidi says · 07.03.20

Thanks for sharing! You are a great teacher…..I appreciate all you do!

Reply
Marry says · 02.04.21

I can’t imagine my summer without a clarifying shampoo for my curly hair, because in summertime the amount of hair buildup is just too much.

Reply
Heather Anderson says · 06.23.22

I got my first Brazilian Blowout last month and OMG! It has made such a huge difference in my frizz. I am no longer fighting midday frizz. My biggest issue now is losing volume(can look a bit flat), but I’m working through different products to find what works best for me. But still the BEST money I’ve spent.

Reply