We may earn commissions from links on this page. Each product featured has been reviewed and selected by our editors.
In many ways, our hair loves the idea of summer, from beachy waves to golden highlights to relaxed, chic updos. But in reality, summer isn’t always kind to our hair. The combination of heat, salt, sun, and the occasional cannonball competition can seriously affect hair health, resulting in fading color, dry and brittle hair, and don’t even get us started on saltwater knots. But don’t worry—there’s an easy solution to every summer hair problem. New beauty Senior editor Sarah Eggenberger shows us the best solutions for all your summer hair problems.
The problem: frizz
You’ve probably experienced this summer hair care scenario: you blow-dry your hair, but as soon as you step out into the heat, it goes crazy and baby hairs and frizzy hair replace your once-smooth hair. Frizzy hair is a constant battle in the summer, especially in humid climates. While we look forward to warm, sunny days on summer vacation, summer humidity is often an unwelcome feature – a curse for frizzy hair.
If frizzy hair is your enemy in the summer, look no further than Kérastase’s Discipline Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray ($46). Suitable for all hair types—from straight to frizzy and thin to thick—this frizz-reducing leave-in treatment spray will enhance your blow-dry and heat styling routine with heat protection up to 450 degrees. Recommended by professional hairdressers worldwide, Kérastase’s Anti-Frizz Spray instantly eases any blow-dry, tames frizz for up to 72 hours, and locks out humidity with added shine, making it the perfect solution to your summer frizzy hair woes.
BUY ON AMAZON – $46
BUY AT SEPHORA – $46
The problem: greasy hair roots
If oily hair is your problem during the summer months, you’re not alone. Sebum, your skin’s natural moisturizer, is produced in greater quantities during the summer, which can lead to greasy-looking hair. If you’re familiar with this summer problem, you may be tempted to wash your hair more often, but washing too often can actually make oily roots worse. Instead, opt for a tried-and-tested dry shampoo.
Some dry shampoos can be harsh and sticky, so choosing a product with a lighter formula is a good choice. We like Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Weightless Detox Dry Shampoo ($30). Unlike many dry shampoos, Olaplex’s Detox Dry Shampoo doesn’t leave behind a white, powdery residue or gritty buildup, but instead neutralizes odors, leaves hair looking and feeling clean, and is clinically proven not to clog hair follicles, making it the perfect summer essential for anyone struggling with oily roots.
BUY AT DERMSTORE – $30
BUY ON OLAPLEX – $30
The problem: fading color
Anyone who has coloured hair knows that maintaining a bright, bold colour is no easy task at any time of year. Unfortunately, the sun is one of the biggest environmental factors contributing to colour fading, so our hair needs extra protection during the sunnier months to keep the colour shining.
Just like your skin needs protection from the sun, your hair needs protection too. Get your daily dose of universal protection with Oribe’s Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray ($44)—a weightless mist that protects hair from heat damage up to 450°F, UV rays, and pollution while providing gentle hydration so you can leave dryness, color fading, and frizz behind all summer long.
BUY AT DERMSTORE – $44
BUY ON AMAZON – $44
The problem: chlorine damage
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a cool dip in the pool on a hot day. The problem is that chlorine pools aren’t always good for your hair. Green hair from chlorine, dry, brittle strands, and even hair loss can be the result of exposing your hair to high levels of chlorine or frequently soaking in chlorinated water. Chlorine isn’t good for the health of your hair because it strips moisture from the hair and can affect the color, especially if you’re more of a blonde.
Protection from chlorine damage starts in the shower and is an important part of building the hair cuticle to prevent chlorine and water damage. The pH-optimized formula of K18 Protective Shield Shampoo helps reduce excessive swelling of the hair cuticle during washing to prevent damage and tangles, reduce frizz, preserve color and improve shine. It also contains K18PEPTIDE to regenerate hair during washing. The matching conditioner helps prevent damage and maintain hair health while weightlessly nourishing and conditioning. The formula also contains no film-forming silicones and waxes that can build up over time and weigh hair down.
BUY K18 SHAMPOO – $36
BUY K18 CONDITIONER – $36
The problem: seasonal hair loss
Over the past few decades, dozens of studies have provided strong evidence that we lose hair more frequently in the summer. Our innate ability to potentially delay hair loss until the end of summer could potentially help us protect ourselves from excessive UV radiation during the summer. So if you notice that your hair falls out more frequently in late summer, you’re not imagining it.
Seasonal hair loss can be difficult to avoid because it seems to be cyclical. However, there are some things you can do to improve the situation if you are concerned about seasonal hair loss. Doctor-developed Nutrafol targets the main causes of thinning hair in women ages 18-44, including stress, lifestyle and diet. These clinically tested and drug-free supplements support whole-body health for visibly thicker, stronger hair and noticeably less hair loss.
BUY NOW – $88
The problem: limp hair
For some people, the heat and humidity of summer can suck the life out of hair. While the summer sun makes our skin appear bronzer and more radiant, the bright rays can rob our hair of color, shine, and even volume. If this sounds familiar, we have a few tricks you can try.
If your hair is lacking life, focus on adding volume to make it look fuller, shinier, and healthier. Infused with argan oil, Moroccanoil Root Boost ($30) spray mousse adds volume to fine and medium-length hair by creating strong structure at the roots before heat styling. It’s designed to add volume for long-lasting texture, fullness, and movement, leaving hair looking healthier, fuller, and more vibrant. As for styling, you can also try a diagonal part, which will give your hair a little more height at the top of your head. This will make hair appear thicker and more voluminous.
BUY AT SEPHORA – $30
BUY AT DERMSTORE – $30
