Basking in the summer sunshine or taking a warm swim in a fresh water lake or the salty ocean is a wonderful feeling, but are you protecting your beautiful hair during these summertime fun activities?

I want to make sure you’re maintaining your shine, your hair color and keeping your hair healthy, so I’ve compiled six easy tips to maintain your healthy hair and scalp during these hot summer months.

Woman on the beach, with wind in her hair. — *this post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links at no cost to you.

1. Wear a hat when you’re outside

Not only is this good to protect your face, but having a hat on will protect the top of your hair and scalp from the elements while you’re in the summer sun. This will only protect your scalp and the hair on top of your head though. To protect the mid-shaft and the ends of your hair, check out tip #3.

2. Put sunscreen on your part line and cowlicks

If you’re at the pool, and just took off your hat, make sure your scalp is protected at all times. You can do this in 2 minutes while applying sunscreen. Take your SPF and dab it on your part line and any cowlicks. You can also use a scalp and hair mist with SPF . Your scalp is a sensitive area, so make sure you treat it that way!

Woman applys SPF to her hair partline and cowlick — Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your part line and and cowlicks where your scalp is exposed

3. Use a hair mask

Before you head to the pool, lather on a hair mask and brush it through your damp hair to protect the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair. This will help condition the hair, and protect it from the sun and humidity.

4. Wear a swim cap

I know what you’re thinking: isn’t this too extreme? But wearing a swim cap is the most effective way to keep your hair protected in the pool. Whether you’re at the gym or on vacation, the chlorine from pools is harsh on the hair and scalp and can cause damage and discoloration.

Woman in pool wearing a swimcap — Wearing a swim cap is the most effective way to protect your hair in the pool.

5. Rinse your hair before you get in the pool, and immediately after

This is a great alternative to the swim cap. Your hair is a sponge, but it can only absorb so much moisture. So if your hair is wet before jumping in the pool, it won’t soak up as many of the harsh chemicals. When you’re done with your swim session, make sure to use a clarifying shampoo to get those pool chemicals out of your hair immediately.

6. Use a detangling rinse instead of a deep conditioner

If you’re diving into the pool often, don’t use an intense conditioner before you get in the pool. Using too much intense conditioner can have a drying effect. Instead, try using a lighter leave-in conditioner or a detangling rinse on your wet hair to protect it from pool chemicals.

If you’re having fun in the sun or in the pool - follow these tips pro tips to protect those locks and scalp. Wear your hat and sunscreen, and make sure you’re wash your hair if you happen to take a dive in the pool.

What’s your go-to routine to protect your hair during these summer months? Let me know in the comments!

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