Summer Hair Care Tips and Recipes
By Brenda Hyde
Summer is as hard on are hair as it is on our skin. I
wanted to give a few pointers on summer hair care
and a homemade treatment that you can do at home
.
Wear hats or scarves whenever possible to protect
your hair, but you can also buy conditioners now that
have sunscreen included. In a pinch you can put
regular sunscreen on your hair, but wash it out
when you return home. At least rub in sunscreen
on any part of your scalp that is showing to avoid
burning.
Wet your hair down before swimming--it can only
soak up so much moisture and it's better to start
with wet hair, so you won't take in as much chlorine
or salt water. Afterwards shower off and use a good
conditioner, and of course lotion on your skin.
If your hair is already dry don't apply lemon juice before
going out in the sun. Check that your hair products don't
contain alcohol that can also be drying.
Drink plenty of water in the summer. It hydrates all parts
of your body and is very important to your health!
Treat your hair more gently in the summer, trim often,
use a good shampoo and don't let the water get too hot...
warm water is good for the hair and skin. Try the following
homemade rinses. As your hair dries the vinegar smell will
fade. I make herbal vinegars instead of using plain vinegar.
You can use lavender, chamomile flowers, calendula petals,
rosemary, lemon herbs such as lemon balm, lemon verbena
or lemon thyme. Pour the vinegar over the herbs in a glass
or plastic container (I reuse jars) and allow to set for 3-4 weeks,
or bring the vinegar just to the boiling stage and remove from
the heat, then pour over the herbs. You can use this more
quickly, about a week or two. The recipes below can be used
immediately.
1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 cups distilled water
Combine and use as a final rinse on hair.
Another rinse:
1 cup water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 handful of fresh mint leaves
Bring all the ingredients JUST to a boil in a
non-aluminum pan. Strain and pour into a jar.
Massage solution into the scalp, and allow it
dry without rinsing out.
About the Author
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer, editor, herb gardener
and mother to three children. For more herb recipes and
tips visit
The Garden Path
Hair Care Resources
The Body Shop
AVON Specials
Garden Botanika Hair Care
Aveda Hair Care
