Summer Care for Dry Hair: 8 Easy Steps

In summer, hair often becomes dry, dull, and brittle. The reason is exposure to the sun, heat, seawater, and frequent washing, which damage the protective layer and cause moisture loss. To prevent this and restore your hair, it’s important to follow a proper at-home care routine. Discover 8 effective summer hair care methods on Joy-pup.

1. Use a gentle shampoo

Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type. For dry hair, opt for gentle formulas specifically designed to restore dry and frizzy strands. It’s also best to choose shampoos with minimal harsh cleansing agents. Avoid products containing sulfates and alcohol — they can further dry out your hair and scalp. Look for shampoos enriched with oils and amino acids.

2. Minimize the use of heat styling tools

Healthy, hydrated hair relies on strong keratin bonds. Heating above 140 °C (284 °F) breaks down the keratin structure and dries hair from the inside out. Even lower temperatures can damage the cuticle and reduce moisture levels. As a result, hair becomes dry, brittle, and weakened. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry or use a blow-dryer in cool-air mode.

3. Don’t wash your hair too often

If your hair is dry and prone to frizz, avoid washing it daily. Frequent washing strips away natural oils that protect and retain moisture. Ideally, wash your hair 1–2 times a week or as needed. Use warm, not hot, water to avoid drying out the scalp.

4. Use conditioner

Apply conditioner after every wash — it keeps the cuticle healthy and helps retain natural oils. Conditioner makes hair softer, smoother, and more hydrated. It also eases detangling and prevents breakage. For best results, choose conditioners with shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil.

5. Apply nourishing masks

Hair masks are one of the most effective ways to deeply hydrate your hair. Using them twice a week is enough to address dryness. Unlike leave-in treatments, masks often contain proteins and strengthening agents that help rebuild keratin bonds inside the hair shaft. Combined with moisturizing ingredients, they not only prevent further damage but also restore already weakened strands.

6. Be gentle when brushing

Both dry and wet hair need careful handling. Rough brushing worsens dryness and can cause further damage. Wet hair is especially vulnerable: due to moisture, protein bonds weaken, making strands prone to breakage. Use wide-tooth combs, starting from the ends and gradually working your way up. Take your time — gentleness is key.

7. Preserve your natural color

Hair coloring is one of the most aggressive factors affecting hair health. To achieve the desired shade, dye penetrates deep into the hair structure, damaging the cuticle. Frequent or even semi-permanent coloring weakens follicles, making hair thin, brittle, and dry. If you do color your hair, choose gentle formulas and care for dyed strands with specialized products.

8. Protect your hair from the sun

Ultraviolet radiation breaks down keratin proteins in hair, making it dry, lightened, thin, and brittle. To avoid this, wear hats and use UV-protection hair products. It’s especially important to protect your hair during summer and beach holidays — the sun, seawater, and wind together quickly deplete the hair structure.