My Summer Hair Has Been Through Things - Here’s What I’ve Learned

Once upon a summertime, my hair and I were locked in an epic, sun-soaked battle. Imagine Medusa, but instead of stone, think straw. The sun? Oh, it was out there auditioning for Hell’s Kitchen, and my hair was the main course - crispy, frazzled, overdone. Saltwater and chlorine just waltzed in, sprinkling extra chaos, turning my head into a frizz festival.

By August, I’d stumble out of summer like I’d washed up on some deserted island. Not the Instagram kind with perfect waves - nope. This was more “SOS” than “sea goddess.” My scalp? Full-on mutiny.

But here’s the plot twist: after enough tragic haircuts and blowing cash on overpriced, overhyped “miracle” oils, I finally cracked the code. So, let me drop my summer survival guide for your locks - take it or leave it, but trust, it’s been battle-tested.

First rule - face the facts: the sun is not your hair’s friend.  

Don’t act like those UV rays aren’t out here slow-roasting your strands. Grab a leave-in conditioner with SPF or a UV spray. Yes, they exist. No, you’re not too cool for hair sunscreen. Get over yourself.

Saltwater dreams? Please.  

Those commercials where people frolic with flawless beach hair are straight fantasy. Reality check: salt and chlorine turn your hair into a crunchy science experiment. Douse your hair with fresh water before swimming. It’s like giving it a little raincoat - trust me.

Shampoo: Less is more.  

Summer turns your scalp into the Sahara. Go ham with daily shampoo and congrats, you’ve just RSVP’d to Flake Fest. Try co-washing or just shampoo every few days. Conditioner is your summer ride-or-die.

Oil up, but don’t go full fry cook.  

I used to think hair oil would make me look like a French fry. Spoiler: it won’t. Just a couple drops of argan or coconut oil on your ends is the difference between “sun-kissed” and “sun-obliterated.”

And hats? Yes, you need one.  

Look, I used to think hats made me look like a lost tourist. But you know what’s actually tragic? Forfeiting your rent for a salon rescue mission when a cheap straw hat could’ve saved the day.

These days, my hair and summer are basically frenemies. We’re not hugging it out, but at least we’re not plotting each other’s downfall anymore.

Look, I’m the sister who’s been through the hairpocalypse so you don’t have to. Let my misadventures save you some trouble.