May 10, 2013

Quick Summer Hair Tips and Tricks







Not only are there general dos and don’ts for natural hair but those rules are broken down by season!  I know!  I know! “ain’t nobody got time for that!”…Ridiculous right?  Something about the word “rules” just screams “break me” and automatically incites challenge and resistance.  Hence the old adage “rules were made to be broken”.  To avoid feeling so combative, I say don’t view them as “rules” and regulations; but more as helpful tips and tricks to exploit and make your hair life easier.  Some you’ll put into practice, others you won’t, and it’s that simple.  With that being said, here are a few tips and tricks as we approach escalating temperatures and hopefully a season full of good times, good friends and good hair!

Put away the heating tools
It’s almost futile to resort to any heat styling during the summer months.  Your tresses won’t like it much and furthermore don’t need the added stress that comes with blow drying and heat exposure. However, if you are totally committed to the idea of straightening/blow drying your hair, at the very least opt for a leave in conditioner designed to protect and use the sectioned blow dry method.  Before blow drying allow hair to dry at least half way before diving into the process and always be mindful of heat settings.

Care free is the key
This doesn’t mean you don’t have to maintenance your mane.  It means simplify your routine to allow more time with family and friends vs. a five hour hair session.  A wash and bun (wash it and put it in a bun) is a simple, yet sophisticated way to stay cool with minimal styling.  If your hair is not quite bun length, a low maintenance look surrounded by a decorative headband/head piece will neatly guard your face from fly away hair.  A cute side braid is another adorable, stylish look that is easily achieved.  Whatever carefree styling works best for you is what you should opt for during the summer.  The goal is minimal effort, maximum flyness.
 
Check in with your local weather person
It helps to keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly.  If you know what you’re up against as it relates to the elements, you can be two steps ahead.  This will also be a lifesaver when it comes to product selection, i.e. humectant vs. anti-humectant, gel vs. cream, etc. 
 
Hands off…at least until your hair is completely dry
Constantly coifing and re-coifing the hair while it’s wet will only lead to unwelcome frizz.  Settle on a look and then let it be. Textured hair tends to have a life of its own so let it live.
 

What tried and true quick tips are you arming yourself with this summer?

Don’t forget to check me out today and every Friday on CurlyNikki.

 

 

 

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