@jovaughnstephens

While the summer months bring the possibility of warmer, longer fun-filled days, it also comes with the likelihood of increased sun exposure and more humidity in the air. This can cause those with type 4 hair to get lacklustre, frizzy afro curls. In addition, warmer, more humid temperatures can play havoc with your hair follicles when humidity alters your cuticles by lifting them.

This process can lead to a loss of definition, which means that your hair is more likely to be affected by environmental stressors like the sun and its harmful UV rays. In addition, the dry heat can dry out your afro curls and strip them of their natural colour, meaning that you are left with hair that is brittle and prone to breakage. Here are six ways to keep natural hair's strength, definition, and moisture during the summer months.

Cover And Protect Your Kinky Hair From The Sun

Like you would cover and protect your skin from the scorching heat, do the same for your afro hair. To stop the UV rays from giving you dull, brittle hair, adopt a protective style like braids, updos or cornrows to keep your afro hair nourished and minimise the appearance of frizz. You could also use a headscarf or a sun hat to cover your afro curls on hotter days. Lastly, to replenish any moisture lost following your wash day, apply a small amount of our Leave-In Conditioner with Manuka Honey And Avocado Oil to condition and protect your hair from the heat naturally.

Avoid Harmful Ingredients When Buying Products

Avoid ingredients like mineral oil, petroleum and sulphates in your afro hair products. These ingredients are harmful to your afro curls as they can coat your hair and scalp, blocking your follicles and preventing moisture absorption. Instead, choose products like our SofnFree range, which uses plant oils that contain natural UV filters, antioxidants and vitamins that can protect your hair’s texture from the sun.

 

 

@terricksnoah

Reduce Shrinkage and Unnecessary Heat With The Right Tools

Try to stretch your hair naturally during the summer, as a heating tool will only dry out your afro hair more. Instead, opt for methods like perm rods and rollers to stretch your kinky hair. Our Curl Elongating Gel with Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater can also put back any definition and bounce back into your natural hair, which you may have lost due to the heat. It can also elongate your curls in between washes.

Hydrate With a Washday Routine

To ensure that your afro hair gets a good dose of moisture during the summer, you must keep washing and conditioning your curls every 7 to 10 days. To start this process, use our hydrating shampoo and moisturising conditioner, which contains a mixture of manuka honey & avocado to nourish your scalp, minimise split ends and fight frizz.

Then, use our leave-in conditioner to seal the moisture to prevent a dry scalp after your wash day. Following your wash, you can also use our Everyday Curl Refresh With Coconut & Jamaican Black Castor Oils to restore your afro curls' natural moisture and balance daily.

 

Be Gentle When Combing Your Afro Hair

If you constantly brush or touch your hair, you can cause more breakage. More importantly, only comb through your hair when wet, preferably after using our leave-in conditioner, which can also help make detangling with a wide-toothed comb easier due to its creamy texture.

Protect Your Curls Pre and Post Swim

There is nothing better than a refreshing swim in the summer. But, before you get in, remember to wear a swimming cap. After a swim, use shampoo and conditioner to remove all the chemicals from your hair. Then, schedule your swim right before your next wash.

Do not neglect your hair care routine, favouring any summer plans you may have. Instead, get your afro curls looking on point with our tips for caring for your kinky hair in the hotter season.