When the temperature is soaring and mercury rising, and though it’s an amazing time to lay around and get a tan, it’s also time to control the damage the sun does to your hair. The summer sun and humidity is the hairs worst enemy. Frizzy dry hair, split ends and brittle hair is a very common complaint in these months. The summer really makes you want to shave your head bald. But here are few tips that can help in protecting hair:

• Trim the damaged section of your hair and try to keep it short during the summer. Short hairstyles during the summer lets you enjoy the sun without worrying about damaging your hair.
• If you don’t want to cut your hair short, keep your hair knotted or tie it up in a bun to provide less exposure to the sun. Try wearing a cap or scarf to avoid direct sun-rays whenever possible. But make sure that it’s not too tight to cut off circulation.
• Use moisturizing or leave-in conditioners. For extra conditioning treatment apply the conditioner on damp hair, wrap your hair in plastic before bedtime and sleep on it. This allows the conditioner to soak in and is effective in softening damaged hair.
• You can rub lemon or hair oil mixed with amla into the scalp. This greatly reduces dandruff and cools the head.
• If you normally use hair tools like hair irons and blow dryer, then now is a good time to give your hair a break. Let your hair air dry.
• Use protective sunscreen on your hair if you have to stay out in the sun for long hours.
• Chlorine causes dryness, so before going in for a swim dampens your hair to reduce the absorption of chlorine. Also rinse out your hair immediately after, with a deep shampoo and conditioner.
• Drinking lots of water, juices and coconut water keeps your hair hydrated from within.
• Take special care of color-treated hair. Hair that has been dyed or highlighted is especially prone to UV damage. Take care by deep conditioning your hair using a product containing keratin, jojoba oil or other natural ingredients that increase moisture, shine and elasticity.
• Try and avoid using warm water to wash your head. At the same time avoid taking head bath in extremely cold water.