Issue No. 23
Summer energy hits different. Beach days, salty air, rooftop nights, sun-drenched skin—and your hair feeling… dry, faded, frizzy, or flat. As a colorist and hair artist, I see it every season. The combo of UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and heat styling can do a number on your strands, especially if your hair is lightened or colored.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a curated list of summer hair care tips to help you keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and glowing from sunrise to golden hour.
1. Pre-Treat Before You Hit the Beach or Pool
Saltwater and chlorine are two of the biggest culprits behind color fade and breakage. But here’s a secret: your hair acts like a sponge. If it’s already saturated with clean water and a protective product, it won’t absorb as much damage.
Aly’s ritual:
• Rinse your hair with water before swimming.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or protective oil from mid-lengths to ends.
• Braid it or slick it back for a sleek, low-maintenance look.
2. Shield Your Strands from UV Rays
Just like your skin, your hair needs sun protection too. UV rays break down color molecules and dehydrate your strands, especially if you have blonde, balayaged, or highlighted hair.
Pro tip:
Use a UV-protectant spray before heading out into the sun. Look for formulas that double as leave-in conditioners to nourish while protecting. As a bonus you can wear a silky headscarf for extra protection.
3. Cut Down on Heat Styling
Summer is the perfect time to embrace your natural texture. Too much heat can leave your hair feeling dry and lifeless, especially when combined with sun exposure.
Try this instead
• Air-dry with sea salt spray or curl cream for a soft, undone wave.
• Use your diffuser on a low setting if you need to define curls.
• If you must use hot tools, always use heat protection.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Between sun, sweat, and heat, your hair needs moisture more than ever. Weekly deep conditioning is non-negotiable during summer months.
Aly’s go-to ingredients:
• Shea butter for softness
• Coconut or argan oil for hydration
• Bond builders for restoring post-lightening treatments
Pro tip: Apply your mask, then wrap your hair in a warm towel and let it sit for 20+ minutes. It’s the perfect Sunday reset.
5. Use a Gentle, Color-Safe Cleanser
Washing your hair more frequently in summer is totally normal—especially after beach or pool days. But you’ll want to avoid harsh shampoos that strip your color and natural oils.
Look for:
• Sulfate-free formulas
• Shampoos infused with plant-based hydration or bond repair
• Purple or blue shampoos if you’re blonde or brunette and want to fight brassiness. ( We also have great treatments like The BLONDME Vitamin C Detox Treatment specifically designed to refresh the strength and vibrancy of blondes.)
6. Don’t Skip Regular Trims
Split ends + sun = frizz city. Keeping your ends clean with a dusting trim every 6–8 weeks prevents breakage and helps your hair stay strong and vibrant.
Bonus: It also keeps your haircut’s shape intact, which means less styling needed.
7. Switch to a Silk Pillowcase
Hot nights and friction from cotton can rough up your hair cuticle and leave you waking up with tangles or frizz. A silk or satin pillowcase is a small luxury that protects your hair while you sleep—and feels like a dream.
Summer should be carefree—and that includes your hair. With the right protection and hydration rituals, your color will stay vibrant, your strands will stay strong, and your vibe will stay effortlessly cool.
If you’re unsure what your summer hair routine should look like, or you need a mid-season refresh (gloss, toner, trim—whatever you need), I’ve got you.
Bonus: My Go-To Summer Skin Picks
Glowy, protected skin is part of the vibe. Here’s what I actually use:
Kopari Sunscreen SPF 50 – Hydrating and gives your skin that golden-hour glow. I use this as my base scent under my perfumes throughout Spring and Summer, It layers beautifully under all my soft light florals, gentle citrus notes, and playful fruity warm perfumes for a long lasting signature scent.
Kopari Setting Mist SPF 30 – Locks in makeup and refreshes your face with a dewy, protected finish for on the go touch ups.
Kopari Glow Stick SPF 40 – Swipe on cheekbones, nose, chest and shoulders for SPF and highlight in one.
NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 – Lightweight, breathable coverage with a radiant finish and sun protection on those no makeup days.
Burt’s Bees Peppermint Chapstick – Classic, hydrating, and refreshing—never leave home without it.
Glow, protect, hydrate. That’s the routine.
Aly | Los Angeles & Dana Point Hair Artist 