There is very little that feels as amazing as the warm sun on your bare skin.

... Except maybe the feeling of the ice old surf through your hair as you dive under a wave.

During summer we spend more time outdoors than at any other time of the year, and for most of us, we also spend more time in the water as well. It feels cleansing, refreshing and renewing.

And it’s not all in your head! The stronger sunlight and extra hours of it allows your body to absorb more UV light which in turn produces extra serotonin which makes you feel more upbeat and happy. It also lowers your levels of melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy.

The warmth also tends to send us outside more often and being in a natural environment lifts the spirits, particularly if you are near a body of water. A 2013 medical study showed that this is just as effective for people living in an urban environment; people in these areas feel more relaxed and happy when they spend time in parks and by water.

Its not the size of the natural space – it’s the time you spend in it.

Warm weather and longer daylight hours encourages us to move more, riding or walking before and after work when we might not during the darker hours of winter. We also tend to see more people, socialise more and eat lighter foods. All in all – summer makes us healthier and happier.

The only time it isn’t quite so kind, is in relation to our hair.

Water, both fresh and salty, can be drying and harsh for your hair and the sun can damage and dry it out. It isn’t the time of year where we want to spend heaps of time looking after our hair – we’ve got better things to do- so it can be good to plan a pared back hair care routine that cleanses gently and nourishes simply.

 

5 EASY WAYS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HAIR THIS SUMMER

1. COVER UP

The sun might add those crisp bright highlights to your hair in summer, but the UV exposure also fades colour and dries out your tresses. It is the perfect time to wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun.

2. LOOSEN UP

Leave your buns and braids messy and loose – this way, if they go from wet to dry a few times the hair isn’t overstretched and damaged. Pulling wet hair tight puts a lot of stress on it and it will break far more easily.

Switch to a wide toothed comb for wet hair rather than a brush, as this also helps to avoid over-stretching your hair.

3. OIL UP

Summer is the perfect time to wash your hair less often – every three or four days is ideal and up to a week is great if your hair isn’t too oily. Rinse your hair well with water after swimming and instead of washing, trying a gentle spritz of a moisturising detangler.

Try this DIY detangling leave in conditioner we created as an all natural one that can be used to style or protect, depending on your choice of ingredients.

2 cups filtered water
2 teaspoons aloe vera juice
2 teaspoon avocado, coconut or argan oil (or a little bit of all three!)
1 teaspoon organic conditioner (we love this one from Clean Skin Organics)
1 teaspoon sea salt (to turn it into a styling product)

Combine all ingredients in spray bottle and shake well before each use.

4. REMOVE BUILD UP

If your hair is looking dull from too much pool time – rinse out your conditioner with a cup of apple cider vinegar. It naturally cleans and protects your hair from chemical build-up.

5. GO DEEP

It’s also a good idea to give your hair a weekly deep conditioning treatment. It could be as simple and massaging warm coconut oil through your hair and scalp and leaving it on for thirty minutes or so before shampooing it out.

Or you could make yourself a natural deep conditioning treatment like the one we’ve concocted below.

1 overripe banana
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerine (optional)

Blend ingredients into a smooth paste and smoosh through ends of hair. Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse out well. 

See how simple it can be?

Now get out there with your tussled curls and your Mojito and soak up that summer sun (wearing a hat and natural sunscreen, of course).