Johnny Rodriguez Salon

When the weather heats up, we start making plans to combat high temperatures. We set our sprinklers to keep our lawn healthy, we program our thermostats to keep the house cool, and we have our cars checked to make sure they don't overheat. We also make changes to our personal habits, like exfoliating our dry skin, working out so we are bathing suit ready, dressing in cool and comfortable fabrics, and wearing sunscreen, so we don't burn. However, that isn't all we should be doing to prepare for the summer.

It is also important to get your hair summer-ready. It is vital to replenish the moisture that was depleted in the dry heated indoor air and protect it from the upcoming onslaught of sun, heat, saltwater, and chemicals that are common occurrences in the summertime. Heat styling tools can also exacerbate any existing damage. At Johnny Rodriguez The Salon®, we understand how critical hair hydration is to the health of your hair, so we've put together a list of hair care tips to help you keep your style fresh, healthy, and damage-free this summer.

Use the Right Shampoo

Keeping your hair from getting too dry in the summer heat starts with using the right shampoo. Not only will you find yourself washing your hair more often, but if you use the wrong shampoo, you could be depleting the precious moisture that's still left in your strands. You need a shampoo that can cleanse the strands and scalp while infusing the hair shaft with moisture. We carry only the products that meet our strict quality standards, such as R&Co, Oribe, and our own signature line.

Don't Forget the Conditioner

Summertime may be when you crave less structure and fewer things on your to-do list, but one thing you can't skimp on is the conditioner. Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water can strip away your hair's protective barrier. That means that as your hair gets wet, it breaks more easily, leaving your hair frizzy and uneven. Applying moisture-rich conditioners from one of our recommended lines is the best way to ensure hair hydration, keep your hair healthy, and protect from harsh water and chemicals.

Your Hair Needs UV Protection, Too

We all know how critical it is to protect our skin from UV damage by wearing sunscreen. It not only prevents burns but slows signs of aging due to free radicals. What often gets overlooked in hair care tips is that hair stressed by styling tools, overly aggressive products, and chemical processes like color or straightening can be at increased risk for damage, as well. When the protective outer layer of oil on the hair shaft is compromised, it is even more important than ever to use moisturizing products with built-in UV protection.

Hair Masks Can Replenish Moisture

One of the best things about summer is diving into a cool pool on a hot day or spending an invigorating day at the beach frolicking in the waves. Unfortunately, though, that chlorination and salt water can do a number on your hair. Saltwater crystallized as it dries, and those salt crystals leach water from strands. Using protective treatments like Oribe Signature Moisture Masque or R+Co Television Perfect Hair Masque can add an extra layer of defense to keep your mane soft, shiny, and healthy while you enjoy the sun and surf.

Give Your Hair a Break From the Heat

When the temperatures rise along with the humidity, hair can frizz. What does that mean? Out comes the blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and other devices that apply heat directly to the strands at over 400 degrees. When you combine multiple heat styling tools with repeated passes of a straight iron to ensure you've wrangled those wayward strands into submission, you have a recipe for damage.

Hair is made from keratin proteins. Heat styling changes those proteins much like boiling solidifies egg whites. That chemical change can scorch and destroy strands. To counteract the damage and protect against further breakdown, use a serum like Rikoko Lock or a product specifically designed for air-dried hair like Oribe Matte Waves Texture Lotion so you can give your mane a much-needed break.

Protect Your Color

Your hair color can become collateral damage to the sun if you don't plan for it. Even natural hair can bleach out in the sun when the melanin is degraded. If you have colored your hair, it is at increased risk of fading. Blondes can end up brassy, brunettes can end up with orange tones, and redheads are the most susceptible to quick fading. With heat and UV rays, you can end up with unattractive, faded color and dry, damaged hair.

So what do you do? Our stylists at Johnny Rodriguez, The Salon® in Plano and Dallas, recommend a color-preserving haircare regimen. We offer several products that moisturize and protect delicate, colored strands from fading and sun damage. With color-safe shampoos and conditioners, sun-protecting masks, and protective styling products, your style can have beautifully preserved color and a soft, smooth texture. Click here to see our hair treatment options.

Change Up Your Style

When you think of summertime hairstyles, it brings to mind swingy ponytails, sleek braids, and messy topknots. Essentially, anything that keeps hair neatly out of your face and off your neck is the style of the season. Even though these styles are cute and comfortable, they can really stress your hair out.

The highest point of your braid or bun is susceptible to the most sun damage. Ponytails, braids, and topknots get repeated friction from hair ties. These styles also put constant pressure on the roots of the hair, putting you at risk of breakage or increased hair fall. Try giving your hair a break by going natural or opting for a shorter cut that doesn't require a stress-inducing 'do.

Trim the Ends

Finally, don't forget that your hair is still growing. Even if you have the length you want, those ends can take a beating in the heat. If you let split ends go too long, you can end up with frizzy, unruly, and unhealthy-looking hair. The best way to maintain your hair health is to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks.

By following these summer hair care tips, hair hydration should no longer be a problem for you. Just remember, summer is the time to take it easy and relax. Just keep the sunblock handy and have the right hair care products to keep your hair safe, as well. If you run out of your favorite products, we have them in stock and ready for you to pick up at either our convenient Johnny Rodriguez -- Dallas or Plano Legacy West location.

Summer Hair Hydration Tips