Natural hair care during hot summer months

Summer is a harsh time for hair, especially African American hair. In some climates, the humidity in the air causes hair to become frizzy and unmanageable. In other climates, the air is so dry it leads to breakage. Proper hair care techniques can help you avoid some of the pitfalls associated with summertime locks.
Shampooing
African American hair is naturally very curly. The tight corkscrew curls make it difficult for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the entire length of the hair, causing African American hair to become overly dry. Dry hair is hard to manage and unhealthy. Dry hair can be frizzy and unruly, and it is more prone to breaking apart from the shaft.

During the warm summer months, avoid shampooing hair more than once or twice a week. Shampooing strips hair of its natural oils, causing it to dry out. In the summer, when the air is already dry, shampooing is even more detrimental to African American hair. In addition to limiting the number of times a week you shampoo your hair, use a moisturizing shampoo that contains amino acids, panthenol and keratin every time you wash. A moisturizing shampoo will help your hair retain some moisture necessary to keep it looking healthy and shiny.
Conditioning
African American hair needs a lot of conditioning, particularly in the summer. Proper conditioning can help prevent breakage and frizz. A good conditioner will coat and protect the hair shaft from humidity.

Use a conditioner that contains shea or cocoa butter on your locks daily. You can use a leave-in conditioner or a regular conditioner that must be rinsed out. Wet hair slightly so that it is damp and apply the conditioner from roots to tips. If you're using a conditioner that must be rinsed out, leave it in your hair for about three minutes before washing it out.

Once a month, use a hot oil treatment or deep conditioner. These treatments are designed to fully immerse hair in moisture to fight frizz and breakage. These treatments are especially necessary if you continue to undergo chemical processing such as relaxing or dyeing during the summer months.