Beat Summer Hair Damage

The warm-weather activities that do wonders for your body and soul -- enjoying the sun, swimming in the ocean or pool, trying vigorous new sports -- can wreak havoc on your hair. And if you color or chemically process your locks, they're in even greater danger. To ward off summer breakage, frizz, dryness, and color fadeout, try this plan:-

Step 1: Switch your shampoo and conditioner.

Pick a combo that's made to moisturize dry hair. Even if your hair isn't dry right now, sun, salt water, and chlorine sap its natural oils and can make it parched in no time. Shampoo every other day; condition each time you wet your hair.

Step 2: Treat hair with a leave-in conditioner.

A leave-in moisturizes hair continuously throughout the day. The bonus: These products usually contain sunscreen, which helps protect color-treated hair from the sun -- which can turn color brassy.

Step 3: Wet hair before swimming.

Dry hair soaks up more salt water and chlorine than does already-wet hair -- which means dry hair incurs more damage after swimming. Use plain tap water to soak hair before you take the plunge.

Step 4: Get no-snag hair accessories.

If you participate in summer sports, you most likely pull your hair back into a ponytail. Choose pony holders with no metal on them, since metal closures snag and tear hair. And vary the position of your pony to avoid putting undue stress on your hair.

Step 5: Get into a regular mask routine.

Once a week, give your hair intensive repair time by applying a hair mask containing moisturizing ingredients like avocado oil or shea butter. Another idea: Apply your mask before heading out into the sun. The sun's heat will allow the mask to better penetrate your hair.