The I-don’t-care Guide to Summer Haircare

The I-don’t-care Guide to Summer Haircare

By Hairstory

Published on September 27, 2024 — 4 min read

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Summer is here, and so are the usual reams of summer haircare articles that assume you’ve never seen the season before. But this article might just surprise even those who have managed to survive dozens of summers with hair intact.

 

Life is too short not to enjoy everything summer makes possible, namely getting our bodies and minds out of doors and into wilder spaces. So we’re going to venture out on a slightly creaky limb here and silence the usual alarmist tone that insists you protect, protect, protect your hair… we’re going to urge you to throw caution to those wonderfully warm winds and live a little!

The elements don’t have to enemies to your hair. Why not let the wind whip through it? Why not let it go golden in the sun’s rays? Mermaids don’t wear caps, and they’re famous for their flow. When was the last time you saw a surfer wearing a hat? We all live under such clouds of fear these days; it’s time to let some fun shine through.

Cut & Color

Summer is not the time to get precious about your hair. There’s plenty of time for that when the back-to-school vibe begins and daylight wanes. But some preparation is in order: the key to carefree hair is starting off with a serious talk at the salon and asking for a low-maintenance, highly casual cut, and artful color that keeps your daredevil-ish plan in mind.

Some people can do with a little damage. Wait, what? Hear us out here: Fine hair that tends to go limp actually perks up a bit in response to bleach or heat; the cuticles lift just enough to plump it up and give some extra body. Rest assured that we’re not suggesting an all-out hair-fry here, rather a little bit of extra “texture” can go a long way.

Wash & Wear

Now is a good time to pare down your products to the bare essentials, and proper cleansing should be your number-one priority. By proper, we mean using a method that keeps your natural moisture balance intact, and conditions while it cleans – which means taking traditional shampoo off the menu entirely.

With 3 choices of levels of cleansing and conditioning levels, the New Wash family of products is the summer lover’s dream clean (and offers something for any member of your family): one product versus two (shampoo + conditioner); instantly tangle-free results; the slightly cooling effect of Peppermint oil, and a sophisticated scent that transports you to a rose garden anytime.

Moisture & Texture

Second, you need an all-purpose moisturizing creme that also helps smooth out frizz and offers you some styling options when you need to look more groomed: Hair Balm is the perfect choice to direct hair where you want it to go without resorting to a blow-dryer. (Who wants more heat?) And, you can use it for a sleek, combed-back resort look a la St. Tropez. Face it: you’re going to wear a bun most days anyway, right?

And you must get Undressed, the texturizing spray that'll capture beach-worthy curls all summer long. That’s the name of the summer game, after all, and what we call this amazing spray (Déshabille en Français) that captures the seaside spirit, even in the office. Inspired by surf sprays that add grit, Undressed is a no-salt alternative that builds body and creates a low-glow finish that’s indescribably soft and light. It also seems to make natural wave patterns magically take shape – or you can use its holding properties to create waves with twists or braids. It’s the perfect way to look intentionally casual and sexily mussed-up.

• • •

These are our summer wishes for you: Less worry, more play. Less work, more pleasure. Less time cooped up and more time in the great outdoors – and knowing that your hair looks great no matter what.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How should I care for my hair in the summer?
    Summer is the time to embrace a more carefree approach to hair care rather than obsessing over protection. Pare down your products to the essentials, focus on proper cleansing that keeps your natural moisture balance intact, and lean into the texture that sun, wind, and water naturally create. Less worry, more play is the goal.
  • What kind of haircut is best for summer?
    Ask your stylist for a low-maintenance, highly casual cut paired with artful color that suits a more free-spirited approach to styling. Summer is not the time to get precious about your hair — save the polished, high-maintenance looks for when back-to-school season begins and daylight wanes.
  • Can sun exposure or bleach actually be good for fine hair?
    In moderation, yes. Fine hair that tends to go limp can actually perk up in response to bleach or heat because the cuticles lift just enough to plump the hair and add extra body. A little bit of added texture goes a long way — the goal is texture, not a full hair-fry.
  • What is the best way to wash hair in the summer?
    Use a method that maintains your natural moisture balance and conditions while it cleans, which means skipping traditional shampoo entirely. New Wash by Hairstory is a detergent-free cleansing cream that replaces both shampoo and conditioner in one step, delivering instantly tangle-free hair with a cooling peppermint finish and a rose-garden scent.
  • Which version of New Wash should I choose?
    Hairstory offers three formulas to match different hair needs: New Wash (Original) for normal to thick hair, New Wash (Rich) for dry, coarse, curly, or color-treated hair, and New Wash (Deep) for fine, oily, or transitioning hair. All three replace shampoo and conditioner in a single step.
  • How can I get beachy waves without using a salt spray?
    Undressed is a no-salt texturizing spray inspired by classic surf sprays — it builds body and creates a low-glow, indescribably soft finish that brings out natural wave patterns. You can also use its holding properties with twists or braids to shape waves intentionally, all without the drying effects salt can have on summer hair.
  • What does Hair Balm do and how is it useful in summer?
    Hair Balm is an all-purpose moisturizing creme that smooths frizz and offers styling control without needing a blow-dryer — perfect when you want to avoid extra heat. Use it to direct hair into a bun, create a sleek combed-back resort look, or tame frizz while adding moisture on humid summer days.
  • Do I really need to protect my hair from sun and wind all summer?
    The elements don't have to be the enemy. Wind, sun, and salt water can add character and texture, and a carefree summer look celebrates that freedom — mermaids don't wear caps and surfers don't wear hats. Focus on proper cleansing with a detergent-free wash and light moisture from Hair Balm rather than constant protection.

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