It’s high summer, ideal for spending as much time as possible in bodies of water. Whether it’s a pool, lake, ocean, or otherwise, the effect it has on our hair is slightly less great than the effect it has on our stress levels. As someone who goes in the pool and ocean multiple times per week, I’ve put together the following routine for my bleached, curly, high-density hair to prevent and combat damage as much as possible.
Pre-Shower Treatment
OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil
I first started doing this because of Abbey Yung, before her signature method was even a thing. I swear by coating my hair in this oil, detangling it with a Wet Brush, and then double cleansing.
Shampoo + Conditioner
This is a new collection from the brand; the shampoo contains 1.5% Mandelic Acid for gentle exfoliation, and I love how it makes my scalp feel. It’s just cleansing enough that I feel it removes the chemicals from the pool / particles from the ocean, without being too stripping. The conditioner contains peptides and is lightweight enough that it doesn’t weigh my fine strands down.
Mask
Hindsgaul Hair The Mask Conditioner
I actually like to add a mask on top of my conditioner every single wash because my hair is so dry, and, ironically, even drier in the summertime due to how often it gets wet. The one I’ve been using is The Mask Conditioner by Hindsgaul Hair. Fun fact: founder Sarah Hindsgaul was the head of the hair department on the set of Stranger Things!
Once A Week Treatment
Hindsgaul Hair The Scalp Scrub Shampoo
I LOVE how The Scalp Scrub Shampoo, also by Hindsgaul Hair, feels on a tired, itchy, or dry scalp. It has sea salt crystals that are substantial enough to exfoliate, but so gentle that they melt away with the warm water. I also feel like it resets my curls by removing buildup.
Leave-In
Hindsgaul Hair The Mousse Soft Hold
It’s taken me years, but I have finally realized that my curls don’t work well with heavy curl creams and gels. What I really need is an airy mousse that subtly defines the waves for a beachy vibe without adding too much crunch or sticky moisture. I love this one because it doesn’t feel like there’s any product in my hair.
In-Between Wash Maintenance
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo + Soulstruck Nourishing Dry Hair Mask
The amika dry shampoo has been a longtime favorite; it’s especially essential in the summer, when I really try to go as long between washes as possible so as not to dry my strands out further. The new dry hair mask is something I’ve been searching for for years (I’ve googled “dry conditioner” hundreds of times), something equivalent to dry shampoo but to add moisture back in. I have been loving this combo right before bed.
