Summertime is a time for carefree fun in the sun and wet and wild water sports. However, besides warm sunny weather and water sports, summer also comes with dangers to your hair as well.

Although your hair is probably going to be one of the last things on your mind, neglecting it during the summer months is a sure way to damage it, and possibly send the beach bunnies screaming.

Thankfully, maintaining a healthy head of hair is easier than you may think. Below are some of the most common culprits of hair damage during the summer, as well as way to combat each one. 

Ultraviolet Rays

Everyone knows that ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful to your skin, but what you may not know is that they can also penetrate your hair shafts, leaving your strands dry and damaged. The best way to prevent hair damage from UV rays is to cover your hair. This means that it's time to break out your baseball hat collection, or if you're so inclined, pop on that cowboy hat.

Not a hat person? No problem! Invest in SPF shampoo and conditioner, or SPF hairspray. If you dread the idea of special hair goop, you can also smooth a tiny amount of regular sunblock through your hair. This is especially important for men with balding and thinning hair.

Heat

The heat from the sun can quickly turn shiny locks into dried out brittle locks, which is easier to break or tangle. During the hot summer months, avoid unnecessary heat on your hair, including blow driers. Take cool showers instead of hot showers, and use a moisturizing conditioner to replenish moisture in your hair.

Saltwater

Splashing in the surf's great on a hot summer day, but it can also wreak havoc on your hair. Before diving in, saturate your hair with a heavy conditioner. This will help prevent the salt from sapping moisture from your hair. After your dip, be sure to rinse all conditioner and saltwater from your hair in clean, non-chlorinated water.

Chlorine

For you guys who aren't lucky enough to enjoy playtime at the beach, you'll most likely be hitting the pool this summer. Unfortunately, the chemicals - particularly chlorine - that are added to most pools can severely dry out your hair. To prevent this, you can saturate your hair with conditioner before jumping in. If your public pool doesn't take kindly to greasy goop floating in their water, you can either choose to rinse the chlorine thoroughly from your hair after swimming or wear a swim cap.

Swimming in a chlorinated pool can also cause light hair to turn that dreaded green color.

This is caused by the chlorine oxidizing the copper found in many algaecides. If you're stuck looking like the Jolly Green Giant, use a special purple shampoo and conditioner. The weak purple dye in these products helps neutralize and mask the green tint in your hair. Just don't use too much, or you'll end up looking like Barney instead.

About the Author: 

Timothy Jenkins writes about and reviews Chicago’s best beauty salons. In his free time, he’s making frequent visits to the beach.