Summertime is fun, but if you’re not careful, it can wreak havoc on your hair. With K18, you don’t have to worry about damage, whether you’re enjoying an impromptu ice cream at the beach or simply walking out the door when the heat index is high.

how to protect your hair from hair damage this summer

Amber Thorne, K18’s Director of Education Design + Development, recommends adding a few different K18 products to your routine for effective, long-lasting support. Powered by biotechnology, K18-patented K18PEPTIDE™ reverses damage from styling, color + chemical services, and heat*. It keeps the hair cuticle smooth and restores its pH to the optimal level to prevent frizz and reduce breakage.

“It's important to add to the K18PEPTIDE™ found in our molecular repair products in your regular rotation to create lasting repair and to help fortify against the environmental damage, in addition to making sure that your hair stays healthy and resilient while maintaining the styles you love,” says Thorne.

a sneaky cause of summer damage

“Each season presents challenges in terms of hair care,” says Thorne. “Although it is always important to take into account your particular texture and routine, summer does tend to encourage individuals to wear their hair up more often, which can present challenges with mechanical damage.” 

It might be tempting to reach for your hair tie day after day as the temperature rises, but be aware of the breakage that comes along with constant tension on your hair. Protective styles, as opposed to slick backs, keep your hair safe by minimizing friction and exposure to the elements (such as UV rays from the sun, chemicals from the pool, and dryness after a dip in the ocean). 

Keep reading to discover more common summer hair concerns that impact all hair types—and how to support healthier hair all season long (and beyond).

5 summer hair concerns + how to fix them

problem: sweat

K18 solution: AirWash™ dry shampoo

why it works: “This is a great product to use at the roots to control odor, sweat + oil and allow for that freshly washed look as you style,” says Thorne. 

problem: humidity

K18 solution: AstroLift™ volume spray

why it works: “I can't think of a better product to use to enhance volume that doesn't create stickiness during the summer months,” shares Thorne. “Utilizing AstroLift™ at the root area for volume and at the mid-length to create control and lift and adding the secondary benefit of humidity protection is a fantastic benefit to this product as well.” 

problem: daily damage

K18 solution: leave-in molecular repair hair mask

why it works: “Prevention and protection are always a good reason to reach for this mask—if you're wearing your hair up, if you're coloring your hair during the summertime, if you're looking to have protection against damage from brushing and braiding,” shares Thorne. “It creates a barrier between your hair and the environment. This is very important during the summer.”

problem: frizz

K18 solution: molecular repair hair oil

why it works: “This oil is a fantastic way to tame frizz and retain moisture during the summer months,” says Thorne. “Air conditioning can be quite drying on the skin and hair, so it's important to replenish with something that's light and safe in addition to helping fight humidity as you finger coil or smooth your hair during the summer months.”

problem: dryness

K18 solution: DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 

why it works: “This conditioner creates a shield between your hair and the environment, which is always important while you're exposing your hair to the humidity and heat experienced during the summer,” says Thorne.