Slay Your Hair and Makeup This Summer
Summer is in full swing, and we are living for it! This summer, amazing trends in hair care and makeup products are changing the game. Whether you are looking for beachy waves and casual makeup coverage or a classy bun and something loud and bold for a night out, our latest blog has you covered.
Summer presents its own set of challenges for looking your best. You may have to battle humidity, sun, and sweat. When you need heat-proof hairstyles, sweat-resistant makeup, and SPF protection, look no further than the NamaSlay blog. We are here to ensure you stay looking and feeling fabulous no matter how high the mercury rises.
Discover the must-have items that can withstand all the demands of the long summer days – if you’re ready to turn up the heat on your summer style, let’s get started!
Summer Hair Care Tips
Summer is the perfect season to have some fun. The days are longer, the weather is nicer, and there is a whimsical nature to the season. While there are plenty of summer activities to enjoy, such as taking a dip in the pool, hiking along a beautiful trail, or spending hours in the sun, these activities can wreak havoc on your hair.
Many of these activities involve exposure to UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and heat that can cause damage and dry out your strands. Keeping your hair healthy in the summer months doesn’t have to be a hassle. These tips will help you maintain your luscious locks all summer long.
Use Quality Hair Care Products
Healthy hair year-round starts with using quality hair care products designed to promote strength, growth, and shine. Unfortunately, shopping for quality hair care products can feel overwhelming. When you enter a store, you’ll likely find entire aisles dedicated just to shampoo and conditioner, as well as other items, like dry shampoo, leave-in conditioner, styling gels, mousses, lotions, and even hair pudding.
To provide the best care for your hair, we recommend natural hair care products. Many hair care items on the shelves are filled with ingredients and harsh chemicals we won’t even try to pronounce. These products can ultimately do more harm than good as they weigh heavily on your hair, preventing your hair from reaching its full potential.
We suggest opting for natural shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in products. It may take your hair some time to readjust to a natural lifestyle, but once it’s adapted, you’ll be so glad you made the switch!
Lately I have been using the Hempz brand shampoo and conditional and it’s my new favorite! It’s not all natural, but it is Sulfate free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Vegan and Cruelty Free. Depending on your hair type they have different formulas well. Highly recommend!
Moisturize Your Hair
There is so much to do out in the summer sun, and it isn’t surprising that you end up exposed to the sun for long hours at a time. In addition to the sun, exposure to chlorine or salt water can further dry out your hair. When you add humidity to the mix, you are looking at untamable frizz and damage.
To maintain moisture in your hair, we suggest the following:
- Using quality hair care products – Once again, we stress investing in hair products with safe ingredients designed to hydrate, protect, and strengthen your hair.
- Shield your hair from the sun – UV rays can cause damage and can quickly fade colored hair. Not only are hats and scarves helpful for sun protection, but they also make a great fashion statement!
- Use silk pillowcases – Silk or satin pillowcases feel luxurious, and they can benefit your hair. This material reduces friction that can cause tangles and helps hair maintain moisture and natural oils.
- Use a leave-in conditioner – Add a boost of moisture with a leave-in conditioner. This can be especially beneficial before a day at the pool to add a protective barrier to your hair.
- Seal your hair – Invest in quality hair oils and serums that work as a sealant to shield your strands from harmful environmental factors.
Play With Your Hair Style
To keep your hair healthy this summer, experiment with different styles. Not only are different hairstyles a great way to change your look, but certain styles are more summer-friendly. Protective styling can help your hair better retain moisture. These styles include:
- Low bun
- Low Ponytail
- Braid crown
- Double french braids
- Box braids
- Havana twists
The purpose of these styles is to minimize the strain put on your scalp. High, tight ponytails and other tight styles can put tension on your scalp, which can cause tenderness or lead to dryness. There are plenty of easy-to-follow instructional videos for trying different styles. This is a fun way to get creative and keep your scalp happy.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Heat-styling tools can help sculpt and shape your hair but should be used with caution during the summer months. In the summer, you are already exposed to excessive heat, and using heat-styling tools can become more harmful than helpful. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry. There are plenty of styling serums and oils that are designed to add frizz control and style without heat.
Wash Less Frequently
If you tend to wash your hair every day, experiment with switching to every other day or even less often. For most people, washing less frequently can help improve hair health. If you worry about your hair becoming oily, a quality dry shampoo can absorb extra oil, leaving your hair shower fresh without water exposure. When you do need to wash your hair, opt for cooler water. This is not only better for the environment, but it can refresh your scalp and skin as well.
Use Sunscreen for Your Hair
Yes, you read that correctly! Most people understand the importance of using sunscreen on their skin but often forget about their scalp and hair. When it comes to sunscreen, the same rules tend to apply as when seeking quality hair care products: it’s all about the ingredients. Many sunscreens on the market contain harsh and harmful chemicals that can do more harm than good.
When selecting a sunscreen for your hair, look for keywords such as:
- Broad spectrum
- SPF 30 or above
- Water and sweat resistant
- Cruelty-free
- Reef-friendly
- Dermatologist recommended
I love this Poof mineral powder from Supergoop! It’s SPF 35 Scalp Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum UV Protection and it’s a Reef-Friendly, Cruelty-Free Formula with Vitamin C. It’s kinda like dry shampoo, only with UV protection!
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration has numerous health benefits, including keeping your hair looking its best. Dehydration can be a serious concern in the summer months, and when you are dehydrated, you can experience a weakening of your hair’s strength and even stunted growth. Ensure you drink plenty of water this summer – your hair will thank you!
Want a cute summer water bottle to keep with you? Check out our collection of water bottles from the NamaSlay Shop!
Summer Makeup Tips
Summer is full of fun activities that get you out of the house and spending time with friends and family. When you want to look and feel your best, you don’t want to worry your makeup routine is going to fail, not even in the midst of summer. When it comes to summer makeup, you’ll have to account for the challenges of handling sunlight and sweat. These tips are designed to help you continue to look your best and feel confident that your makeup will last through all your summer fun.
Apply Skin Moisturizer
Summer can be demanding on the skin, pulling away much-needed moisture, which can leave your skin feeling dry and damaged. Before you apply your makeup, take the time to clean your face and add a beneficial barrier of quality moisturizer. Moisturizers with anti-aging properties are great for the summer months and every day of the year to promote healthy, radiant skin.
Sunscreen Is a Must
Look for sunscreen options that opt out of chemicals and utilize natural ingredients that are dermatologist-tested, water and sweat-resistant, and reef safe.
The importance of SPF is evident throughout the cosmetic industry. Many face creams, primers, and moisturizers on the market come with a base amount of sun protection. This makes your face care routine even easier.
This EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen is a little pricey, however, it’s so worth it! I absolutely hate putting “regular” sunblock on my face. For one, I have highly sensitive skin and a lot of them feel greasy and make my skin break out. I also hate putting something heavy on my face before makeup. This product is not only super lightweight, but it’s actually recommended by dermatologists.
Lighten Up Your Makeup Routine
Depending on your normal makeup routine, summer is a great time to keep it lighter. A full face of makeup can feel heavy in the summer sun. Tinted moisturizers, BB cream, and face powder are great lighter options that can still provide the desired coverage.
Apply Makeup Primer
If you currently don’t use a primer as part of your makeup routine, you are missing out. A primer is a great tool for holding makeup in place without feeling heavy. Primer can be especially beneficial in summer months when your skin is more prone to excessive oil and sweat production. It can ensure your makeup lasts throughout the entire day, keeping you looking flawless even on the hottest days.
This Thank Me Later Face primer by Elizabeth Mott is bomb dot com! It’s pore minimizing and helps hide fine lines as well. It doesn’t get all cakey when you add makeup to it. I always start with a SPF moisturizer and then use a primer before applying makeup and it makes all the difference.
Enlist the Help of Waterproof Mascara
One of the best parts of summer is going with the flow and leaving plans out the window. When you aren’t sure what the day may bring, it is important to be as prepared as possible. When it comes to your eye makeup routine, waterproof mascara is always a great option. Mascara can be prone to streaking and smearing in the summer heat. Plus, you never know when an opportunity to hit the pool or lake is going to arise. With waterproof mascara, you are ready for whatever the day may bring.
Add Some Bronzer
Bronzer is a great way to add warmth to your skin without risking sun damage. It can brighten your eyes and teeth and add the desired contour to your cheeks and neck. We recommend a bronzer that contains various shades that can blend for a natural look. Bronzer is designed to highlight the high points of your face, so you’ll want to apply bronzer to your forehead, nose, cheekbones, and chin.
Use Powder-Free Blush
Bold blushes are trending this summer, and it’s easy to see why – blush is a great way to add a pop of color and highlight the curvature of your cheekbones. Be careful, though: blush adds balance, but powder blush can appear cakey, especially when paired with a powder foundation.
Stains are a great option for summer months due to their staying power and flawless blend.
Loving the blush stick from Julep. On those lazy days, all I need is a swipe of tinted sunscreen and a touch of this blush, and I’m good to go.
It’s incredibly versatile too – whether I want a bold pop of color or a subtle, natural glow, it’s totally buildable. I absolutely love how it gives me that healthy, radiant look.
Shimmer With Caution
Adding a touch of shimmer can add a fun glow to your makeup look. However, during the summer, it is best to reduce or skip the shimmer altogether. Anything that creates a luminous look can be counterproductive in the summer when humidity can make you look extra shiny – and not in a good way.
Use Setting Spray
For a long-lasting, even look, we suggest finishing every makeup application with a quality setting spray. A makeup setting spray will seal your style and prevent your makeup from looking slick or shiny. This is an ideal way to combat the summer heat and keep your makeup looking light and fresh.
Carry Blotting Papers and Mini Cosmetics
Even with diligent care at the start of the day, it isn’t uncommon to need a touchup throughout the day, especially after hours spent in the sun or working up a sweat. Blotting papers are a great way to clear up targeted sources of oil and sweat without compromising your overall look.
Purse-sized products such as translucent powder, lip balms, and blotting papers are a must-have for on-demand touchups.
We love these natural bamboo charcoal oil absorbing tissues.
They are a great deal for the price as well! 100 sheets for less than $7.00!
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At NamaSlay Crew, we love empowering women to feel bold and beautiful every single day. When it comes to your summer hair and makeup, we know these tips will help you maintain your flawless glow no matter what the season throws your way.
Slay, boo!
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