Summer brings along with it splendid visions of long tresses that blow idly in the wind and natural highlights that make your hair glow and shine like never before. Snap back to reality! Summer isn't all that fine and dandy when it comes to hair care, what with the humidity and the intense summer sun, your hair cuticles get seriously damaged resulting in drab looking, frizzy, split and dry hair.

Yes, just like a hot blow dryer can seriously damage your hair, similarly sunlight can be just as damaging. If you have naturally curly hair then you're in for a nasty shock, as curly hair often ends up looking frizzy and dry. Yes, summer can be as hard on the hair as it is on our skin.

Here are a few great tips for summer hair care:

• Wear scarves or hat to protect your hair from the damaging rays of the sun. Nowadays, there are conditioners that contain sunscreen available in the market. Use these products to avoid any further damage or burning of your hair and scalp.
• Wet your hair before you go swimming. Hair soaks up moisture and it is better to wet it so that it doesn't soak up as much salt water and chlorine as it normally would. Afterwards, you can take a shower and use a good conditioner.
• If you have dry hair, then apply lemon juice to it before you go out in the sun. Make sure your hair products don't contain alcohol as this can dry your hair.
• If you blow dry your hair on a regular basis or use hot curling tools daily, then it is advisable to give your hair a break during the hot summer months. Dry your hair naturally instead and take a break from curling for a while. Instead, braid your hair when it is wet and you'll see how it turns into beautiful waves when dried naturally.
• Pin your hair up or wrap it in plastic when you're going to sleep. This method helps to restore any absent moisture that makes your hair frizzy. This also helps prevent heavy conditioners from weighing your hair down.
• When the summer heat is at its hottest, you can tame frizzy hair by wearing it up in a bun, knot or even braids.
• Trim your hair religiously as the summer heat can result in hair with dry and brittle split ends.
• Try and avoid using hair shine products, as they tend to coat your hair with silicone making it frizzier in the long run.

All in all, your hair needs to be pampered during those long, arduous summer months. So, always use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Wash your hair less often during this time so that it can absorb more moisture. If possible, finish your bath with a cold or cool rinse to seal the cuticles and this helps impart that natural, radiant shine to the hair. Drink lots of water as it helps hydrate all the parts of your body. If you take care of your hair during summer, you won't have to spend that much time and energy in repairing your hair during the fall and winter. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure!