Summer's winding down… and so is your summer hair care routine. Don't get me wrong! I love summer. But let's face it: if your hair is spending time around chlorine, in lake water, or even just out in the sun, it's going to take on some damage. I like to switch up my hair care routine a little bit this time of year. Not only does it help restore any damage that's taken place, it also makes sure my locks are in good condition as the seasons change. Here's what I do with my hair to make sure it ends the summer strong:

The Best Summer Hair Care Routine

1. Condition Often! I'll give you my most important tip right off the bat - conditioned hair is healthy hair! You always hear about this during the winter, but it's just as important during the summer too. Chlorine is especially notorious for stripping moisture from hair, leading to damage. Conditioning regularly adds that moisture right back. I use argan oil to condition my hair throughout the summer. Depending on what I'm planning to do that day, I'll sometimes even leave some oil in my hair before I go out. When your hair is saturated with water or conditioner, it's less likely to absorb salt water or chlorine.

2. Cover Up: If I'm going to spend a day in the sun, I always make sure I have a way to cover up my hair. My go-to is a wide brimmed hat. Not only does it protect hair from sun damage, it also keeps UV rays off of my nose, neck, and the back of my ears. If wearing a hat isn't practical for you, consider pairing an SPF shampoo with argan oil for conditioner when you wash your hair. And no matter how you protect your hair, don't forget the sunscreen!

3. Wash Less, Brush More: It's not fun to talk about, but summer makes us sweaty. I don't know about you, but that makes me want to head right for the shower. Washing your hair more frequently during the summer can actually lead to more oil buildup. My preference? Cut back on shampooing in the shower and use a dry shampoo. I'll also use my boar bristle brush afterwards to reduce oil and condition my hair naturally. My hair looks gorgeous, and is even more protected thanks to the natural oils that dry conditioning spreads.

4. Skip the Heat: Your hair takes on enough damage in the summer - try not to add to it with heat-based styling. Fortunately, summer is the perfect time for a nice, loose braid. Be gentle with your hair and it will be just as healthy when summer ends as it was at the beginning.