Your hair feels dull after the summer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Summer can be particularly tough on hair. As much as we love long days in the sun, beach swims, and carefree summer adventures, our hair often tells a different story when the season winds down.
Sun exposure, salty seawater, chlorine, and even hot winds can strip hair strands of their natural moisture, leaving them dull, dry, and fragile. Fortunately, you don’t need costly salon treatments to bring your hair back to life. With nourishing oils, soothing aloe, easy DIY masks, and mindful care, you can bring back softness, strength and shine naturally and affordably while turning hair care into a relaxing ritual.
Here are some techniques to bring your hair back to life and prepare it for the autumn.
Hydrate from the inside out:
Reviving your hair begins with what you put into your body. After summer’s dehydrating effects, drink plenty of water and load up on hair-friendly foods. Avocados, nuts, and salmon provide Omega-3s for strength, while leafy greens and sweet potatoes deliver Vitamins A and E for shine. Think of your meals as part of your hair-care routine.
Indulge in oil therapy:
Natural oils work like a deep conditioner for thirsty strands. Coconut oil can penetrate deeply, repairing damage, while olive oil can smooth and soften. Warm two tablespoons of coconut or olive oil, massage gently into your scalp and along your hair, then cover with a shower cap. Leave for 30 to 60 minutes and rinse with a mild shampoo. Use once or twice weekly for best results.
Soothe with Aloe vera:
Aloe vera isn’t just a summer skin saviour, it can work wonders for hair too. Its enzymes can nourish the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote growth. Blend three tablespoons of fresh aloe gel with one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to scalp and hair, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse. The result will be a refreshed scalp and silky soft strands.
Whip up a hair mask:
Homemade masks can instantly revive hair texture using simple ingredients. For dryness you can mash half an avocado and add one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply for 25 minutes. For frizz, blend one ripe banana with two tablespoons of yoghurt, and then leave on the hair for 20 minutes. And for shine, mix one egg yolk with two tablespoons of coconut oil, then apply for 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water.
Rethink your wash routine:
After the summer, harsh shampoos can only make dryness worse. Opt for sulphate-free formulas or try a natural rinse. To make a shine rinse at home, combine one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. Use after shampooing and let sit for two minutes on the hair. Then rinse off for gloss and balance.
Trim and protect:
A quick trim is the only real cure for split ends, and it can instantly refresh your look. Going forward, be gentle with your hair: let it air-dry whenever possible and use a silk pillowcase to reduce breakage while you sleep. Also use a wide-tooth comb to detangle and try to protect your hair from the sun with a hat or scarf. Remember – even small changes can add up to healthier hair.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 18 September, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link: