Curly Qs: 5 ways to keep your curls healthy all summer long

Summertime is almost here and I'm SO ecstatic! Problem is with warm weather, sunshine and humidity comes dry, frizzy and out-of-control curls. Not exactly the look any of us are going for, right? Especially if you're planning on wearing cute summer dresses and stylish sandals. A bad hair day isn't going to help pull that look together. So what's a girl to do?

Read more ¿Qué más?: Curly Qs: What are the best cleansing conditioners?

The key to soft and luscious curls during the summer is protecting and nurturing your hair starting NOW! That way, you can hang in the sun, swim in the pool, chill at the beach without having to worry about damaging your curls. And of course without having to walk around all season long with crazy looking rizos. Here are a few tricks and tips to keep your curly healthy and gorgeous all summer long!

Image via Thinkstock

Keep curls healthy by switching your shampoo

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Target.com

The first thing you want to do is switch your shampoo, that is if you're still using a regular one. Look for a formula that doesn't contain harsh sulfates, parabens or sodium chlorine which can dry out curls and weigh them down. Try SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser ($12). It cleanses without stripping hair of its natural oils. Also, try washing your strands with cool water instead of warm or hot. It prevents thinning and leaves hair nice and shiny!

Hydrate curls to prevent frizz

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The only way you can prevent curls from frizzing up is by constantly keeping them hydrated and conditioned. I love DevaCurl One Condition ($20). Follow with a leave-in conditioner or curl-defining formula that's going to provide moisture too, like Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Styling Butter ($12).

Avoid damaged hair by deep conditioning

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Ouidad.com

To avoid damage, make sure to deep condition your curls at least once a week. Try Ouidad Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask ($40). Apply it from roots to ends and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing out. Your hair will instantly feel and look so much healthier!

Keep curls healthy by heat-styling less

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Johnfrieda.com

Blow drying your hair straight during the summer (especially if it's humid out) isn't just a waste of time, but can also cause more damage. Try limiting the use of blow dryers, hot irons and curling irons as often as you can. And for those days you do heat-style, use a heat protectant, like John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Protecting Spray ($7) to help seal hair and prevent breakage.

Keep hair safe from the sun

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Asos.com

A lot of women don't realize that sun exposure alone is enough to cause dryness and damage. Hitting up the beach? Try protecting your hair with a summer hat, like Solumbra Supreme Shade Hat ($70). A head scarf or wrap is cute too. I love this ASOS Polka Dot Turban Hat ($23).