Now that the dreadful cold weather is gone, it’s time for a routine update. With warmer temperatures, comes a quicker hair routine. You no longer have to deep condition for a day, but rather hours. Everything is just easier in the summer, isn’t it?

Although the season has changed, that does not mean you have to change everything. In fact, try to change as little as possible. You’re simply just going to modify your routine.

Things to Remember…

Deep Condition less

During the colder months, it’s important to remember to lock in moisture and protect your hair’s natural oils for moisture. In the summer, it is still important to do so, but not so many precautions have to be taken. Deep conditioning in the winter would take place usually, weekly. Once it starts to get warmer, it is only necessary to deep condition bi-weekly or perhaps even once a month, depending on your hair type.

Wash More Often

Because of all the heat, your hair will have more buildup than what you’re used to. It’s important to make sure that you stay on top of washing your hair in the summer otherwise it will become heavy and your curls won’t look their greatest. If you have a more active lifestyle, perhaps washing your hair every other day would be best. When you’re at the gym or going for a run, you tend to break a sweat. Imagine what your hair would smell like if you didn’t wash it in between workouts, yuck!

Use Less Products

There are so many products being made for naturalistas. And as exciting as it can be to try everything on the market, restrain yourself. This is a rule all naturalistas should follow throughout the year, but especially during the summer, less is more. Putting more than 3 products in your hair, plus your natural hair oil, is too much. You’ll notice the buildup in your hair because your scalp will begin to feel itchy. Try using only two products at a time and change it up every so often until you find what works for you!

Ditch The Heavy

Because the climate will be humid, there is no need to use the heavy butter creams and oils that you’re used to. The heat from the summer sun won’t dry out your hair like old man winter, let your hair breathe! And if you feel like humidity is killing your fro, use a non-harsh hair gel. This will keep your hair from going frizzy and it’s light on the curls.

Wash n Go

Most naturalistas protect their hair from the harsh winter with protective hair styles. Now that winter is over, it’s time to give your hair a break! Let down that hair and enjoy your length. The wash n go regimen is perfect for summer because it works with your busy summer schedule. You don’t have to wash your hair every day to rock this style either. In fact, this style looks better on day old hair. Fill your spritz bottle with 90% water, and 10% oil of your choice. Shake well before each use and spray on your old hair before heading out. This will make your curls look new and keep them moisturized.

Summer is time to spent with those you love. Don’t stay locked up in your bathroom! It has been a long winter, celebrate by letting your curls free of heavy creams and updos. Your summer hair routine shouldn’t feel like a routine. It should be quick and easy so that you can get back to being fab. Rock your fros with pride this summer, ladies!

[by Contributor, Tika Rochell]