Summer sun can take a toll on your hair . But if you take the time to add some protective steps to your hair care routine, you can minimize the risk for hair damage during the hotter months. Here are lots of wonderful tips to keep your hair in the peak of health when it's hot:

∗Cover your hair with a cap, hat, or scarf so as to protect your tresses from the sun, but don't let your hair covering be too tight as this will interfere with the circulation in your scalp.

Leave-In Conditioner

∗If you will be in the sun at length, and don't want to cover your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner that contains sunscreen, just before you leave home.

∗If you're in the sun and realize you neglected to use the leave-in conditioner, apply sunscreen to your hair. When you return home, it's important to wash your hair well with a deep-cleaning shampoo.

∗Avoid additional heat stressors by giving blow dryers, hot rollers, and curling irons a wide berth.

∗If you must use one of the above heat sources, be careful to apply a leave-in condition first.

∗Don't wash your hair or shower under very hot water. Substitute instead, warm or cool water. Hot water is yet another source of heat and heat can dry and damage both hair and skin.

Drink Water

∗Being hydrated is good for every part of you, even your hair. Drink lots and lots of water.

∗Stay away from hair products containing alcohol or formaldehyde. These chemicals can dry your hair. Switch to natural hair products which are gentler to your hair.

∗Reduce the number of times you shampoo, since shampooing strips the natural moisture from your hair.

∗Apply leave-in conditioner every day.

∗If you need to shampoo more often, try a dry shampoo. One good one to try is plain old baby powder. Sprinkle the powder on your hair and comb it out.

∗During the summer months, switch to a gentler shampoo than the one you use the rest o...