Summer Hair Care: Do's and Don'ts for 4C, Coily, Kinky, and Curly Hair
Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, beach days and rooftop brunches. It’s all fun and games (as it should), but are you looking after your hair? Or are your coils and curls screaming out for help?
Our hair goes through a lot in the Summer and the combination of heat, humidity, sweat, chlorine and UV rays can do a number on any hair. Especially if you have kinky, coily and curly hair - and even more so if, like me, you have 4C hair or hair that is naturally too prone to dryness and breakage.
So what do you have to do to keep your hair healthy, defined and thriving all summer long?
Let’s break it all down, with a list of summer hair care do’s and don’ts custom made for textured hair. From product picks to protective style tips, I’ve got you covered.
DO: Prioritize Moisture - Every. Single. Day
The number one rule of summer hair care for natural hair? Hydration is non-negotiable.
Hot weather and increased sun exposure can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. Plus, if you’re spending all of that well deserved time by the pool or ocean, the chlorine and salt water will only make matters worse.
How to hydrate your hair:
Apply a leave-in conditioner daily. For low porosity hair, rely more on water-based leave-in conditioner, but high porosity hair prefers thicker creams.
Don’t skip the LCO or LOC method (Liquid-Cream-Oil or Liquid-Oil-Cream) to lock in moisture.
Try this these options:
Low-porosity hair
Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner - Lightweight, water-based, and perfect for summer use.
High porosity hair
TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer - Packed with shea butter and Vitamin E, this is ideal for 4C textures that need extra TLC.
Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk - A favorite for coily and kinky textures thanks to its rich but non-greasy finish.
DON’T: Skip Your Weekly Deep Conditioning
Your hair needs a little extra love in the summer. Weekly deep conditioning isn’t just a treat - it’s a must.
Why it matters:
Heat, sun and water exposure can lead to hygral fatigue and protein loss, making your hair weaker over time. Deep conditioners restore strength and elasticity.
Try this:
Aunt Jackie's Coco Repair Deep Conditioner - Coconut crème and avocado help strengthen and soften.
Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner - A natural, hydrating option with the humectant power of honey.
DO: Protective Styles (But Give Your Hair Breaks!)
Protective styles are a summer lifesaver. They cut down on hair manipulation, help retain moisture and make daily upkeep feel like a breeze.
Here are a few styles that are perfect for the summer:
Box braids
Twists
Bantu knots
Cornrows
Wigs (with proper hair prep underneath)
But here’s the catch - don’t keep them in for too long. Leaving protective styles in for more than 6–8 weeks can lead to matting, buildup and breakage.
Pro tip:
Prep your hair thoroughly before styling. Wash, deep condition, moisturise and stretch (if needed) for a healthy foundation.
DON’T: Use Heavy Butters and Oils That Can Bake Your Scalp
I know we love a good shea butter moment, but in peak summer heat, thick butters and heavy oils can weigh your hair down and literally cook on your scalp. Yikes!
Skip all petroleum-based products, thick butters and heavy pomades during the hottest days.
Instead, go for more lightweight oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, argon oil, sweet almond oil, etc.
To prevent your oils from becoming greasy in the heat, apply them:
On damp hair (not soaking wet) to seal in moisture.
In small amounts, focusing on ends and mid-lengths.
As part of your LOC or LCO method.
DO: Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Yes - your curls need sunscreen too! The sun’s UV rays can damage your hair cuticle, fade color and leave your hair feeling like straw (literally).
What to do:
Wear a satin-lined hat or scarf when out in direct sun for long periods.
Use hair products with UV filters or natural sun-protecting oils like grapeseed and sunflower oil. However, these oils are not as effective as the products with sunscreens that contain specific UV filters.
Try this:
RHRI Premium SPF 30 Hair Sunscreen Spray – Non-Greasy UV protection for hair and scalp that prevents color fade and dryness
African Pride Moisture Miracle 5 Essential Oils - A great natural oil blend with sun-protective ingredients.
DON’T: Wash Too Often or with Harsh Shampoos
With all the sweating, swimming and product buildup, it might be tempting to shampoo more frequently. But overwashing - especially with sulfates - can strip your hair of moisture and ruin your curl pattern.
Do this instead:
Co-wash mid-week if needed (especially after swimming or sweating)
Clarify only once or twice a month.
Try this:
As I Am Coconut CoWash – A staple for curly girls that gently cleanses while moisturizing.
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo – A sulfate-free clarifying shampoo great for hard water and buildup.
DO: Refresh Your Coils and Curls With Water-Based Sprays
Daily spritzing keeps your curls juicy and helps reset your style.
What to include in your spray:
Distilled water
Aloe vera juice
A few drops of a light oil
Optional: glycerin or rose water
You can DIY your own, or try:
Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries Herbal Leave-In
The Doux B.I.G. Poppa Defining Gel (for refreshing wash and gos without crunch)
DON’T: Neglect Your Edges or Nape Area
These areas are especially fragile and tend to get dry or break off during protective styling, sweating, or sun exposure.
Be gentle with edge control products and avoid excessive brushing or tight ponytails.
Try this:
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil - Stimulates and strengthens edges and the nape.
DO: Sleep Smart - Even in Summer
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can ditch your nighttime routine. Sleeping without protection can lead to moisture loss and frizz.
Nighttime tips:
Use a satin bonnet or scarf (look for breathable, moisture-wicking ones).
Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase.
Re-moisturise lightly before bed if your hair feels dry.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Balance
The key to thriving kinky, coily, and curly hair in the summer isn’t doing more - it’s doing what’s necessary. Keeping your hair hydrated, protected and clean without going overboard. Choosing hydrating products and styles that allow your hair to breathe.
Remember: you don’t have to fight your texture in the heat - work with it. Your coils are magical in every season, and summer is the perfect time to let them shine.
💬 Over to You
What are your go-to summer hair care do’s and don’ts? Got a holy grail product or trick you swear by? Share it in the comments - your tip could help another #coilee.
