how to swim with long hair

7 REASONS YOUR HAIR IS DRY 

Everyone desires soft, silky hair, and the hair care industry thrives as a multi-million-pound market, with leading brands like Herbal Essences and Pantene setting the standard.

Dry, brittle hair can result from everyday factors such as weather changes or an unsuitable hair care routine. However, it may also indicate a lack of essential nutrients in your diet or an underlying health condition.

To help you achieve strong, healthy locks, here are the top seven reasons your hair may be dry and brittle—along with lifestyle changes that can restore its vitality. Because when it comes to hair care, you deserve the best!

YOUR HAIR CARE HABITS

The way you care for your hair plays a major role in its health. Overwashing can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair soft and hydrated. Similarly, hair dyes with harsh chemicals can cause immediate damage, leaving hair dry and brittle. Frequent use of heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners further intensifies dryness due to prolonged heat exposure.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold, can contribute to dry, brittle hair. Constant exposure to the sun, wind, or water—such as frequent swimming—can also take a toll on your locks. To protect your hair, consider wearing a hat in sunny or windy conditions and using a swim cap if you spend a lot of time in the water.

MALNUTRITION

A lack of essential nutrients in your diet can have a significant impact on hair health. Malnutrition ranks alongside heat and chemical damage as a major cause of brittle hair. Ensuring your body receives the necessary vitamins and minerals can help maintain strong, healthy hair.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that leads to excessive weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Since hair health depends on proper nutrition, dry and brittle hair can be an early warning sign of this condition. A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, is essential for overall well-being and hair vitality.

MENKES SYNDROME

Menkes Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from properly absorbing copper, a mineral essential for healthy hair, skin, and bones. While dry hair is a minor symptom of this serious condition, it can serve as an indicator of an underlying issue.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

The thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, regulates the body’s metabolism, including how it processes proteins and energy. When the thyroid gland underproduces hormones (a condition known as hypothyroidism), symptoms may include dry hair, fatigue, weight gain, depression, and muscle or joint pain.

HYPOPARATHYROIDISM

The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium levels in the body. When these glands fail to produce enough parathyroid hormone, a condition called hypoparathyroidism occurs. This can lead to dry hair and skin, muscle cramps, spasms, and even cataracts. In some cases, the condition arises due to damage sustained during head or neck surgery.

IN SUMMARY

Dry and brittle hair can result from everyday factors like weather exposure or an unsuitable hair care routine. In these cases, simple lifestyle changes, a nutrient-rich diet, and hair care supplements can help restore its health. However, persistent dryness may also signal an underlying health issue. Paying attention to your hair’s condition can not only enhance your appearance but also serve as an important indicator of your overall well-being.

TOP BEACH HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

Summer is here, and the beach is calling! It’s time to pull out your favorite swimsuit (or maybe grab a new one), schedule that bikini wax, stock up on essentials like sunscreen, and perhaps treat yourself to a manicure. But don’t forget about your hair! No beach trip is complete without the perfect hairstyle to complement your sun-kissed glow. Whether you’re headed to Turks and Caicos, Cancun, California, or Florida—whether it’s a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a fun trip with friends—you’ll want a stylish look for lounging or swimming in the waves.

When planning your beach hair, it’s important to consider factors like drying time, water retention, and sun protection that you might not think about on a typical day. To simplify things, we’ve rounded up the most stunning beach hairstyles for Black women and included some tips for keeping your hair looking fabulous.

CROCHET HAIR

Add some Black girl magic to your beach look with crochet braids. This style has surged in popularity recently and is an excellent choice for beach vacations for several reasons. Firstly, it requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and effort. Crochet braids are also versatile, allowing you to either replicate your natural hair texture or experiment with a bold new look. The longevity of your crochet style depends on the type of crochet hair you choose.

ACCESSORIZE

Accessories can be your best allies on vacation. Straw hats complement any hairstyle while providing essential UV protection for both your hair and skin. Bucket hats, silk scarves, and head wraps are also excellent choices for keeping your hair stylish and protected. Get inspired for your next beach getaway with these accessory ideas.

ROCKING NATURAL HAIR

Embracing your natural hair at the beach can be a bit more demanding, but when paired with a sun-kissed glow, it’s a perfect match. It’s an ideal choice for a day at the beach or a long, sun-drenched weekend. If you plan to swim, whether in the ocean or a pool, keeping your natural hair out allows you to thoroughly wash and condition your scalp and curls without additional hair getting in the way. Plus, natural hair is lighter and dries faster than protective styles. At night, you can simply gather it into a pineapple or braid it into two big, messy cornrows to keep it stretched.

STRAIGHTBACKS

Opt for this classic, low-maintenance protective style for your next beach getaway. Straightbacks are ideal for relaxed beach vacations and can last up to two months with proper care, including moisturizing your scalp, hydrating the hair shaft, and sleeping with a silk scarf. You can even enhance your all-back cornrows with beads, gems, or jewels for an extra touch of style. Plus, straightbacks are quicker to install compared to other protective styles, and you might even be able to do them yourself. How will you style your straightbacks for the beach?

FULANI

Embrace your inner goddess with Fulani braids on the beach. Also known as tribal braids, this intricate and distinctive style is perfect for those laid-back beach days. With low-maintenance care, you can easily enhance your look by adding embellishments like beads, jewels, or shells.

TWISTS WITH ADDED HAIR

For a protective twist style that adds length, consider Marley, Senegalese, Havana, or even passion twists. Marley and Havana twists are particularly great because their kinkier texture offers some leeway for frizz. In humid climates, if your natural hair starts to frizz, these styles will help keep it less noticeable—a total win!

TWO STRAND TWISTS

Vacations can get pricey, so opting for a natural protective style can help you save some cash. Twisting your own hair is a great option, and you can even rock a twist-out once you take them down. Twists shield your natural hair from the elements you’ll face at the beach—like wind, humidity, sand, and sun. Plus, they offer versatility, allowing you to style them into a cute bun, ponytail, or half-up-half-down look, with the option to add beads or jewels for extra flair.

CONCLUSION

There are numerous stunning beach hairstyles that cater to the unique beauty of Black women. Keep in mind that the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Experiment with different styles and find the ones that resonate with your personal style and preferences.