A summer enjoyed to the fullest—soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, taking a dip in a pool, and spending time outdoors in the sweltering humidity—can wreak havoc on hair, leaving strands dry, damaged, dehydrated, and prone to breakage. The combination of UV rays, saltwater, and chlorine can oxidize natural and color-treated hair, strip away essential moisture, dull shine, and stiffen the natural movement, texture, and flow.

The good news? It’s easy to restore moisture to dry hair and revive its softness, shine, and strength. Below, our founder Mara shares her expert tips for nourishing summer-damaged hair back to its healthiest state—just in time for fall.

Tip #1: Replenish In The Shower

What you use regularly to cleanse and condition with is the first line of defense against dry, brittle, damaged hair. Hydration is the most important step to keeping hair happy through summer and beyond. Foundation Shampoo thoroughly cleanses away sweat, oil, and product buildup and refreshes with coconut-based surfactants; follow with Foundation Conditioner, made with silkifying plant butters and pea peptides, to seal in weightless moisture. 

Stylist secret: “The summer elements can cause color-treated hair to lose vibrancy and become brassy. Protection is key to keeping hair color beautiful all season—but this wash day duo helps gently cleanse away buildup without stripping hair of essential hydration. For heavier duty help, head to the salon for a professional consultation and customized treatment like a gloss or demineralizer.”

Shop The Hydrating Two-Step:

The Foundation Shampoo/Conditioner Duo

Tip #2: Build In Effortless Moisture 

Incredible no matter what the state of your hair is, Milk Hair Serum is a must-have for frizz-control, hydration, and repairing damaged hair. It also works as an invisible UV shield and heat protectant (apply before using hot tools or spending time in the sun and it cushions color-treated hair against discoloration). It coats hair with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and red algae, leaving strands touchably soft and manageable. 

Stylist secret: “As we transition from humidity to cooler temps, static and tangles become more present. Using two to three pumps of this lightweight leave-in daily creates a hydrating barrier that helps smooth out knots and create slip so gliding a brush through hair is a breeze—and doesn’t exacerbate frizz or roughen up texture.” 

Shop The Magic Milk:

Milk Hair Serum

Tip #3: Restore With Treatments 

During peak summer, this oil works as an amazing protective barrier between your hair and the salty ocean water or sun’s rays to preserve hair’s integrity—and keep your color vibrant and bright. But don’t put it away for fall. Work the versatile oil into hair for a salon-grade treatment to repair dry or damaged hair —it’s pure gold for dry ends or lackluster texture. 

Stylist secret: “Once a week, apply a generous amount of Willow Glen before bed and let all the nourishing goodness soak in overnight. When you wash it out in the morning, you won’t believe the glossy shine and spun-like-silk softness.”

Shop The Overnight Pre-Shampoo Oil:

Willow Glen Pre-Wash Treatment Oil 

Tip #4: Amp Up Deep Conditioning 

Once or twice a week, swap out your conditioner for this rich, nourishing mask. Massage it in your lengths and let it soak in for a bit—the nourishing oils and butters melt in right away to strengthen, fight frizz, smooth, and repair. 

Stylist secret: “Comb through your wet hair in the shower while masking—not only will it evenly distribute the mask, but it also helps detangle and smooth while preventing breakage (wet hair has more elasticity). When you get out of the shower, your hair is already ready for an amazing air-dry.” 

Shop The Moisturizing Mender:

Foundation Mask