I once again seek advice from the all-knowing longlocks-ladies.  ::)
I know summer is a period that's hard on the hair (precioussss), and my question is: How to take best care of it? Should you make a big cut before and deep-condition it often? Or should you just trim it before to keep it in shape and make the bigger cut after?
What does your heart, and your experience, tell you?

(...Lol. I have way to many lotr-quotes in the text above... Must. Seek. Psychiatrist NOW.  ;D  )

Well, I'm sticking to my current routine: get a trim every 10 weeks, wash every other day and deep condition every 2 weeks.  I guess that my summer routine will be that I will be wearing a wide brimmed hat and or using my parasol to keep the sun off my hair as well as my skin.

Protecting the hair from the sun, wind, and chemicals in pools would be high on my list.  Trims come when they are needed more than by the season.

I'm not real good at wearing hats (other than my bike helmet which I do wear a little cap under to protect my hair from the hair-grabbing clips).  I do wear a scarf when we are up north in the woods.  

I try to keep my hair moisturized by conditioning regularly and oiling when I know I'm going to be more abusive with my hair (camping and biking).

Buns and braids are my usual styles, which seem to give me the best protection from the summer elements.

Pool chemicals present a special problem.  For those I recommend rinsing your hair with fresh water before entering the pool.  Add some oil or a light conditioner to protect the hair.  Braid it or put in a baggy.  Enjoy the water!  Then rinse the hair when done playing the chemical water.  ;D

The most important thing is to ENJOY THE SUMMER!

So you're a considering a trim? Hmm...I guess it would more depend on what your hair needs. If it needs a trim now, then don't procrastinate as the damage will only worsen. Otherwise... *shrug*

Definitely do protect it from the elements. The long-haired ladies above have covered the bases well enough, I think.

Only thing I can think to add is that some hair care products designed for colour-treated hair actually contain UV protectants, and I have seen them recommended even for hair that is not colour-treated during the summer. Your hair will likely see a lot more sun one way or another, so a little extra protection couldn't hurt.

And don't worry about the LOTR quotes - it's all good.  ;D  We swears! We sweaaarrrsss! We swears on...on....on the precious!  ;)

I'm with BB- protecting the hair from elements is most important. When I go to swim in salt water or chlorinated water, I wear a swim cap (I have several in funky colors). Wet your head first thoroughly, then put the cap on.
  I mostly wear my hair up anyway, but on hot summer days damp buns in the nape cool nicely. I also protect my hair from sun. Regular hats aren't good for that purpose since they won't cooperate with updos, but scarves and scarf-like headcoverings are very nice and even cooling. If it's windy, it's a good idea to secure the scarf to your head with snap clips or snap clip/straight pin combination (guess how I found out this little truth... ::) ).
  I deep condition often all the time- not just summer. My hair loves deep treatments.

Thank you all!!! What would I do without you?  ;)
And especially to Angel-Spun: ..."The Ring is treacherous. It will hold you to your word."
Hehehe.  8)

wrote on Jun 7^th, 2006 at 12:11pm:

I mostly wear my hair up anyway, but on hot summer days damp buns in the nape cool nicely. I also protect my hair from sun. Regular hats aren't good for that purpose since they won't cooperate with updos, but scarves and scarf-like headcoverings are very nice and even cooling. If it's windy, it's a good idea to secure the scarf to your head with snap clips or snap clip/straight pin combination (guess how I found out this little truth... ::) ).

I use bandanas and tie them around my head, using clips to make them stay. You can also tie the bandana around a bun, changing the routine a bit.
Meg

I just went through a period of super dry hair because I spent a ton of time outdoors, attending sporting events, walking daily and gardening. My hair started getting fried.
I gave it a deep condition and it came back to life but I've been spritzing it daily ever since and it makes a huge difference.

I mixed a small 4 oz.spritz bottle with distilled water, a few drops of jojoba oil and a 1/2 tsp. of my favorite conditioner. I spritz throughout the day and I've never had such soft and curly hair. I find that keeping in the moisture in the summer is really important.

I'm not really one for scarves and baseball caps but I've given in and started wearing one when I'm going to be at a 2 hour sports event or an hour long walk.

Welcome Jessieofcanterbury!  Using a mister with the oil and conditioner is a great idea, especially for curly hair that tends to be more dry.

What kind of conditioner do you use in your spray?

Thanks for the welcome bikerbraid. I use the Natures Gate conditioner, any type of your favorite daily conditioner will do.  :)

YAY I've found another LOTR addict!  If you love LOTR and long hair, I recommend reading the Lay of Leithain.  There is an amazing bit where Luthien has a minor Rapunzel moment....
But I am digressing.
I have a swimming unit it gym class this semester and I'm a little worried about what it will do to my hair as well.  I plan on oiling it as well as possible before going in, but I'm not going to have much time.    Also, I doubt there is anyone else there who oils their hair so I will probably get some stares in the locker room.  Oh, well.   :)

To decrease the opportunity of damage to your beautiful hair from the pool chlorine,make sure you wet your hair with water(not from the pool!)before you go in.  Invest in a good bathing cap(if you are going to wear one)one that doesn't pull or break your hair.  Hope that helps! ;)

Considering the length and probable bulk of your hair, as well the short amount of time you will have for drying your hair, I'd suggest putting your hair in a high pony tail.  Braid the pony tail, then put the braid into a plastic bag.  Use a hairtie to secure the bag to the base of the ponytail.  Then pull a swim cap over your head to cover the bag and rest of your hair.  This will help minimize your hair getting wet which will also prevent damage.  

When swimming for the day and you have lots of time, I suggest rinsing your hair with clean water to start, then oiling and braiding your hair.  Rinse your hair well after swimming, and be sure to condition well.

The chemicals in pool water make it very drying, which is great if you have acne, but bad if you have dry hair or skin.

When pressed for time, the best thing you can do is to get a good rinse in the shower right before going into the pool. Not only does this log your skin and hair with tap water so it absorbs less of the drying pool water, it also rinses away whatever perfumes, lotions and hair leave-in's that you may be wearing which interfere with the pH in the pool.

Also, rinse again in the shower immediately after leaving the pool. That will reduce the risk of drying your skin and hair out and also help prevent your hair from turning green.
Cheers!