Dry January Could Be a Major Boost to Your Gut Health—An Expert Explains

After a few weeks of holiday parties and even more holiday cookies, the inevitable happens: we double down on our leafy greens and commit to ditching alcohol through the month of January. And while that’s all well and good, without a real understanding as to why we’re making these behavioral shifts (beyond joining the Dry January fervor), it’s not likely to amount to any lasting, positive change. It’s a truth we now know well about making resolutions in the new year—without setting clear intentions first, we’re likely to get lost along the way. That’s why, when I learned about the connection between alcohol and gut health, I knew it would be a boost to helping my booze-free resolutions stick.

Among all the buzzy wellness words, there’s perhaps nothing that’s caught the health-inclined conscious more than gut health. It affects everything from our skin to immunity to our digestion. And while what you eat, the supplements you take, and your ability to manage stress can impact your gut health, more and more, we’re learning that our drinking habits play a key role as well.

Featured image by Christie Graham.

Image by Teal Thomsen

Alcohol and Gut Health: The Surprising Connection

To better understand the connection between alcohol and gut health, I got in touch with Daina Trout, MS MPH. Daina is the Chief Mission Officer and co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha (a favorite among all of us here at Camille Styles). She’s spoken and written extensively about alcohol and its impact on your gut. Ahead, learn how much alcohol is okay to drink, the toll alcohol can take on your immunity, and strategies for counteracting alcohol consumption to keep your gut healthy.


Daina Trout

Daina Trout, MS MPH is the Chief Mission Officer and co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha. She received her Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University and went on to earn her Master’s degrees in Nutrition and Public Health from Tufts University. In 2019, Daina was included on Inc’s Female Founder 100 list and was also named BevNet’s Person Of The Year. In 2020, Daina was highlighted on Entrepreneur’s 100
Powerful Women list, and was a featured guest on NPR’s How I Built This.

Woman drinking tea.
Image by Belathée Photography

Is there any amount of drinking that’s okay?

Studies show that after just two to three days in a row of more than two drinks, on average, a meaningful negative change in the gut takes place. There is a significant increase in pathogenic bacteria and bacteria that produce inflammation and a significant decrease in bacteria that fight infection and inflammation. There is also a reduction in overall abundance of microbes, an increase in gut permeability, and an interruption of your circadian proteins.

All these things can cause so many health issues. From increased likelihood of getting sick and digestive issues to messed up sleep and achy joints. It truly wreaks havoc when you cross the line of too much. 

While I really do enjoy alcohol, it is the thing probably most unhealthy to our microbiome when we have it in excess. 

On the other hand, research has found that when you consume two or less drinks no more than a couple times a week, alcohol isn’t as damaging to a healthy gut. That may be your sweet spot if you’re looking for one! The most important thing here is to listen to your body. All these studies are done on groups of people, so the outcomes are averages and may not be your number.

In general, drinking less will be better for all, but you may be more or less sensitive than the average, so that’s why we always say: follow your gut!

How effective is Dry January in terms of resetting the body?

The long-term benefits of taking a break from alcohol, like Dry January, haven’t been hugely studied. However, most would probably agree it wouldn’t be a bad idea, provided you don’t overcompensate with 10 drinks on February 1. What I find to be more effective long-term is mindful drinking—learning how to have a healthy relationship with alcohol where you can enjoy it but not have too much. 

Woman petting cat.

How does alcohol affect and even compromise our immunity?

Alcohol, immunity, and gut health are very connected. It is now understood that immunity is very much driven by our microbiome. We can have bacteria that cause our bodies to be worse at fighting infection and bacteria that can strengthen it. Alcohol, after excess exposure, quickly tips the scale to support a microbiome makeup that is weak at fighting infection. Alcohol also injures our intestinal walls, widening the space so all kinds of toxins can enter our bodies, causing problems where they land. This also compromises our immunity, and not just in the short term.

Floral cocktails.

Similarly, mood tends to dip and many people experience seasonal affective disorder in the winter. How can alcohol consumption make this worse?

One of (if not the) biggest drivers of our mood is our gut. An abundant and healthy microbiome is repeatedly connected to people feeling good about themselves and decreased depression and anxiety. The opposite is true with a microbiome that’s less abundant and pro-inflammatory. Because excess alcohol consumption is bad for the gut, and causes the wrong microbes to flourish, you may not be surprised to hear that a major side effect of too much alcohol is feeling down and experiencing low energy.

How can we counteract alcohol consumption and its effects on the gut?

By exposing your gut to healthy bacteria and tons of prebiotics, and avoiding the things that hurt it, you can improve your gut health. You can boost your microbiome by:

  1. Feeding your gut a variety of high-fiber foods like fruits and veggies.
  2. Eating/drinking fermented foods such as kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir on the regular.
  3. Avoiding things like alcohol, stevia, and fake sugars that compromise it.

You should also be careful to take antibiotics only when necessary. That’s another thing that hurts our microbiome, and it can take a year to recover.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Give Your Gut a Break

For more options, consult our list of editor-approved non-alcoholic drinks.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

“To no surprise, one of my favorite alcohol alternatives is kombucha. It’s tasty, tangy, and subtly sweet. I love champagne and think it’s the perfect replacement drink when I’m in the mood for something bubbly, especially if you put it in a flute!” — Daina Trout

I’m in good company calling Proxies one of my favorite non-alcoholic wine alternatives. Bon Appétit, and The Kitchn agree—this is the brand to pick up whether you’re exploring sober curiosity or simply want to enjoy your evening and the next morning’s workout. While the blends don’t taste *exactly* like wine, that’s not really the point. They’re something different—perhaps even better. The flavors are funky and complex, so instead of feeling like you’re missing out, you’ll realize you’re sipping on something even more delicious than Sauvignon blanc.

ARMRA Colostrum

Sure, this might not be what you’d substitute your go-to glass of orange wine with, but as someone who’s fully committed herself to the colostrum craze, I’m expecting my 2024 to involve a lot of ARMRA. For context, colostrum is touted as the new collagen. It includes all nine essential amino acids, supports digestion with 200+ functional, bioactive nutrients, and protects skin and hair from signs of aging. If you’re truly looking to step up your gut, hair, and skin health this year, ARMRA is your best option.

While it may seem like every celebrity has their own alcohol/alcohol-alternative brand, De Soi is among the few I’ll happily keep at home. First off: the branding? Gorgeous—I’d stock up on these bottles for aesthetic purposes alone. But there’s the flavor, too. Each bottle is crafted with natural botanicals. Everything from yuzu to blackberry to rose and birch creates a distinct, slightly floral sipper. (And the adaptogenic benefits abound.) The blends are as elegant as the bottles themselves. What’s not to love?

Kin has been around since the sober curious movement first started picking up steam. And while the brand has been a mainstay for years, it’s constantly reinventing itself with new and game-changing flavors and products. Case in point: Actual Sunshine. This mimosa alternative is exactly how I want to kick off every Sunday brunch. Each can is infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and vitamins. What’s more, turmeric boosts immunity while collagen works hard to brighten your complexion—just as the entire experience brightens your mood.

Töst was my first experience with zero-proof drinks, and its crave-worthy deliciousness opened my eyes to what the industry could bring. Each bottle offers a dry, effervescent experience that feels just as celebratory as popping champagne. The flavors are unique and the hint of citrus is perfectly subtle. It’s a drink fit for every occasion.

Dry January Isn’t Just a Challenge to Check Off—How the Month Can Transform Your Life

I have a love-hate relationship with the New Year’s wellness frenzy. On the one hand, I love any excuse to lean deeper into the habits and routines that help me feel my best. But on the other, in our all-or-nothing culture, following weeks of parties, drinks, and our favorite indulgent foods, I’m overwhelmed by the shift to restriction. What’s more, I often find that many people make January resolutions with little intention or forethought—instead latching on to whatever’s trending. (75 Hard and 10K daily steps, I see you.) And while I once thought that Dry January was an unnecessarily tortuous, month-long challenge, any break from alcohol can help you become a more aligned and authentic version of yourself.

As I’ve been reflecting on and reconsidering my relationship with alcohol, this year’s Dry January came as an opportunity to explore sober curiosity further. Several weeks in, not only do I physically feel better—those “mysterious” headaches have disappeared—but I see myself transforming into a more confident and carefree woman. One who trusts in her ability to have fun entirely sober. With those results as proof, I’m convinced that Dry January is a month for all of us to practice embodying our highest selves. Doesn’t that sound like a good way to kick off 2024?

Editor’s note: This article is not intended to treat alcohol addiction. If you are struggling with substance abuse, consult with your medical provider or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for support.

Dry January Tips to Make 2024 Your Healthiest Year Yet

Recent post-Covid years have seen a significant uptick in Dry January participants. Last year, 35% of consumers took part, up from 21% in 2019. Interestingly, 74% of Dry January participants reported succeeding in the challenge, compared to the 8-10% who saw their resolutions through.

But while many aim to take on the month without alcohol, anecdotally, I’ve observed people doing so without support or resources. Oftentimes, what this achieves is little beyond abstaining for the month, only to revert to old habits come February.

And sure, while some take on Dry January intending to maintain abstinence, most want to cultivate a more intentional relationship with alcohol. So how do you make that happen? By taking a more mindful approach.

This is everything you need—from affirmations to supportive mental and physical practices to books to yes, zero-ABV drinking alternatives—to help level up your Dry January. Who knows, it must just change how you approach everything.

Dry January Benefits

I connected with Marcus Sakey, co-founder of Ritual Zero Proof, to discuss why Dry January is a growing trend, particularly among younger consumers. Many approach it as a reset, he notes, “for both mental and physical health.” A hard reset at that. Post-holidays—a celebratory time of year—many swing to the opposite end of the spectrum, cutting out any and all indulgences. But as Sakey observes, Dry January is also an opportunity to explore a lifestyle of moderation.

While the timeline may vary depending on how much and how regularly you’re currently drinking, abstaining from alcohol may lead to the following benefits.

  • Better sleep. Sure, that glass of red wine might help you doze off, but it can disrupt sleep later on, leading to an overall lower-quality snooze. By taking a break from alcohol, you’ll sleep more soundly and wake up feeling better rested.
  • Brighter skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and what’s on the outside indeed reflects what’s within. Case in point: the relationship between alcohol and your complexion. Because alcohol is known to accelerate facial aging and increase the risk of rosacea, Dry January could also support your 2024 skin goals.
  • More energy and mental clarity. Goodbye, brain fog, and hello to a headache-free year. Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause your blood sugar levels to fall, leading to feelings of weakness and fatigue.
  • Improved sex life. While many of our dating lives may involve going out for drinks or we’re quick to cite the 2009 study that named red wine an aphrodisiac, alcohol consumption can impair sexual function in both men and women.
Champagne cheers.

Dry January Tips

Of course, for anyone who’s experienced the majority of their adult life socializing around alcohol, abstaining from it can pose a slew of challenges. It can be hard to know how to connect with others or even go out to dinner when a glass of wine sounds so good. But with a few simple Dry January tips up your sleeve, you can navigate these difficulties with ease. Not only that, but you may discover that you appreciate these moments of connection all the more.

Simple Ways to Get the Most From Your Dry January

  • Identify a support person. When we undergo something new, it’s important to have someone we trust and can lean on in our corner. This person doesn’t necessarily have to be doing Dry January, but it can be helpful for them to understand the specific challenges you’re facing.
  • Connect with like-minded communities. The beautiful thing about Dry January is that it’s an international movement—and you’ll find plenty of local or virtual communities to join. Visit Meetup to see what sober-curious groups are gathering in your area.
  • Explore zero-ABV options. If you still crave your signature drink, opt for a tasty non-alcoholic alternative. Ritual Zero-Proof, Non, Apothékary, and Figlia are all great options. Explore even more of our favorites.
  • Pour into your hobbies. With fewer weekend bar hops and Saturday mornings spent recovering from the previous evening’s festivities, you’ll find that you have more time to explore the activities that bring you joy and energy. At a loss for ideas? Here’s how to find a hobby.
  • Look at Dry January as an exciting challenge. One that’s “full of possibility,” Sakey says. Making significant behavioral changes inevitably opens us up to new ways of living and spending our time. Sakey encourages having fun with spirit alternatives and finding your new go-to mocktail. Be mindful of how you’re benefiting from this choice—mind and body—and be present for the ways in which it’ll positively impact your life moving forward.

Dealing With Dry, Crepey Skin? An Expert on Why This Underrated Product Deserves a Comeback

Baby, it’s cold outside! And while there are many joys to wintry weather, my skin doesn’t relish the season the same way my spirit does. But I’ll admit, there is a silver lining. I take the plummeting temps as an opportunity to spend even more time on my skin and body care routines. Summer’s skinimalism is out and in its place is winter skin that needs some serious nourishing. As a proactive step, I’m loading up on the best body butters for the ultimate skin-smoothing routine.

A wintertime skincare routine is essential. It doesn’t just keep flaky skin at bay, but it helps nourish your body’s microbiome and prevent premature aging. Crepey, cracked skin is one thing, but fundamentally dehydrated skin is another. Thankfully, you can rehab parched skin with a little TLC—or a lot of body butter.

What is body butter?

Body butter is the ultimate balm for dry skin. Full of vitamins A and E and omega-3 fatty acids, it helps rejuvenate skin elasticity to fight premature aging. All these nourishing vitamins and fatty acids keep your skin cell membranes healthy to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier around the layers of your skin.

But is a body butter suitable for everyone? The thick, occlusive formulas of body butters deeply nourish skin—but can they clog your pores? Some people shy away from body butters for fear of too much of a good thing. To get to the bottom of it, I spoke to a skincare expert who happens to be the founder of my personal favorite body butter brands. Naa-Sakle Akuete, CEO & Founder of Eu’Genia Shea, a family-founded brand dedicated to empowering women through the sale of raw shea butter.

Read on for all you need to know before diving into the wide and moisturizing world of body butter. From the best ingredients to incorporating body butter into your routine, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty. Plus, scroll to the end to find the right body butter for you.


Naa-Sakle Akuete

Founder of Eu’Genia Shea

Woman in bathroom.

Body Butter Versus Body Cream

Body lotions, butters, and creams, oh my! How do you tell the difference—and how do you pick which one to use?

“Body butter has a concentrated balm-like consistency that deeply moisturizes and is used mainly on target areas of concern,” says Akuete. “A cream has a lotion-like consistency and can be more readily spread onto the skin.”

The Best Ingredient to Look For

Akuete says to focus on non-comedogenic ingredients, such as unrefined shea butter. “The refining process strips the shea of its natural color, scent, and often vitamins,” she notes.

Other nourishing ingredients to look for include:

  • Jojoba Butter
  • Cupuaçu Butter
  • Cocoa Butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • Argan Oil
  • Honey
  • Phytosterols (a type of plant-based oil)
The best body butters.
Image by Belathée Photography

Ingredients to Avoid

Stray from pore-clogging ingredients, says Akuete, as well as those that can irritate the skin. Specifically, this looks like:

  • Fragrance + Parfum
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

Who should use a body butter?

If you’re new to body butter, get ready to revel in all the hydration. Trust: there’s always room for a body butter in your routine.

“Body butter can be used by everyone,” says Akuete. “Especially those with intense skin concerns like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Even people with oily skin and acne can benefit from using body butter, so long as the products don’t clog pores.”

Woman wearing zebra-print dress.
Image by Belathée Photography

When to Use Body Butter in Your Routine

Body butter locks in moisture, so it’s best used directly after a shower—or following a long soak in the bath. You can also use it on any especially dry areas whenever they need some love. Think elbows, hands, knees, and heels.

“I use Eu’Genia body butters when I’ve gotten out of the shower or washed my hands,” says Akuete. “The Eu’Genia balms came in especially handy when I was pregnant with my daughter—my belly is completely stretch mark free!”

The Best Body Butters for Smoother, Softer Skin

Craving the soft, hydrated skin these heavy-hitting products guarantee? Look no further.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

This post was last updated on April 10th, 2023.

The Best Body Butters For Dry Skin

Going Through a Dry Spell? Experts Speak to the Effects of Not Having Sex

By now, it’s a truth many women know well: Sex has not only the potential to be wildly pleasurable, but supportive of our well-being, too. But what about the effects of not having sex? That, we know less about—and is exactly why we’re diving deep into that question today.

For all the fantastic stories about how regularly engaging in sex can cut cortisol levels, improve sleep, decrease pain, and improve immunity, I’m occasionally left wondering about the effects of a break in regularity—aka a dreaded “dry spell.” So it was refreshing to stumble on this Well+Good article tackling just that: “This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Having Sex.”

Understanding the Effects of Not Having Sex

As a woman whose entire pre-college education was at Catholic schools, any and all sex-positive literature, podcasts, and beyond have been a beacon to me in my adult life. There was so much I appreciated about the Catholic school environment, but shedding the veil of shame around certain acts, particularly sexual ones, has been a valuable personal process, one aided by the idea that sexual health is about more than avoiding diseases and unplanned pregnancies. It’s also recognizing that sex should be an important and beneficial part of life.

Read on for some of the most notable discoveries, as well as insights from our team’s resident health and wellness expert, certified nurse midwife Lauren Zielinski (MSN, CNM), for those looking to break a dry spell.

Blood Pressure and Stress Levels May Increase

In this case, what goes down eventually must come up—especially if you’re not getting the regular endorphin release sex provides. Fortunately, there are other active ways to achieve similar results. Consider substituting healthy, heart-pumping exercise for sessions between the sheets.

If stress continues to plague you, consider Zielinski’s advice:  “If you’re feeling really overwhelmed, insanely busy, and are never in the mood for sex and want to change that, then it’s time to activate your self-care defense mode. Consider dropping one or two commitments or activities that aren’t crucial, penciling in “me time” on your calendar, and remembering that it’s okay to say no to things. Take time to relax and take care of yourself.”

For Those Going Through Menopause, the Vaginal Canal Can Tighten

As if menopause wasn’t fun enough, now you have to worry about the state of your vaginal canal. Board-certified OB/GYN Lucky Sekhon, MD, explained to Well+Good that when there are long periods without regular sex, the vaginal canal can tighten, “which can lead to thinning of vaginal tissue and predisposition towards tearing [and] bleeding during sex.”

This statement echoes an idea I heard last month during a call with Dr. Macrene Alexiades on the subject of upcoming beauty and wellness trends. Though she expects great strides ahead in terms of vaginal rejuvenation, she also stressed that the best way to maintain the vaginal lining is to have sex or masturbate regularly. 

And since the myth that painful sex is totally normal is something we’d like to leave in the past, consider a natural lubricant if things are feeling less than comfortable.

It May Become Harder to Get Turned On

Like so many things, the desire for sex generally follows the rules of inertia: a person having sex will continue to desire sex, while a person not having sex may no longer have that need. “For some, this will have the effect that it becomes harder to get turned on, even if you want to,” sexologist Carol Queen, PhD shared with Well+Good.

That might sound a little scary, but the main takeaway from this small 2014 study published in The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality is that the desire for sex can affect the quality of sex. Maintaining a love and longing for regular sex can be crucial to the overall experience.

Let’s Talk (More) About Sex

There are a wide variety of reasons—all perfectly normal—why we might go through a dry spell. Some people also never experience sexual arousal at all. But if you feel you’re in a rut you’d like to get out of, consider Zielinski’s guide to boosting your libido. (Expect a few surprising ideas.) And consider her thoughts on when to try sex therapy, and even meditating before sex.

This post was originally published on February 15, 2022, and has since been updated.

These Secretly Damaging Habits Are Causing Your Dry Summer Hair

There’s a theory that everything wanes at the midpoint. (It’s one that I’ve personally proven again and again.) Take, for example, the afternoon slump—that dreaded midpoint in the workday when our morning coffee has worn off and we’re ready for a nap. And though we start the new year off ready to tackle all of our goals, July comes and it’s time to re-motivate ourselves and get back on track. Alongside our energy and intentions, dry hair in the summer is a sad inevitability of the season.

The first few weeks of summer see us sporting new styles, enjoying our sun-lightened strands, and posting #nofilter selfies with our effortless beachy waves. But the beauty seems to fade halfway through the summer. While you’ve been living it up, your hair has been soaking it up: sun, sweat, seawater, chlorine, and unfortunately, wildfire smoke. Our locks take on a lot, explaining why so many of us suffer from dry hair in the summer.

We’re diving deep to understanding the root causes behind it and the steps we can take to treat it—and stop dry summer hair in its tracks.

Featured image by Teal Thomsen.

Image by Michelle Nash

Like having dry or oily skin, some people are more prone to drier stands in general. But no matter your hair’s texture or porosity, summer is the great equalizer. Many of the common causes of damage and dryness come together in the summer to weigh down your hair. But good news: the faster you get ahead of it, the less damage there is to undo.

With proper, preventative hair care, you can enjoy your summer while also enjoying your healthiest hair. Read on to discover why you get dry hair in summer—and what to do to prevent it.

Sun and Pollution Exposure

With all the great sunscreens available, it’s easier than ever to remember to slather on some SPF before you go outside. With your face and body shielded from the sun, your hair deserves the same treatment.

That’s right, your hair takes the hit from UV rays, too. Plus, with exposure to free radicals, pollution also breaks down your strands. Misting your hair with an SPF or a UV-blocking spray can help protect against sun damage.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Supergoop! Proof Mineral Part Powder SPF 35

Supergoop! has an SPF for every occasion. This invisible powder SPF will save your scalp from any sunburn without drying it out.

  • At a glance: A powder-based mineral SPF for your scalp
  • Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 24.7%, ceramides

Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier

This versatile styling spray enriches your hair with vitamins—thanks to its nutrient-rich, fatty oil blend—while fortifying it against UV rays and breakage.

  • At a glance: An oil-based detangling and styling spray that protects from UV rays
  • Key Ingredients: Morete oil, rahua oil, sacha inchi oil

Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

This super lightweight mist creates a shield around your hair to protect your strands and scalp from sun damage. Made with fast-drying sunflower seed oil, it doesn’t weigh hair down. The mist even resists sweat and water for up to 80 minutes.

  • At a glance: Sunflower seed-oil-based SPF hair mist
  • Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil
Image by Michelle Nash

Heat Damage

We all know we can get damage from overusing heated styling products, which is why we recommend letting your hair air dry in the summer as much as possible. But did you know you can also get heat damage from spending too much time in high temperatures?

Apart from the beach, I’m looking for as many fun summer activities as possible to do inside with the AC on. But summer isn’t summer unless you spend it outdoors, whether you’re taking a dip, enjoying nature, or sunbathing. So make sure you use a heat protector before braving the heat!

Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirene Hair Oil Mist

This hydrating mist combines nourishing oils with thirst-quenching coconut water to reduce hair breakage and protect from heat, UV rays, and oxidative stress.

  • At a glance: A nourishing and protective hair mist and heat-protecting spray
  • Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, coconut water, UV filter

Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray

Protect your hair against dryness, color fading, and frizz while preventing it from thermal damage up to 450 F. It also blocks UV rays and pollution and adds lightweight moisture.

  • At a glance: A detoxifying heat-protecting spray
  • Key Ingredients: Collagen, niacinamide, biotin

Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray

Humidity and heat damage? Name a worse combo. This styling spray fights both, shielding up to 450 F and keeping frizz at bay for up to 24 hours.

  • At a glance: A style-extending spray combating heat and humidity
  • Key Ingredients: UV filters, hydrolyzed keratin
Image by Michelle Nash

Chlorine

It’s no secret that chlorine is bad for your hair. But turning your hair green from too much pool time isn’t even the worst of it. Chlorine is a chemical. It strips the natural oils from your hair, making it weaker and drier and even causing split ends. But you don’t have to sacrifice pool days for healthy hair. Just add a couple of hair essentials to your pool bag. And make sure to rinse as soon as possible.

Philip Kingsley Swimcap Chlorine Hair Protection Water Resistant Mask

This water-resistant hair mask acts as a swim cap to repel water and protect your hair. The blend of oils and elastic locks in natural moisture while keeping water out.

  • At a glance: A water-resistant hair mask that deep conditions and protects hair from chlorine
  • Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed elastin, castor oil, olive oil

Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Remedy

Made for all of us who love swimming, this water-activated powder is strong enough to rinse the chlorine and copper from your hair and gentle enough to use often without stripping your strands.

  • At a glance: A powder-based detox rinse to reverse pool damage
  • Key Ingredients: Vitamin C complex

Bread Beauty Supply Mud Mask

If you’ve ever made a DIY mud mask for your face or hair, you know it can work wonders. But it can be messy and complicated to mix up on your own. This mud mask takes the tedium out of detoxing your hair from root to tip. It features a bevy of oils and nutrients to replenish and rest. Prepare for sparkling, strong strands after you rinse.

  • At a glance: A nutrient-infused clay mask to detox and strengthen your hair
  • Key Ingredients: Kaolin, bentonite, rhassoul clay, quartz
Image by Belathée Photography

Salt Water

Like chlorine, salt water can strip your hair and dry out your scalp. It’s crucial to always rinse after a dip, even if you can’t do it right away. Making sure to scrub your scalp is important to prevent salty build-up that can cause dryness and dandruff.

Leonor Greyl Huile de Leonor Greyl Shampoo Treatment

This pre-wash shampoo treatment locks in healthy oils so you can rinse out all the bad without stripping away the good stuff. The result is softer, stronger hair with every rinse.

  • At a glance: A nourishing pre-shampoo oil
  • Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, coconut oil, sesame seed oil, sunflower seed oil

Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum

Detox your scalp with this powerful serum. Its blend of AHAs and BHAs sweeps away build-up on and under the surface of your scalp, while rose clay removes impurities and niacinamide strengthens and promotes growth. Just rinse and repeat.

  • At a glance: A rinse-off scalp serum to clear away buildup
  • Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, rose clay

Nuele Dry Shampoo

If you can’t rinse your hair immediately after a dip, try a powder-based dry shampoo. This refreshing formula leaves no residue and deeply cleans your strands. Bonus: it provides lightweight volume while aloe prevents dryness.

  • At a glance: A clean, non-aerosol dry shampoo
  • Key Ingredients: Bentonite clay, rice starch, aloe
Image by Belathée Photography

Coloring

Summer is the best time to embrace your natural hair color. Which is to say: you should probably avoid over-coloring this time of year. Heat and sun exposure are known to fade salon-treated and natural color. But color-treated hair already goes through so much, making it more prone to breakage and dryness. Try products that make your color last longer before heading to the salon in the fall. Or if you like the sun-lightened highlights in your hair, some products can enhance those while helping heal the breakage.

Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask

Made in different shades, this color-enhancing mask deeply nourishes your hair and enriches your hair color. Its vitamin and antioxidant-rich ingredients minimize porosity, hydrate your strands, reverse oxidation, and evenly distribute hair color to preserve natural and salon coloring.

  • At a glance: A color-enhancing hair mask
  • Key Ingredients: Almond butter, buriti oil, apricot oil

Briogeo’s Color Me Brilliant Mushroom + Bamboo Color Protect Shampoo

Using natural ingredients, this shampoo keeps your color vibrant to extend the time between color treatments, giving you more luscious, radiant locks.

  • At a glance: A color-protecting shampoo
  • Key Ingredients: Mushroom, bamboo

Sachajuan Color Protect Conditioner

Meet the perfect summer conditioner to protect your hair color from UV damage. It’s made with Sachajuan’s signature softening Ocean Silk Technology and fortified with UV-fighting antioxidants.

  • At a glance: A softening, clearing, and color-protecting conditioner
  • Key Ingredients: Castor oil, lactic acid
Image by Michelle Nash

Not Switching Out Your Products

What works in the winter might not work in the summer. Your hair changes with the seasons, so your routine should, too. Using the wrong products can compound the damage to your hair. And failing to add the right ones to your routine is a missed opportunity for simple preventative measures. In the summer, look for lightweight, clearing formulas that keep your hair strong and shiny with minimal effort.

RANAVAT Glossing Hair Masque

This Ayurvedic hair care brand uses natural ingredients and traditional South Asian remedies to keep hair of all textures glossy and soft. This reparative mask revives and refreshes damaged hair in five minutes. And it’s clinically proven to make hair stronger and shinier.

  • At a glance: A replenishing five-minute hair mask
  • Key Ingredients: Transparent henna, hyaluronic acid, moringa seed oils

NUORI Shield Conditioner

Soothe your scalp and soften your strands with this lightweight conditioner. Its blend of natural ingredients shields your hair and scalp from environmental damage while detangling, softening, and strengthening your hair’s natural barrier.

  • At a glance: A nourishing and protective universal conditioner
  • Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil

R+Co SUN CATCHER Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner is one of my favorite products to keep my hair healthy on the go—and this one is built for summer. It mends environmental damage with skin-favorite ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. It also styles and seals for frizz-free, healthy hair.

  • At a glance: A protective leave-in conditioner and styling treatment
  • Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, collagen