Beat the Summer Heat: Shield your eyes, nourish your hair

A sustainable summer guide for our girlies.

As the sun begins to shine brighter and the days grow longer, it's time to embrace the joys of summer. But with the warmer weather comes a host of challenges for our hair and skin. The intense UV rays will damage our eyes and hair, making us anything but at our best. However, conscious choices and a little sustainability in our habits will go a long way toward enjoying a glowing summer without harming oneself or the earth.

This summer, let's spotlight style and sustainability. We explore the benefits of ethical chemical-free shampoo and take a deeper dive into quality shades for the Aussie sun. These things, combined with some pretty easy lifestyle tweaks, really complete a holistic approach to summer self-care.

Protecting your vision, naturally

Ignoring the blinding of the sun, which causes cataracts and macular degeneration, and failure to consider photokeratitis or sunburn of the cornea, as well as pterygium, which is epithelial growth of the conjunctiva, are all aspects of eye degradation by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. UV radiation effect increases with time, and melanoma skin cancer around the eyes' area, such as eyelid and basal cell carcinoma, is widespread. To protect our eyes from these harmful effects, it is highly important to wear high-quality sunglasses fit for Australian women and offer ample UV protection.

When choosing sunglasses, note that the lenses block both UVA and UVB radiation. Polarised lenses can reduce glare further and improve visibility, making them perfect for outdoor activities. Also, note the material and style of the frames. A larger frame can provide more coverage, while a wrap-around style might also protect your eyes at the side angles.

Cleaning your sunglasses regularly with a gentle lens cleaner and soft cloth will help extend the life of your sunglasses. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that scratch the lenses. Store your sunglasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage.

Following are some more tips on how to select the right sunglasses:

• Choose according to your face shape: There are different kinds of sunglasses for different face shapes. Round faces look good in angular frames, whereas square faces can soften their features in rounded frames.
• Your lifestyle: Think about your lifestyle; where if you are the outdoorsy type, go for sports-designed sunglasses or at least have a design featuring rubberised nose pads to sit on your face. Or else, an aviator or a wayfarer will suit your taste of classic looks.
• Fitting: The sunglasses must have a good and firm comfortable feeling on the face, should cover your eyes entirely and make sure that the arms won't nib your temples.
• Comfort first: Choose frames that are lightweight and come with comfortable nose pads. Sunglasses should not be a source of discomfort or headaches.

If you follow these tips, you will find the perfect sunglasses to protect your eyes and add to your style.

Nourishing your hair ethically

It's also as important to nourish your hair as to protect the eyes in this season. Sun, chlorine, saltwater- the perfect blend of hair dry-out, besides discolouration, in these summer months. Following are some of the best ways to protect and nourish your hair during the summer months:

The impact of summer on hair

Summer can be harsh on hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and easier to break. Sun, chlorine, and saltwater damage also challenge hair by removing its natural moisture, which ages the colour along with it. In order for one's hair to be healthy over the summer months, using meek, natural hair care products that nourish and protect one's hair is important.

Choosing ethical, sustainable hair care

Another great way how to nourish your hair is by using natural, toxic-free shampoo. These do not have sulphates, parabens, and all those other unpleasant elements that cut off all the natural moisture of your hair; instead, you can use natural products to wash, nourish, and coat your hair.

Choose organic, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced shampoos. Avoid all those brands that conduct animal tests or use environmentally noxious ingredients. Such choices lead you to a healthier planet and support responsible businesses.

Summer hair care routine

Protect your hair from the elements:

• Sun protection: Not only can a wide-brimmed hat be used to protect your hair from the sun, hair products with UV protection will be useful too. For chlorine and saltwater, the tips that have been given are to wash the hair before and after coming out of the clean water to reduce further damage.
• Heat styling: Limit use of items like hair dryer, hair straightener and curling iron because too much heat can damage your hair. It is advisable to use heat-free hairstyles or use the minimum level of heat as probable.

Nourish your hair:

• Gentle cleansing: A mild formulation that is also free from sulphates does not remove natural oil from your hair.
• Deep conditioning: Wash your hair with deep condition once every week so that you can moisturize and revive your hair.
• Smoothing products: Temporary protection comes in form of leave in conditions, hair masks and serums that help in maintaining moisture in your hair. 
• Wholesome diet: Take dietary foods containing vitamins and mineral and foods that contain proteins in large proportions for good healthy hair.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe and healthy during the summer:

• Hydrate: Try to drink a lot of water this day, even if you are not feeling so thirsty at all. Sun protection is essential; therefore, cover your skin with SPF 30 sunscreen and apply it at least every two hours. 
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing: To avoid heat stroke, you should dress lightly in loose clothes and wear light-coloured clothes. 
• Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day: Some of the main preventive measures include exerting oneself, staying in an air-conditioned room, taking cool showers, and having a fan or an air-conditioned café.
• Be mindful of heat-related illnesses: Be cautious of heat stroke or heat stress such as fainting, high temperature, nose bleed, headache, nausea and breathlessness.
• Plan ahead: Look up for the forecasts and prepare for the activities which are in accordance with the weather.
• Be kind to the environment: Keep your carbon emissions low by walking, biking, or using other means such as a bus, train etc. Always try and recycle and compost where capabilities and opportunities exist.

A sustainable summer, inside and out

With these few tweaks to your summer routine, you're sure to enjoy a radiant and rejuvenating season. Remember, the little things count. With a little attention to ethical products, the reduction of waste, and keeping your environmental footprint at bay, you can make a world of difference for a healthy future for generations to come.

Let's get soaked in sunshine, protect the planet, and feed ourselves from within this summer. Let this season of life be one of green beauty in which we shine but not at the cost of our values.