By Emma Jarvis – Curly Hair Specialist & Multi-Award-Winning Salon Owner.
Published:“What curls need in summer isn’t more products…
it’s better guidance.”
Working with curls behind the chair every week, I see the same pattern every summer. Clients come in feeling fed up. Their curls are frizzy, flat at the root, or undefined—often all three. They’re doing what they think is right, but summer has a way of exposing what’s missing in a routine.
As a stylist who specialises in curly and textured hair, I always remind my clients: curls aren’t misbehaving, they’re just reacting. To the heat. To the sun. To the saltwater. To everything that summer throws at them.
The good news is, it’s absolutely possible to maintain healthy, defined curls throughout summer—with the right support, both in-salon and at home. These are the five key things I focus on with every curly client when the temperature rises.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is focusing solely on the ends or the shape of the curl, and not what’s happening at the root. In the summer, sweat, SPF, product build-up and even sand can accumulate on the scalp, leading to blocked follicles, itching, and flat roots.
I always tell clients: your scalp is your curl’s foundation. If that’s not healthy, nothing else will sit right. Using a gentle but effective cleanser that targets the scalp without drying the hair is a summer essential—and one that’s often overlooked.
After a hot day or a dip in the sea, many curly clients rush to add moisture. And while hydration is crucial, it’s only part of the picture. Too much moisture, without enough protein or structural support, can leave curls feeling puffy or shapeless.
What I see in the salon are curls that feel soft, but collapse quickly. That’s usually a sign the balance is off. I guide my clients to alternate between moisture-rich conditioners and protein-based treatments. Curls need both to thrive, especially in the heat.
Timing matters more than people realise. One of the biggest shifts I teach is product application while the hair is still soaking wet—straight out of the shower.
When curls are wet, the cuticle is open and the pattern is at its most defined. Styling at this stage allows products to coat the hair evenly, reduce frizz, and set the curl shape as it dries. Skipping this step, or towel-drying first, often leads to uneven results and a lack of hold.
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Curls are more vulnerable to damage due to their naturally open cuticle. Sun exposure can cause colour fade, dryness and even protein loss. Add chlorine or saltwater into the mix and you’re looking at dehydration and disrupted curl memory.
I advise simple steps: rinse curls with clean water before swimming, use a leave-in conditioner as a protective layer, and apply UV-protecting products when out in direct sun. These tweaks might seem small, but they prevent so many of the issues I end up treating in the chair later.
In summer, less is often more. I always try to simplify the routine for clients during the hotter months: a great cleanse, proper hydration, and styling for definition. That’s it.
Curls don’t need ten products and an hour in the bathroom—they need consistency. If your client can repeat a three-step routine confidently, their hair will stay in better condition and they’ll feel more in control. That’s what builds trust.
More Info
Online: www.thbacademy.co.uk
Instagram: @emmajarvis.thbacademy