How to Hydrate Hair: Your Summer Guide to Hydration Heroes for Curly Hair

Summer is almost here and your curls are feeling it. Sun, saltwater, chlorine and humidity can leave them dry, frizzy and lacking definition. If your wash day doesn’t last as long as it used to or your curls are thirstier than ever, it’s time to rethink your routine. 

From hair hydration treatments to hydrating hair ingredients, here’s your guide to keeping curls soft, defined and bounce-ready all season long.

Why curly hair needs extra hydration in the sun

Curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness – the twists and turns of each strand make it harder for natural oils to travel from root to tip. Add sun exposure, UV rays, saltwater and chlorine and your curls can start to feel straw-like and frizzy. Keeping your curls hydrated is key to maintaining softness, elasticity and definition throughout the season.

How to hydrate hair: the golden rules for thirsty curls

Hydration isn’t just about a single product; it’s about creating the right conditions for your curls to drink up and hold onto moisture. Follow these three golden rules to keep them bouncy, healthy and full of life.

1 Use water-based products first

Start with our Hydrating Hair Cleanser, which delivers water straight to the hair’s inner layers. This one leaves strands refreshed and nourished without weighing them down. 

2 Layer your curlcare products to lock in hydration

Layering is a secret weapon – apply a water-based treatment first, then seal it with oils or creams. This slows water evaporation throughout the day, keeping curls soft, shiny and defined instead of dry and brittle. We’ll dive deeper into how to layer your products further down.

3 Avoid sulphates and harsh detergents

Sulphates might create a satisfying lather, but research shows they also strip natural oils and moisture from your hair. Discover more in our article Why are sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoos better for you?

We are proud to offer gentle, effective sulphate-free cleansers that do the job without leaving curls parched.

Your hydration heroes: ingredients to look for

When it comes to hydrating hair, the right ingredients are like a big glass of water for your curls. They don’t just make your hair look good on the outside, they work deep within the strand to restore bounce, shine and softness. From plant-powered humectants to nutrient-rich botanicals, these are the curl-friendly heroes that keep your hair quenched no matter how hot it gets.

• Water: hydrating hair starts from the inside out. Just as dry skin signals dehydration, so does dry hair. Our bodies prioritise water for organs over hair, so your curls can suffer first. Warm weather makes us lose fluids faster, so aim for two litres of water daily and snack on water-rich foods like cucumber, melon, celery and peaches. Your body – and your curls – will thank you.

• Aloe vera: a hydration hero that works on both skin and hair, aloe vera is rich in water and nutrients. It penetrates the hair shaft, replenishing moisture while smoothing the cuticle for shine and softness.

• Glycerin: a powerhouse humectant, glycerin draws water into the hair’s inner layers. It’s especially effective in moderate humidity, keeping curls plump, defined and hydrated for longer.

• Coconut water: lightweight yet packed with electrolytes, coconut water quenches thirsty curls without weighing them down. It’s the perfect refresh for fine or looser curl types that still need serious hydration.

Hydration treatments to rescue sun-exposed curls

Think of this as your post-sun spa ritual – but for your hair. Long days in the heat, saltwater dips and UV rays can leave curls parched, frizzy and craving a serious drink. The fix? Layer targeted hydration treatments that not only replenish lost moisture but also shield your hair from future damage. Here’s your step-by-step rescue plan for bringing thirsty curls back to life.

Step 1 – soak it in with a leave-in

After cleansing, drench your curls with a leave-in conditioner, like Intensive Moisture Treatment. For fine or looser textures, rinse lightly to keep volume; for thick, coily or ultra-dry hair, leave it in fully for a richer dose of hydration

Step 2 – keep softness on repeat

Follow with Curl Cream, an ultra-nourishing leave-in that maintains your hair’s hydration and shape all day long. The result? Curls that look like you just stepped out of a salon – even after a beach day.

Step 3 – seal with liquid gold

Lock in every curl with our Revive 5 Hair Oil – a potent blend of virgin coconut, moringa, daikon seed, olive and mongongo oils, laced with rosemary, spearmint, lavender and frankincense. It’s lightweight, nourishing and doubles as UV armour, leaving curls silky, frizz-free and infused with a subtle, mood-lifting scent.

Protect your locks – the style-savvy way

Hydrated curls are happy curls – but the elements are always plotting against them. From scorching UV rays to humidity spikes, city pollution to your straightening iron, everyday life can quietly sap your hair’s moisture. The secret is building a chic, protective armour that looks as good as it works.

Shade in style

Block UV damage before it starts with a wide-brimmed hat or our Bouclème x Preen scarf. They’re equal parts fashion statement and sun shield, keeping your hair colour vibrant and your scalp protected.

Prime before you play

Mist on Curl Defence Spray to damp hair before stepping out or switching on heat tools. This lightweight, water-based formula offers invisible UV and heat protection up to 230°, so your curls stay soft, hydrated and safe – no greasy residue, no weighed-down bounce.

Style smart

Opt for protective hairstyles that reduce friction and breakage – think braids, buns or twists – especially if you’re on the move or sleeping in warmer weather.

Outsmart the humidity

When moisture in the air threatens to hijack your curl pattern, reach for our glycerin-free Seal + Shield collection. These products lock out unwanted frizz-causing dampness, lock in definition and help you adapt to shifting dew points, so your curls stay shapely no matter the forecast.

Night-time rituals for curls that need extra TLC

Beauty sleep isn’t just for your skin – your curls crave it too, especially in the heat. Overnight, friction, tangles and moisture loss can leave them looking a little less than their glamorous best by morning. A few luxe nighttime habits can make all the difference.

Slip into silk

Swap your cotton pillowcase for our award-winning 100% silk one. The smooth surface reduces friction, minimises breakage and helps your curls keep their shape. Plus, it feels decadent – because it is.

Wrap it up

Protect your hair while you dream with a turban or bonnet. We have a super-glam option – and it's a particularly good choice if you’re away on holiday. It’s the easiest way to lock in moisture and prevent overnight frizz, so you wake up to soft, defined curls.

Mist before midnight

If your curls feel parched at the end of the day, revive them with a light spritz of our water-filled Mist Spray Bottle, then smooth in a touch of Curl Cream to replenish and lock in moisture.

Common hydration mistakes to avoid

Even the best curlcare can fall flat if you’re making these all-too-common slip-ups. Keep them in check and your curls will thank you.

• Protein overload: too much protein can tip hair from strong to stiff, leaving curls brittle instead of bouncy.

• Skipping the seal: without oil to lock in moisture, water evaporates fast, undoing your hard work.

• Forgetting the inside job: dehydration shows in your hair, so keep water and nutrient-rich foods on your daily menu.

• Weatherproof your hair: reach for the Seal + Shield collection when humidity is high to lock in style and keep frizz at bay.

Curls that weather anything

Hydration isn’t just a step in your routine – it’s your curls’ secret armour. With the right layering techniques, humectant-packed heroes, indulgent treatments and protective rituals, thirsty strands can stay soft, springy and frizz-free, no matter what the forecast brings.

Ready to drench your curls in goodness? Meet Bouclème’s Intensive Moisture Treatment, Revive 5 Hair Oil and Seal + Shield collection – the ultimate dream team for curls that want to glow all summer and beyond.