Summer is pure magic — the golden sunsets, the weekend getaways, the warm breeze in your hair. But here’s the truth your strands might be whispering (or shouting) to you right now: they’re thirsty.

By August, hair has been through months of sun exposure, salty ocean air, pool chlorine, and humidity — all of which can leave it feeling dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. And while most of us are diligent about hydrating our skin, our hair often doesn’t get the same treatment until it’s visibly struggling.

At Carl Michael Salon, we believe in treating your hair with the same care and intention as the rest of your self-care routine. Late summer is the perfect moment to restore, rebalance, and deeply hydrate — so your hair enters the fall season strong, glossy, and healthy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why hydration matters, the signs your hair is dehydrated, and our favorite in-salon and at-home products from Kérastase and Redken that can help you revive even the thirstiest strands.

Why Hydration Matters for Hair

Just like skin, your hair needs water and nutrients to look and feel its best. Hydration affects:

• Elasticity – Hydrated hair stretches without snapping, meaning fewer split ends.

• Shine – Moisture helps smooth the cuticle layer so light reflects off the hair’s surface.

• Manageability – Moisturized hair is easier to style and less prone to tangles.

• Resilience – Well-hydrated strands can better withstand heat styling, chemical services, and environmental stressors.

In the summer months, dehydration is accelerated by:

• UV Rays – Sun exposure weakens hair proteins and fades color.

• Saltwater & Chlorine – Both strip natural oils and roughen the cuticle.

• Heat Styling – Frequent blow-drying or flat ironing pulls more moisture from the hair shaft.

When August rolls around, it’s the perfect time to press pause on damage and invest in targeted hydration.

Signs Your Hair is Dehydrated

You don’t need a microscope to tell if your hair is thirsty. Here are common signs:

• Ends feel rough, frayed, or “crispy”

• Hair tangles more easily

• Loss of natural movement or bounce

• Dullness or lack of shine

• Flyaways and frizz that won’t behave

• Increased breakage when brushing or styling

If you’re nodding along to more than one of these, it’s time for a hydration intervention.

The Late Summer Hair Hydration Plan

At Carl Michael Salon, we take a two-pronged approach: professional in-salon treatments for immediate transformation, followed by homecare to maintain results between visits.

Step 1: Deep Hydration In-Salon

An in-salon treatment can do in one hour what months of home care might struggle to achieve. Our stylists can customize the formula to your hair type and needs.

Kérastase Fusio-Dose

Think of Fusio-Dose as a couture cocktail for your hair. Your stylist selects a concentrated booster (for hydration, shine, strength, or frizz control) and a targeted concentrate, blending them into a potent treatment that penetrates instantly. For dry summer hair, the Nutritive and Hydration combinations are a favorite — delivering nutrients deep into the fiber without weighing it down.

Redken Acidic Moisture Concentrate

Part of Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate family, this treatment restores hair’s optimal pH, strengthens weakened bonds, and infuses moisture. Ideal for color-treated hair that’s feeling brittle post-summer, it leaves strands silky and resilient.

Pair either with a trim to remove damaged ends, and you’ll be amazed at how revived your hair looks and feels.

Step 2: Hydration Maintenance at Home

Hydration isn’t a one-and-done process. The key is building it into your weekly routine. Here are our top Kérastase and Redken picks for late summer hair care:

For Everyday Cleansing

• Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Riche Shampoo – A rich formula that gently cleanses while replenishing moisture, perfect for thick or severely dried-out hair.

• Redken All Soft Shampoo – Infused with argan oil to soften and nourish, leaving hair touchably smooth.

Pro Tip: In August, try to shampoo every other day instead of daily, and use lukewarm (not hot) water to help retain moisture.

For Lightweight, Daily Conditioning

• Kérastase Nutritive Lait Vital Conditioner – Nourishes without heaviness, ideal for fine-to-medium hair in need of hydration.

• Redken All Soft Conditioner – Adds softness and manageability, especially for hair that tangles easily post-beach.

For Weekly Deep Conditioning

• Kérastase Masquintense – An ultra-hydrating mask that delivers intense nourishment to thick or fine hair, with separate formulas tailored for each.

• Redken All Soft Heavy Cream – A buttery-rich treatment that quenches extreme dryness and restores softness.

Pro Tip: Apply your mask to towel-dried hair so it can absorb better, and leave it on for the full recommended time (or a little longer for extra indulgence).

For Leave-In Moisture & Heat Protection

• Kérastase Nectar Thermique – A nourishing blow-dry primer that protects from heat while smoothing the cuticle.

• Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate Leave-In – Strengthens bonds, adds moisture, and shields hair from thermal damage.

These products don’t just hydrate — they also protect, which is crucial for keeping summer damage from snowballing into fall.

Lifestyle Habits That Help Hair Hydration

Even the best products work better when paired with healthy hair habits:

1. Rinse After Swimming – Even a quick rinse with fresh water can prevent salt and chlorine from lingering.

2. Lower the Heat – Give your hair a break from high-temperature styling tools whenever possible.

3. Eat Hydration-Boosting Foods – Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts), vitamin E (almonds, spinach), and biotin-rich foods (eggs, sweet potatoes) support healthy hair from within.

4. Sleep on Silk – A silk pillowcase reduces friction and helps retain natural oils.

Why Late Summer is the Perfect Time

August is the sweet spot — your hair has been through summer’s wear and tear, but there’s still time to repair it before the cooler, drier air of fall sets in. Think of it as “resetting the clock” for your hair so you can go into September with a fresh, healthy foundation.

Our stylists at Carl Michael Salon will not only customize your in-salon treatment, but also hand-pick the perfect at-home regimen from Kérastase or Redken to fit your lifestyle, hair type, and texture.

Your Late Summer Hair Hydration Checklist

✔ Book a professional deep hydration treatment (Fusio-Dose or Redken Acidic Moisture Concentrate)

✔ Trim away dry, split ends

✔ Use a nourishing shampoo + conditioner

✔ Deep condition weekly

✔ Protect hair from heat and UV exposure

✔ Maintain healthy lifestyle habits

Ready to Revive Your Hair?

Book your hydration treatment today at Carl Michael Salon and let our experts bring your hair back to life. Whether you choose a Kérastase Fusio-Dose ritual, a Redken bond-building treatment, or both, you’ll leave with hair that feels silky, strong, and ready to take on the season ahead.

Call us or book online now — your most beautiful hair is just an appointment away.