Sun, Surf, and Seriously Damaged Hair! Five Silk Products To Save Your Hair This Summer

The days are long, the weather is warm, and you're feeling some serious outdoor vibes. But before you get out there, remember this: everything you love about summer -- especially sun, surf, and chlorine -- can result in some seriously damaged hair. Whether your tresses are curly or straight, coarse or fine, summer-related damage can really put a damper on your fun (and your look).

The experts at Mulberry Park Silks are here with good news: Silk is your secret weapon for avoiding dry, damaged, frizzy summer hair. In fact, many salon and spa-quality beauty products including shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer are made with silk protein. Silk fabric can also work wonders; silk fibers are protein-based and naturally conditioning, moisturizing, and protective to your hair on even the hottest summer day.

Let's take a quick look at what silk can do for you. These five silk products definitely deserve a place among your warm-weather beauty staples.

1. A silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks

No, you're not going to take it to nap on the beach. But you absolutely should be sleeping on a pure, mulberry silk pillowcase every single night. Along with feeling totally luxurious, a silk pillowcase helps your hair (and skin!) retain the natural moisture sapped away by the sun; prevents tangles and breakage, which are much more common in the summer thanks to chlorine and UV light (we're looking at you again, sunshine); and minimizes frizz, especially important for those of us with coiled or curly hair on hot, humid days.

All Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases are made from 100 pure mulberry silk of the highest grade in the marketplace (6A). Choose from 19, 22, or 30 momme (a measurement of weight similar to thread count in cotton sheets) in a variety of sizes and colors to suit your style and budget. A generous envelope closure holds your pillow securely in place for a dreamy night's rest. Our pure silk charmeuse is naturally hypoallergenic and certified to be free from any toxins or chemicals.

Bonus: silk is naturally temperature regulating to keep your cool on even the hottest summer nights

2. A set of silk scrunchies

These scrunchies can -- and should -- be taken to the beach and everywhere else. Our pure silk scrunchies, made from the same super-soft, high-quality silk as our pillowcases, are your must-have hair accessory for the summer season. Whether you're rocking a messy bun, sporting a sleek ponytail, or just looking to get your hair off your neck on a sweltering day, a pure silk scrunchie from Mulberry Park Silks is the way to go. Our scrunchies look super stylish (two weights and multiple colors to choose from); hold your hair well without tearing and breakage; and help keep your hair moisturized. Along with being hypoallergenic, our silk scrunchies are naturally resistant to mold, fungus, and bacteria; they're perfect for putting up delicate wet or damp hair after a swim or workout. Available in Large (for thick hair) or Small (for thinner hair) in a range of colors. Sold in packs of three, attractively gift boxed.

3. A stylish silk head scarf

Throwing your hair up into one of our head scarves is a great way to protect it from sun damage, especially if it is fragile or color-treated. If you're like us, your stylist tells you every summer not to expose your color or highlights to the sun, because the very process of coloring hair makes it uniquely vulnerable to sun damage. This can leave you with faded, brassy, bleached out color and seriously dry hair. Do yourself -- and your colorist -- a favor, and protect your hair whenever you can with a soft, comfortable head scarf from Mulberry Park Silks. Pure silk charmeuse, one size fits all.

4. A great silk serum

Hair care products are also key. Treat your hair to a leave-in silk serum to derive all the benefits of silk this summer. A couple of our favorites are BioSilk Silk Therapy Originaland CHI Silk Infusion. These are lightweight, leave-in styling product options that add moisture and shine to hair, prevent split ends, and smooth the hair cuticle. Goodbye frizzy hair! Good for any hair type. Use these sparingly so as not to weigh down your hair, and be sure all product is thoroughly absorbed before putting your hair in contact with any of our silk products, including pillowcases, scrunchies, or head scarves. And while we're talking hair product, try -- to the best of your ability -- to skip the dryer, flat iron, and other hot styling tools which rob moisture and destroy your hair's elasticity (air dry if possible, at least for the summer months!)

5. A deep silk conditioning hair mask

We love a good hair mask, especially one that's made with silk. The Silk Express Miracle Silk Hair Mask from "It's a 10" knocks it out of the park, leaving our hair soft, smooth, and feeling beautiful. It's made with hydrolyzed silk, "an easy-to-absorb silk protein formula that restores natural lightweight moisture balance while adding strength and shine." We use it in place of conditioner at least once a week in the summer, more often if we've been out in the sun or in chlorine. Apply to wet hair and scalp after shampooing, wait at least five minutes, and rinse well.

Silk: Beauty and Beyond

Once a well-kept secret of beauty insiders, silk has gone mainstream and gained a wide audience of fans. With all the great beauty benefits to skin, hair, and wellness, it's important to remember that silk is also the ultimate in luxury. Take a minute to read our blog about all the benefits of silk; how to choose the right momme weight pillowcase; and what to watch out for when shopping for a silk pillowcase. We'd also love to show you our collection of silk sheets and bedding, which make for an indulgent, comfortable night's sleep in any season.