While basking in the warmth of the summer sun can be pure bliss, the aftermath can often cause unwelcomed distress on our oh-so-precious locks. Equally unappealing is the fuss and muss that goes into calming your mane when the season’s humid air refuses to relinquish its rein. This year, don’t let summer frizz and flyaways rain on your parade with these expert insight and haircare tips courtesy of Mario Russo, the owner of Salon Mario Russo in Boston.
Trying to Shield Your Strands during a Visit to the Beach?
While the best way to protect the hair from the sun is to wear a hat – we know some don’t see the chapeau as a flattering fashion option. If this is the case, your next best protection option is to apply a deep conditioner to wet hair, thoroughly combing it through your locks before heading out to the surf and sun. Applying the conditioner to wet hair and forgoing the blow-drier will give your hair an extra coat of protection; plus the heat from the summer sun will open the hair cuticle and help the conditioner better penetrate the hair. Pull your conditioned, wet hair into a low chignon or top knot and go!
Mario recommends utilizing a conditioner that also has a sun protectant, this way you’ll get double the protection. He also suggests trying to use oils that offer UV protection such as Kerastase Soleil Huile Celeste Spray. If you have color-treated hair, then make sure your deep conditioner has a color protecting component like Mario’s go-to, the Bumble and Bumble’s Color Protect line. These products also have UVA protectants in them.
Trying to Replenish Moisture to Sun-Tainted Strands?
To keep dry, frizzy locks at bay, use a deep conditioning mask at least once per week, leaving the mask on as long as possible (preferably overnight) or sitting with it in under heat/in a steam room. For a conditioning mask, try Bumble and Bumble’s Quenching Masque or my current favorite Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque.
Make sure to frequently trim your ends to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and damaging hair. Schedule a trim every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain both your cut and the health of your hairpieces
Limit the use of the blow dryer and hot tools. When the air is moist, it can take longer to style hair which can result in further drying and damage. If you absolutely must use styling tools, liberally apply a heat protectant beforehand.
Itchy scalp?
An itchy scalp is another common side effect from a summer spent in the sun. Your scalp can easily dry out from the chlorine and salt water. Here’s a weekly at-home treatment that can help to soothe dry scalp and add extra moisture to the skin :
1/2 teaspoon of Olive Oil
3 drops of Vitamin E Oil
2 Tablespoons of Water
Apply on dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash and condition hair as normal.
image credit : sheknows.com
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