If you’re having an outdoorsy summer -- you’ve hit the beach many weekends, hiked regularly, logged some solid pool time -- chances are your hair needs a little rehab before fall.
It may be fried from sun or chlorine. It may be crunchy and brittle from salt water. It may be frizzy from heat and humidity.
Celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin, who coifs the bombshell tresses of Sofia Vergara and Christina Hendricks, has some expert advice on how to help hair recover from all that summer fun so it will look fresh and shiny for the new season.
Problem: Overexposed colour.
Solution: "The sun’s UVA and UVB rays work to fade hair colour faster on people who spend a lot of time outside, especially during the summer," Atkin says.
Her No. 1 fix is to simply wear a hat. Supplement the accessory by choosing hair products containing antioxidants such as
vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc. "Antioxidants work to fight free radicals before damage can be done to hair," she says. Atkin recommends
Nioxin System 1 Scalp Treatment, a leave-in treatment with botanicals, antioxidants and vitamins to help safeguard the hair against residues and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a naturally occurring substance in the body that weakens hair follicles.
Problem: Damage from sun and sea or chlorine.
"The pool, sea air and (salt)
water can really do a number on hair, especially when combined with sunlight," Atkin says. "Not only does chlorine discolour hair, it damages proteins in the hair cuticle."
Solution: If you’re planning a Labour Day getaway, take a product like
Frederic Fekkai Beach Wave Spray, not only to amp up the sexy-surf texture but also because the spray contains sea kelp, which hydrates and blocks moisture loss. It also has a UV shield that helps prevent colour from fading.
If you’ve been swimming regularly, Atkin recommends using a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove mineral buildup and pollutants.
She also suggests using a moisturizing treatment or
mask (such as Frederic Fekkai Salon Colour Care Moisture Mask) in order to keep hair nourished and looking shiny. "Choose a protein- and nutrient-rich product and don’t skimp on the time," Atkin says. "Leave it on for at least 15 minutes to ensure proper penetration of the hair shaft. You can also leave it on your hair while sunbathing."
Problem: Frizz or out-of-
control curls.
"When curly hair becomes damaged or dry, the curls frizz out," Atkin says. "And if you live in a humid climate, this issue gets even worse." And warning: Summer may be winding down, but
heat and relative humidity will probably continue through September, and possibly into October.
Solution: To tame frizz and curls, Atkin advises trying these home remedies.
Carbonated water rinse. Carbonated or sparkling water reduces frizz because of its low pH level. "This is a good treatment if you often let your curls air dry because it will help to eliminate the frizz caused by humidity," she says. After washing hair, give it a final rinse with carbonated or sparkling water.
Apple cider vinegar. This is a natural remedy that’s very effective in preventing frizzy hair and adding shine. Wash your hair as you normally would and give it a final rinse with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar.
Beer. Beer replenishes moisture in the hair. Dark beers often provide the most nutrients and moisture. Just coat hair with the beer and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water -- which will also help get rid of the smell.
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