Summer is the season for getting out and about, and that is why your hair needs extra care from the sun's exposure. Too much heat and UV rays will damage your hair's natural protective film. After just three days of intense contact with the sun, the scale-like cells that cover each individual hair shaft begin to pull off. This makes your hair dry, dull, fragile and brittle. Here are some tips to beat the heat.
GOING SWIMMING?
Chlorine and salt water dry and discolour hair. Mineral deposits in salt water, in combination with sunlight, severely dehydrate hair and can turn it brassy. So rinse hair in fresh water immediately before and after a swim. Wet hair will absorb less chlorine than dry hair. And never brush wet hair. If you have just jumped out of the pool, use a wide tooth comb and then gently work out the tangles.
KNOW WHAT WORKS
Hair products that contain oil or sunscreen will be useful. When checking out these products, look out for shea butter, oak acorn extract oil, sunflower oil or jojoba wax. They help moisturise or otherwise assist to form an invisible protective coating on your hair. Also, don't be stingy when applying these products. Use them liberally and often, especially after a swim.
CONDITIONING
If you're in the outdoors frequently, deep condition your hair at least once a week using a product that contains keratin, jojoba oil or wheat germ protein that increase moisture, shine and elasticity. Leave-in conditioners can be especially good choices during the summer since heat helps activate the ingredients to better penetrate the hair. Finally, if your hair seems dull, condition after shampooing then rinse it with a mixture of vinegar and water.
SNIP IT!
A good haircut is really the basis for nice-looking hair as it helps to maintain volume, bounce and vitality. Schedule trims for the beginning and end of the summer season to rid your hair of dry, older ends and to keep your cut in shape.
RECIPES FOR SUMMER HAIR
Try these easy, homemade concoctions for your hair. They're not only natural, but are non-costly ways to maintain your mane as well.
• Lemon juice and olive oil
Heat can make the scalp condition change making it prone to flakes or making it oilier. To combat this, mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and massage the mixture into scalp. Leave it on 20 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Try this once a week.
• Tea treatment
Tea does protect your hair. Mix 8 oz of unscented shampoo with 8 oz of strongly brewed tea (regular, tea bags; not decaf, not instant) and use daily. Camomile tea works for any hair, but especially light coloured hair, while regular tea works for dark hair.
QUICK TIPS
• A dab of moisturiser rubbed between your palms and smoothed over your strands will calm frizzy hair.
• If you are going to be out under the intense sun, simply apply sunscreen into your hair at the same time you are applying it to your skin.
• A funky looking hat will not only be fashionable; it will also help keep your hair covered as much as possible.
