Hello, with the current change in weather temperature and summer right around the corner a lot of people have been asking me questions on how to take care of their hair and scalp in the summer months. So I did some research and came across this article and thought this to be valuable information to help you protect your hair throughout the summer. I have to say I’m not a Doctor, just a concerned barber that enjoys sharing info that may be helpful. Please consult with a doctor before introducing any new products, foods, or habits in to your lifestyle. That being said, please read what I’ve found and hopefully it sparks you to do additional research. Remember if you or anyone you know has any questions about hair please email me, so I can get the information out there so that you may read and share.
Sincerely,
Hasheem Whitmore
Master Barber
Summer Hair Care Tips
Your Summer Hair Woes, Solved
Solutions for fighting everything from frizz to fading
By Wendy Korn
Love those locks
Summertime, and the living is easy…but not for your head. Heat from the sun degrades the protective protein in hair-which oxidizes the color to a brassy hue, wipes out shine, and leaves locks brittle. On top of that, UV rays, follicle-frizzing humidity, and moisture-zapping chlorine and saltwater can parch your ‘do.
Here are some summer hair care tips to keep your locks aglow.
Protect color
Whether your hair is dyed or au naturel, sunlight bleaches it out. Unfortunately, results can be unpredictable and unattractive, says Cheri McMaster, principal hair scientist for Pantene. “Though it’s likely that natural hair might take on subtle highlights from the sun, processed hair can turn brassy and lose luster,” she says.
How Create a “sunblock” for hair. Because there’s no effective chemical product or dye designed to counteract the impact of ultraviolet rays on hair (though added SPF helps), a wide-brimmed hat is your best weapon for summer hair care, says McMaster. Try one made from a tightly woven UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) fabric. A good bet is Sun Precautions Rolled Brim Hat ($53; sunprecautions.com)-it’s crushable, lightweight, and made from a Solumbra fabric with 30-plus SPF that blocks more than 97% of UVA and UVB rays.
In a fix A product specifically formulated to shield hair from the sun will offer some protection. Before venturing outdoors, spray wet or dry hair with PhytoPlage Protective Beach Hair Spray ($22; nordstrom.com) or your everyday leave-in hair conditioner. Respritz each time you put sunscreen on your skin.
Fight frizz
Moisture in the air makes hair prone to frizzing. Even if your locks aren’t normally vulFight frizz nerable, any damage-whether from the sun or from coloring, straightening, or heat appliances-roughens cuticles, enabling water molecules in humid air to penetrate the hair shaft, causing it to swell.
How Try a silicone-based smoothing serum. “These styling products temporarily ‘glue’ hair cuticles smooth, flattening out roughness and preventing the absorption of water molecules from the air,” says Deborah Sarnoff, MD, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Today’s more advanced silicone is the ingredient of choice for frizz fighters because it’s nongreasy and microfine, allowing for tinier particles to deposit on hair more uniformly than previous silicone products. Work in a dime-size dollop of smoothing serum such as Citre Shine Miracle Polishing Serum ($6; amazon.com), which has added vitamins.
In a fix Spritz styled hair with an antifrizz hairspray like Nioxin’s Smoothing Reflectives Fast Control ($10; amazon.com) to help hair stay smooth in any level of humidity. Use alone or after applying silicone serum. (Curly hair? How to style it, frizz-free.)
Cut grease
Like oily skin, an oily scalp gets worse in summer. “Heat prompts sebaceous glands to churn out more oil, and perspiration compounds the problem because it makes hair appear dirtier and greasier,” says trichologist David Kingsley, PhD, a scientist trained to deal with hair and scalp problems.
How Frequent shampooing (once or twice daily) is the most effective technique for removing buildup. “You can have greasy roots but fried ends, so even if you’re afraid conditioner will make your hair greasier, apply it to your ends to prevent sun-related dryness and damage,” Kingsley says. Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum ($30; ulta.com) repairs damaged ends from the inside out while boosting your hair’s natural shine with the help of essential oils. You can also banish grease with a dry shampoo made from oil-absorbing powders, such as Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo ($8.50; aveeno.com). Or make your own by dusting your hairbrush with cornstarch, shaking off the excess, and brushing it through your hair and scalp. (Just don’t make any of these 6 Shampoo Mistakes.)
In a fix Dip a cotton ball in witch hazel-a natural astringent that dissolves oil-and blot your scalp along your part and around your hairline.
Rescue swimmer’s hair
“It’s no myth-chlorine builds up on the hair and leaves a discoloring green film,” says McMaster. And this isn’t a blonde-only problem, although the buildup is more obvious on light-colored locks.
How Be sure to prep hair preswim. Like a sponge, dry hair absorbs the first liquid to which it’s exposed. “Wet hair with tap water before you take the plunge and it won’t absorb much chlorinated water,” says Kingsley. For extra summer hair care protection, coat wet or dry hair with leave-in conditioner, such as Redken’s UV Rescue Swim Cream ($14; amazon.com), and then reapply to protect hair as it dries in the sun. Also be sure to rinse well. “You can prevent chlorine buildup by washing your hair within a few hours of exposure,” says Sarnoff.
In a fix Try a clarifying shampoo, which has residue-removing properties, or rinse your hair with 1/4 cup cider vinegar mixed into a pint of water, which also removes dulling and discoloring films. Après swim, a ponytail keeps you cool poolside and minimizes damage (only the very outer layer gets exposed to the sun’s rays). Avoid elastic bands with metal seams, opt for softer scrunchies, and make sure your hair isn’t pulled too tight-that can cause breakage.
