July and August can be two of the toughest months for your hair, but with a few easy changes to your daily routine, you can keep your hair healthy and gorgeous all summer long!
TIP #1: SHIELD YOUR LOCKS
Most of us know that solar rays can lead to skin damage, but those rays are also notorious for aging our hair, fading our hair color, and leaving ends dehydrated and brittle. If you’re a sun goddess or a siren who loves spending long days at the pool or beach, your hair can greatly benefit from an extra layer of protection against the sun’s UV rays. One of the best ways to protect your hair is simply to wear a hat or scarf when you’re out and about. Another solution is to look for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that offer UV protection. Mythic Oil Colour Glow by L’Oreal Professionnel is an excellent option. It contains UV filters that will keep your hair safe from the harmful effects of the sun. It also contains linseed oil and cranberry oil, two powerhouse ingredients that are rich in anti-oxidants and full of moisturizing, nourishing, and shine-building benefits---perfect for summer hair! Just add 1-2 pumps on damp hair before styling, and then reapply 1 more pump when hair is dry.
TIP #2: LESS IS MOREMost of us have heard the phrase “You can get too much of a good thing,” and this is especially true when it comes to washing hair. While a daily shampoo may sound like a good idea, it can actually strip away your hair’s natural oils, resulting in strands that are dull, dry, and more susceptible to breakage and frizz. To keep your hair healthy this summer, wash it every other day (or less often if your hair is super dry). Choose a mild shampoo and conditioner which will cleanse without robbing your hair of precious moisture. Sulfate-free shampoos are fabulous!
On your “off shampoo days”, try using a dry shampoo such as L’Oreal Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo. When applied to your hair and roots, the dry shampoo will absorb any excess oil, and leave your hair with an amazing fragrance. You’ll get hair that feels clean, shiny, and refreshed without being subjected to unnecessary washing.
TIP #3: SKIP THE HEAT
Summer is the perfect season to banish the blow dryer, the flat iron and curling wand, and opt for a daily styling routine that does not involve heat. Intense heat from dryers and irons can damage the outer cuticle layer of your hair, adding extra stress to strands that may already be weak and fragile due to sun exposure and high summer temperatures. Give your hair a break from the heat, and let it air dry when possible. For styling, try a tousled summer Boho look, braids, or heat-free curling options such as Velcro rollers or Curlformers.
When showering, forego a steamy hot shower and use cool or warm water for shampooing and rinsing. Piping hot water can lead to dry, itchy scalp conditions as well as dry hair and skin.
TIP #4: BASK IN A MASQUE
From time to time, summer hair needs a little extra pampering. If your hair is feeling severely stressed or damaged, try a moisturizing masque to restore shine, softness, and manageability. Apply a product to your hair such as Mythic Oil Nourishing Masque by L’Oreal Professionnel, wrap with a towel, and then enjoy a good book or your favorite movie while the formula soaks into every strand. Then rinse, and savor your revived tresses. Mythic Oil Nourishing Masque contains Argan Oil, which is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 3, as well as Cotton Seed Oil. Both of these oils will add nourishment and extreme softness throughout your hair and ends.If you feel as though your hair has reached the point of no return, a professional salon service such as a nourishing and indulgent Mythic Oil treatment can make a big difference. Mythic Oil treatments can be customized to target the individual needs of your hair, whether it’s a need for strength, repair, clarity, shine, manageability, or color protection. Your hair will feel thoroughly hydrated, soft, and shiny afterwards.
TIP #5: DAMAGE CONTROL
Believe it or not, something as simple as a haircut can actually keep your hair healthy during the summer. The daily wear and tear caused by exposure to the elements along with blow drying, styling, and coloring can leave your hair susceptible to split ends and fraying. Without a trim, these split ends will keep moving up your hair strand, causing tangles and breakage. For best results, schedule a trim every 8 -12 weeks and your hair will thank you by staying manageable and healthy.
TIP #6: SWIM PROOF YOUR STRANDS
Chlorine can be one of your hair’s worst enemies. It can strip away shine, damage the outer cuticle layer of your hair, and fade your color. As a remedy, apply conditioner to damp hair before diving into the pool. When saturated with conditioner, the cells of your hair will be less likely to absorb chemicals from the pool while you’re swimming.
Immediately after swimming, use a chelating shampoo to remove any chlorine that may have been absorbed, and follow the shampoo with a super moisturizing conditioner to combat dryness.
TIP #7: NOURISH FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Lastly, don’t overlook the connection between healthy eating and healthy hair. In addition to protecting your hair on the outside, take steps to nourish your hair and body from the inside out.
Make sure you’re getting a sufficient amount of B Complex Vitamins. A good B Complex supplement will contain every sort of Vitamin B available on the market, including Vitamins B3 (Niacin), B6, B12, folic acid, and B7 (Biotin). B Vitamins have been shown to reduce hair loss, slow down the graying process, aid in more rapid hair growth, and add shine. And who doesn’t want shinier, thicker and faster growing hair?
In addition to B Vitamins, your hair can benefit from Vitamin C and Omega 3 fatty acids (either from fish such as salmon or from a DHA/EPA supplement). Iron, zinc and protein are beneficial, too.
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For more tips on healthy summer hair, stop by the salon and visit with one of our stylists. We’ll be happy to share additional tips and products for ensuring that your hair looks amazing all summer long!
