Tresses in distress? Prepare to repair with these hydrating hair heroes.
The summertime combination of sun, salt and chlorine all conspire to strip hair of moisture, leaving it frizzy, dry and dull. Thankfully, hair responds well to a little TLC and, with the right products, it’s not too late to restore your crowning glory to its most beautiful.
Back to basics
Like skincare, a good basic hair care routine is key to achieving results. Most of your favourite brands offer ranges targeting specific concerns and there are many options for dry post-summer hair.
When it comes to daily care, it’s worth noting that your hair may not require washing as often as you think it does. The general consensus is that shampooing should only take place every two to three days and shampoo should be rinsed out with lukewarm water to avoid damage and moisture loss.
Prevention is far better than trying to cure hair damage. By investing in a nourishing conditioner you are already well on your way to preserving the health and lustre of your hair. Top it off with a weekly hair repair treatment; once again, there are many to choose from depending on your preferences and needs, everything from thick, rich hair masks to leave-in spray and oil formulations.
When using an intensive conditioner or treatment, wrap hair in a towel to keep heat in and allow the product to penetrate. Five minutes should be enough, hair is sponge-like in structure and once it is saturated it cannot absorb more product no matter how long you leave it on.
WE LOVE
1. Joico Hydra Splash Trio includes Hydrating Shampoo 300ml, Hydrating Conditioner 250ml and Replenishing Leave-in 100ml, $103.85, 2. Grow Longer Stronger Stimulating Scalp Scrub 140g, $16.99, 3. Joico Humidity Blocker+ Protective Finishing Spray, $31.95, 4. Arbonne TrueSmooth Rich Lather Shampoo & Conditioner, $48 each, 5. Klorane Cupuacu Shampoo and Conditioner 200ml, $14.99 each, 6. Oribe Shampoo for Moisture & Control 250ml, $68, and Conditioner 200ml, $72, 7. Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Trio includes Shampoo 250ml, Conditioner 200ml and Mask 150ml, $94, 8. Wella Professionals Invigo Blonde Recharge Color Refreshing Shampoo and Conditioner, Cool Blonde 200ml, $28.95 each, 9. Philip Kingsley Moisture Extreme Shampoo 250ml & Conditioner 200ml, $44 each, 10. Pump Anti Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner 205ml, $34.95 each.Hair SOS
If your hair is in dire need, look for intensive specialty hair products, such as an after-sun or post-pool rescue treatment which help to smooth damaged cuticles, and protect against split ends, breakage and environmental damage from wind, sun, chlorine and sea salt. These can be used as a mask after shampooing (leave it in for five minutes, then rinse out) or a small amount can be applied daily to the ends of the hair to protect and smooth.
Be on the lookout for formulations containing keratin, amino acids, ceramides, shea butter which all work to calm and nourish severely frazzled frizz and help reverse the damaging effects of the sun, sea and chlorine. If you’re on budget, coconut oil is a great DIY option viable option for nourishing your tresses without breaking the bank.
WE LOVE
1. Grow Longer Stronger Anti-Breakage Hair Mask 50ml, $5.99, 2. Hair Rituel by Sisley Restructuring Nourishing Balm 125g, $160, 3. Klorane Cupuacu Mask 150ml, $25.99, 4. Hair Rituel by Sisley Protective Hair Fluid 150ml, $120, 5. Hair Rituel by Sisley Regenerating Hair Care Mask 200ml, $130, 6. Hair Rituel by Sisley La Crème 230 150ml, $125, 7. Kemon Actyva Bellessere Oil, $39.95, 8. Davines Su Hair Mask 150ml, $46.95, 9. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 150ml, $72.75The haircare habits you need to break!
Since hair is most fragile when it’s wet, don’t rip a brush through it after swimming. Spray some detangler on it, then use a wide-tooth comb to minimise breakage.
Summer heat practically demands we throw our hair back, but pulling our hair back too tightly can cause breakage, particularly if hair health is already compromised. Aim for loose buns and ponytails, and let your hair down before going to sleep at night.
Don’t dive straight into the water without first wetting your hair with fresh water. Hair is super porous and absorbent. If you spray water over your hair (or better yet apply hair oil or a mask) before entering the pool or ocean, your tresses won’t soak up such high quantities of drying and damaging salt and chlorine. CBM
WE LOVE
1. Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque $57.90 2. Thanks To Nature Hydrate & Nourish Masque 350ml, $20, 3. Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask 75ml, $42, 4. Arbonne TrueSmooth Apple Vinegar Hair Rinse, $37.
