Most people take great care of their skin during the summer months, making sure to keep it protected and moisturised, especially when they’re at the beach. Hair, however, is often completely neglected just when it needs the most care. The summertime combination of sun, salt and chlorine all conspire to strip hair of moisture and by the time autumn comes around it can be a frizzy, dehydrated disaster. Thankfully, hair responds well to a little TLC and it’s not too late to restore your crowning glory to its best condition.
Back to basics
Like skincare, a good basic hair care routine is key to achieving results. A lot of beauty brands offer ranges targeting specific concerns and there are many options for dry post-summer hair.
The Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal range, which includes a shampoo and conditioner, both $4.69, is specially designed to help repair damaged hair and protect it from further trauma. L’Oréal’s Elvive Anti-Breakage Nutri-Repair range includes a shampoo, conditioner and masque from $6.95. The products contain keratine, omega-6 and ceramide R to help repair dry, damaged or brittle hair.
Cult hair brand Sexy Hair’s Strong Sexy Hair range includes a Strengthening & Revitalizing Treatment, $45.95, which contains vitamins E and A as well as a host of other nourishing ingredients. The Apivita Propoline range includes a moisturising shampoo, $23.90, and conditioner, $24.90, containing olive oil, almond oil and honey to hydrate and protect, while the Sebastian Professional Evokativ Moist shampoo, $32.50, and conditioner, $30.50, gently hydrate and cleanse hair while helping to restore its natural pH balance.
When it comes to daily care, it’s worth noting that your hair may not require washing as often as you think it does! According to top Sydney hairstylist Alan Coban, ‘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.’ A dry shampoo, such as Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo, $8.95, is great for in-between washes, especially if you have a fringe. You just spray a little on to hair and brush it out. It removes excess oil and can be a reassuring option if you’re anxious about breaking the oncea- day washing habit.
Getting serious
Supplementing your hair care regime with regular intensive treatments will help to keep hair in good shape. Coban says, ‘Prevention is far better than trying to cure hair damage and if you invest in a nourishing conditioner then you are already halfway to having beautiful hair.’ He recommends investing in a weekly hair repair treatment; once again, there are many to choose from, everything from thick, rich hair masks to leave-in spray and oil formulations.
Top tipWhen 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. |
DIY TreatIf your hair is in dire need, try this intensive preshampoo treatment from top trichologist Philip Kingsley. Whisk together two eggs, two half eggshells of olive or other light vegetable oil, half a ripe avocado and 50ml of purified water. Work the mixture into hair with your fingertips, leave for 10 minutes and then wash off. |
Hair rescue remedies
L’Occitane Ultra Rich Hair Cream, $34.95 Contains shea butter to revitalise dry, dull hair. It 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.
KMS California SolPerfection 4 After Sun Rescue, $44.50 Contains grapefruit and thyme to help reverse the damaging effects of sun, sea and pool.
Terax Original Crema, $29.95 A celebrity favourite, this is designed to bind and restore split ends, breakage and environmental damage from wind, sun, chlorine and sea salt.
Hypact Detangling Therapy Spray, $24.50 This leave-in protein conditioner revitalises, smooths damaged cuticles and tames frizz.
John Frieda Off the Charts Critical Care Rebuild Restructuring Micro-Oil Therapy, $16.95 An intensive formulation containing keratin, amino acids and ceramides, this treatment energises and protects severely frazzled frizz.
Evo Mane Prescription, $23.95 A wash-out protein treatment to smooth and revitalise damaged hair, it purportedly strengthens hair with repeated use too!
