Summer is synonymous on the Coast with heat and humidity. Add to that the effects of jumping into the pool or the ocean, and you have a recipe for hair havoc. While caring for your locks gets trickier this time of year, following some simple steps can keep them looking great despite UV rays, chlorine and saltwater doing their worst. Read on for some expert advice.
ANN MARIE WALLEY
Owner, stylist and makeup artist, Antonian Salon
Protecting your hair from the sun, beach and pool is just as important as protecting your skin during the warm summer months. The best means of defense for your hair is to cover it with a hat or bandana, and extension wearers should try to avoid full saturation of pool or beach water if possible. But most of us enjoy the occasional full dip in the pool or ocean, so we recommend the following:
• Dampen the hair and apply a leave-in conditioner before entering the water. Try K-Pak Luster Lock Multi-Perfector as a leave-in on damp hair.
• Wear your hair in a loose braid or loose ponytail. Never wear your hair in a tight ponytail or wear metal clips in the sun. This can cause damage and breakage.
• Sunscreen containing avobenzone can cause a chemical reaction that turns hair extensions salmon pink. The best approach in general is to keep sunscreen off of your hair.
• Rinse out chorine or salt water immediately. Shampooing and deep conditioning the hair after exposure to the elements is ideal. Try Goldwell’s Kerasilk Mask or K-Pak Luster Lock Mask.
Using these helpful tricks will help your hair look luscious all summer.
AMBER BOSARGE LORD
Owner and stylist, Salon Rouge
1) If you’ comfortable wearing hats, I highly recommend them. Your hair should be protected from the UV rays, just like your skin. Not only will a hat keep your strands from getting scorched, but it also will protect your scalp and ears — areas that are vulnerable to skin cancer.
2) When possible, saturate your hair with clean water and conditioner before taking a dip. This will prevent your hair from absorbing as much of the pool chemicals or saltwater. If you’re going out for the day and don’t want to walk around with drenched strands, spray your hair down with some leave-in conditioner and apply hair serum. Keeping your hair really moisturized is key because salt and chemicals dry it out.
Keep in mind that your hair will get just as thirsty as you do in this heat. Why not treat it to some rich refreshment? If your hair is blonde or already naturally dry, double up on the leave-in conditioner and serum.
3) Whether you’re out on the boat or at the pool or beach, your hair is likely to get tangled. To prevent tangling and knots, which cause breakage, put your hair in a loose braid or bun after applying your moisturizing products.
4) I can’t stress this enough: At the end of the day, get all those chemicals and salt out of your hair. If you’ve been in the ocean, a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner work great. A deep conditioner is even better.
If you have been in the pool, especially if you’re going in often, I swear by Malibu’s Swimmers Wellness shampoo, conditioner and treatment. These products strip out the harsh chemicals in chlorine while protecting the hair’s integrity.
I emphasize this step because if chlorine or saltwater lingers in the hair, it can cause green discoloration and extreme, irreversible damage.
FOR NATURAL/CURLY HAIR:
- Wear a swim cap, if possible, in chlorinated pools. Chlorine has properties that are detrimental to a fragile curl.
- Before entering any water, make sure your hair is detangled and divided into large twists or braids. These styles can be used to avoid tangles that may not come out.
- Be sure to shampoo, condition and detangle immediately after swimming.
- Avoid using clips, rubber bands or any fastener that may cause excess tension while the hair is wet to avoid breakage.
- Remember that curls are most vulnerable when wet.
CHRISTOPHER ADONIS
Licensed cosmetologist, natural hairstylist, educator and retailer, owner/operator of the Christopher Adonis brand