If the heat and humidity has taken your hair on a one-way journey to frizz central, or your monthly dye job has in fact become a die job and stripped your locks of nutrients and moisture, keeping your hair in tip top condition throughout summer can be an uphill struggle.
But who wants to just give up and hide their tresses under a hat? Not us! We’ve identified the most common hair problems and have the treatment ideas, product recommendations and preventative measures to ensure super-sleek style every day…
Cut Through The Grease
If your roots get that wet look a day after washing, even the knowledge that your hair is being kept moisturised won’t make you feel better when what feels like an oil slick is perched atop your head. Look for oil control shampoos, such as Kerastase Specifique Bain Anti-pelliculaire, and when it comes to conditioners, stick to only applying conditioner to the ends of the hair rather than the scalp. Finally, invest in a good dry shampoo for those in-between washing days.
Don’t Cry If It’s Dry
One of the most common hair complaints means there are plenty of treatments available to try. Look for oils and leave-in hair masks that will add moisture to your locks, with Redken Extreme shampoo and conditioner, as well as their leave-in spray a must. If your hair is coarse, look for products that contain keratin which will help with manageability, and invest in a top hair mask, such as ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud, which boasts red clays and apricot oil to nourish dry follicles.
Battle The Brittle
Brittle hair usually suffers from dryness too, so look for products which include hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and the three oils - argan, coconut or olive. Avoid hair care products that have silicones as they can make dry hair even dryer, and create a barrier around the hair that will prevent it from getting moisture. A favourite is Fekkai Essential Shea Riche Moisture Masque, which can be used weekly, and includes that all-important shea butter.
Shine On
If the sun’s rays have played havoc with your hair, look for products which offer UV protection and leave-in sprays and moisturisers for ongoing protection. Chlorine from swimming pools and salt from the sea can exacerbate the problem, so rinse hair immediately after swimming. L’Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Lipidium Masque has been hailed as a locks life saver, locking in nutrients and acting as a barrier against the sun and the heat from hair dryers.
Colour Me Happy
If you’re addicted to the dye bottle, make sure you stock up on products specifically for coloured hair, avoiding anything containing silicones and sulphates which will strip your hair of colour. You should also invest in a new hairbrush, as coloured hair loses elasticity in the dying process, so snap up a wide-tooth comb and don’t brush your hair when it’s wet. We recommend Olapex Hair Perfector No.3, which is a favourite of professional hairstylists and is great for coloured hair, as well as the expensive-but-worth-it Rahua Colour Full Hair Mask, which is rich enough to only be used once a week and is the ultimate coloured hair saviour.