We all love a bit of sunshine but too much of it, including summer’s by-products like chemically treated water and humidity, can take its toll on your hair. Fortunately, if you’ve got the right products and a little bit of know-how, most hair issues are simple to fix or prevent altogether.
Sun-dried tresses
Just like your skin, your hair can get too much sun exposure, causing it to dry out. The easiest way to avoid this is to wear a hat if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors or purchase a leave-in conditioner that offers UV protection. If the damage has already been done, switch to a good moisturising shampoo and conditioner that contains protein (usually listed as keratin), to help repair your hair.
You can also use a deep-conditioning treatment every other day. In the meantime, create the illusion of a healthy-looking shine by giving your locks a spritz of silicone spray.
Hulked-out hair
Has your hair turned an ominous shade of green, thanks to swimming in a chemically treated pool? Many people assume that this is a reaction to chlorine but it’s actually due to high copper levels in the water that turns blonde hair a shade of green. To remove any metal, wash your hair a few times with a clarifying shampoo.
Once the green is gone, you can then tone down your hair by applying – wait for it – tomato sauce. Don’t be alarmed: its red pigment counteracts the green. Leave in for 20 minutes, rinse and condition. This should do the trick, but if you’re still not happy, call your hairdresser. Green hair is more common than you think, so don’t be embarrassed.
Fight the frizz
Those with very dry hair might find that summer’s humidity causes frizz. This is because your hair’s so desperate for hydration that it latches on to the moisture in the air, causing the hair to expand. To prevent a bad case of the “frizzies”, make sure you use a mega-moisturising shampoo and conditioner to provide enough hydration.
You can also use a silicone-based anti-frizz product. Applying it to wet hair will seal in your hair’s shaft in a way that “locks in” moisture. Keep away from your roots, though, particularly if your hair’s fine, as this can make it look limp and greasy.
Wet weaves
If you have a weave, make sure you wear a swimming cap before you take a dip at the beach or in the pool. Saltwater and pool chemicals can damage the glue that keeps your hair in place. A sewn-in weave isn’t safe either, depending on the quality, you can damage the actual hair itself. If the damage has already been done, sometimes it’s best to cut your, losses, literally.
Unlike real hair, faux hair can’t simply be repaired with products. If your real hair has taken a bit of a knock, be it from too much sun or swimming, try using a keratin-rich hair repair treatment and use it as often as needed.