Ah, the memories of summer and the luxury of spending all day at the beach soaking up the sun and surf. Unfortunately, outdoor activities leave you with more than a tan. The exposure also can lead to some hair-raising problems: split ends, frizzies, and a color that isn’t exactly what you started with. Not to worry. With these four tips, you will soon be well on your way to restoring your hair to its pre-summer glory.
1. CUTTING THE DAMAGE
Start with a good trim. There are no products to heal your split ends. Some products may give you the impression that by smoothing the hair it has corrected your split ends. Unfortunately once your hair is damaged to the point that you are seeing split ends, you need to call your stylist for a good trim—about half an inch should do just fine.
2. REMOVING THE CHLORINE GREEN
Now, let’s begin to treat the hue your hair has acquired during your trips to the pool. If you have color-treated or fair hair, your regular shampoo may be turning your coloring a bit green. The good news is there is a literal sea of swimmer’s shampoos, conditioners, and treatments designed to remove the chemical residue and minerals that can discolor and damage your hair. Ion makes a line of Anti-Chlorine products that help repair the damage and is sulfate-free. This means it is safe for color-treated hair and safe to use everyday. If you spent more time at the pool than time sleeping, you may need a more serious treatment.
Try using the Ion Purifying Solutions Crystal Clarifying Treatment weekly to remove styling product build-up, hard-water minerals, iron, rust, and chlorine. Work a small amount of the gel through your hair. Do not heat, and rinse with cool water after one minute. Do this once a week until your hair starts to show improvement.
PURIFYING SOLUTIONS: These two shampoo and conditioner formulas will remove chlorine residue and repair its damage.
3. PUMPING UP COLOR AND SHINE
Although your tan may be fading, your hair color doesn’t have to. If it is a few weeks before your next appointment with your colorist, there are some wonderful products that can help to boost your color or to tone down brassy hues. Quantum Daily Replenishing Shampoo comes in three varieties: one for redheads, blondes, and brunettes.
Each gently cleanses and moisturizes the hair while gradually depositing a subtle color. When used daily, they will enhance your hair color and prevent fading, making your hair color brighter and shinier.
Fantasia Color Glosser is another option. Glossers intensify hair color, making blondes brighter, reds richer, and brunettes more radiant. These glossers are not hair color, but will leave hair with a richer look and silky feel. What is great about this type of application is the ability to focus on areas that fade more quickly, such as the temple area or the ends of hair strands.
COLOR GLOSSER: One of these four color-specific, post-shampooing products will restore your hair’s radiance and silkiness.
4. SMOOTHING OUT THE KINKS
Chlorine isn’t your only leftover from summer. If you spent any amount of time in the sun and the wind, you more than likely have some frizz to deal with. Either too much moisture in the air or not enough in your hair can cause frizz, and either can be handled with the right products. L’Oreal Nature’s Therapy carries a great smoothing shampoo and taming mist.
The shampoo uses a creamy formula with glycerin to smooth the cuticle and prevent frizz caused by moisture in the air, while it locks in your hair’s natural moisture, seals the cuticle, and adds a finishing shine. When it comes to styling products, Ion makes an entire line anti-frizz line that includes gel mist, liquid mousse, and lusterizing cream.
NATURE’S THERAPY: Moisture control built into L’Oreal’s Mega Smooth Unfrizz Shampoo will tame the hair rebellion.
Ernie McCraw is director of beauty education for Sally Beauty Company, the world’s largest distributor of professional beauty products. A licensed cosmetologist for more than 30 years, he is a frequent contributor to fashion and beauty publications nationwide.
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