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The 3 Big Summer Hair Care Issues & Their Cures

Posted on Jul 10, 2012 By admin

Humidity, color-fade, dryness? They are the trifecta of every woman's summer hairstyling woes. So we asked some of the top hair care experts to share their secrets for keeping our textures fly all summer long.

Cuticle Swelling
The Cause: Extra external moisture from those tropical summer days can wreak havoc on styles pressed straight as well as natural curls. "High amounts of humidity in the air causes the hair’s cuticles to swell, because it’s looking for moisture," says Deshonica Green, Master Educator for Design Essentials and owner of D. Essence Hair Studio in Atlanta.

The Cure: Work with the weather than try to fight against it. Choose protective styles on days humidity is expected to be high. Topknots, buns and ponytails are fool-proof anti-frizzers. But if you choose to wear your hair out, then seal its cuticles with serums. "They work from the inside out, helping to seal the cuticle so no additional moisture from water will harm your hair," explains Patrick Wellington, owner of Wellington Hair Spa in New York City. Reach for leave-in products with silicone, glycerin or humectants to seal the cuticle. They’ll shut out humidity and frizz while locking in moisture. But be warned: "While thick, natural textures can use heavier humectants, too much of it on relaxed or straightened hair will cause it to frizz," adds Marsha Coulton, founder of Curl Junkie hair care line.

We recommend: Garnier Fructis Sleek n Shine Anti-Frizz Serum; $5.99, available at Drugstore.com; Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Serum; $30.14, available at Drugstore.com and Roots of Nature Thermal Smoothing Serum, $6.99, available at drugstores nationwide; Curl Junkie Curls In A Bottle; $19, available at Curlmart.com; Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner; $9.00, available at JaneCarter.com;

Brittle, Dry Hair
The Cause: Getting a daily swim might be great for overall physical health, but the bleach found in chlorine from pools and the build up of salts from the ocean dries out the hair, makes it more coarse, will strip its color, and may lead to breakage.

The Cure: Protect your hair before taking a dip. Apply a generous amount of an restorative oil or a hydrating conditioner on strands—even if you're wearing braids or locks. You can either swim freely or for extra protection, tuck hair underneath a swim cap. The cap will prevent the water from seeping in and the conditioner will lock in moisture. Rinse hair with a clarifying shampoo afterwards and follow up with a leave-in conditioner.

We Recommend: Ojon Rare Blend Oil; $35, available at Sephora stores; L'Oréal Paris EverCrème Sulfate Free Cleansing Conditioner; $6.95, available at Lorealparisusa.com and SofnFree Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo; $7.99, available at Nothingbuthaircare.com and drugstores nationwide.

Sun Damage
The Problem: While we all need the restorative powers from the sun's vitamin D, its downsides—harmful uva and uvb rays—does damage not just to our skin, but can damage to our strands as well.

The Cure: "Cover it up. If you plan to walk around in the sun or lay out on the beach, shield your hair from the sun's harmful uvb rays with a wide-brimmed hat, which will also protect your skin," advises Sharmayne Jenkins, a New York City based celebrity hairstylist. Before you cover it, make sure to apply a protective layer of coating from a leave-in conditioner, or light pomades for daily care, she adds.

We recommend: Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave in Conditioner; $16, available at Karensbodybeautiful.com; Optimum Therapy Dry Hair Healer; $4.19, available at drugstores nationwide.

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