SUMMER HAIR REHAB

Too much sun, sea and pool water can transform your shining locks into dull, lifeless tresses. But don’t stress – with the right products you’ll be ready for anything.

Too much sun, sea and chlorine can all ruin your hair. These expert tips will help restore your locks to their shining glory.

Come summertime, there’s nothing quite like a little bit of surf and sunshine for creating tousled beach waves. Yet all those sun-soaked days can take a toll on even the healthiest of tresses. “We know that our sun is harsh,” says Joico guest hair artist, Felicity Bruce. “We should be aware of the damage it does to our hair as well as our skin.”

It’s not only the sun’s rays that wreak havoc on our hair, says Bruce. “Summer is when you’ll find us all in the ocean and chlorinated pools,” she explains. “This passion for swimming and water sports can also cause our hair to become dehydrated.”

Too much sunshine, sea and pool water can transform glossy, healthy locks into dry, dull and brittle tresses. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your hair from the elements. To start with, don’t underestimate the importance of slapping on a wide-brimmed sun hat. Whipping your hair up into a ponytail or braid before you hit the beach will also ensure it’s less exposed to the sun.

“If you’re savvy with hair styling, braiding or twisting up your hair can be a great way to load your hair with a treatment to hydrate and protect it from the elements,” says Bruce. “These styles are great for applying sunscreen too: you can cover your neck and ears without making your hair greasy. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your parting and hairline.”

Before you even reach the beach, however, Bruce says regular haircuts and salon visits will ensure your locks are in top condition. “One thing you can achieve with every salon visit is the ongoing professional assessment of your hair condition,” she explains. “If you’re regular with your appointments, this gives your stylist a hair history to reference and recommend products or styling tips for you to maintain your look as well as your condition.”

When it comes to building your summer hair kit, Bruce says to look for products that will deeply hydrate hair. “The key word that describes any of the summer elements is dehydration – so the pathway to protection and repair must include hydration,” she says.

As well as offering serious hydration, summer hair must-haves need to offer sun protection as well, and an oil of some sort will help keep your tresses soft and manageable. “I can’t go past my favourite multi-tasker: Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil [$28.95]. Its trio of manketti, argan and evening primrose oils work well with all hair types.”

Putting down the heated styling tools will also help boost hair health. “The great thing about summer hair is that it is meant to look natural,” says Bruce. “Loose twists are my favourite upgrade to last year’s braid. They can be done in so many ways and you don’t need long hair.”

Bruce suggests trying loose twists pulled softly back from your face and tied at your crown. “Or if your hair is long, you could try twisting your hair into two sections, then winding them together so they sit to the side over one shoulder.”

Rise and shine with your hair done for the day by sleeping in the twists. “Day two leaves locks with beachy waves and body that can be revived with a spritz of Joico Beach Shake, a texturising spray that smells like delicious coconut,” says Bruce.