HAIR SHIELD
Ensure your strands are protected as the weather heats up
Living in Australia and surviving a long, hot summer goes hand in hand with days outdoors and lots of visits to the beach and pool. We all know the importance of covering up and applying SPF on our skin when venturing outside, but it is not as widely promoted for our hair.
Just like the skin, our hair can suffer quickly from dehydration, leading it to become weak and brittle. This is exacerbated when you add in salt, chlorine and extra sun exposure, which leads to hair breakage and a huge compromise on colour treated strands.
Evo technical and product specialist Melissa Chaplin shares her hot hair tips to make you the mane attraction this summer.
Can hair get sunburnt?
Technically the hair can’t be sunburnt, but the sun can cause colour fading, especially if the hair has been lightened. Prolonged exposure will also deplete hair of moisture, leaving it dull and dry, and opening up the cuticle.
What are the best ways to protect hair through summer?
Your hair is exposed to enough natural heat throughout summer, so give heated styling a miss where possible to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Oh, and wear a hat!
Best products to use?
Products that all provide UV and heat protection, acting as a ‘sunscreen’ for your hair. My go-to is Happy Campers Wearable Treatment, as it offers so may benefits in the one product. Not only does it protect against the elements, it also adds moisture, reduces frizz and minimises breakage while
improving comb-ability and manageability. It’s also extremely versatile and can be used on wet or dry hair and as a spray or a cream for a more concentrated effect.
How do you best treat damaged hair in summer?
Firstly, keep your hair healthy by getting regular trims to remove split ends. I also recommend using a moisture mask at least once a week for softer, more manageable hair. This will add moisture back into dry, colour-treated hair, and work to seal the cuticle to prevent moisture loss and provide humidity control.
What about protection against excess chlorine and salt?
Excess chlorine and salt can result in moisture loss, weakened tresses and even chemical reactions that can change the colour of your hair … we all know blondes can go brassy or green. I recommend using Normal Persons daily shampoo immediately after swimming to deeply cleanse, remove any salt or chlorine build up and refresh the texture of your hair.
Maintaining colour?
Simply wetting your hair prior to swimming can prevent some of the saltwater or chlorine from being absorbed, and therefore limit damage. Fabuloso Colour Boosting Treatments are also a great way to intensify and extend the life of colour-treated hair. These nourishing treatments soften, condition and add shine to the hair. They are available in eight ready-made shades, and only take three minutes to work their magic!
Your top tips to keep summer hair healthy?
Never leave the house without using a heat protectant! The amazing thing about Evo is that each product offers multiple benefits … so chances are your hero priming, smoothing or styling product also offers UV and heat protection.