SUMMERSAFE STRANDS

Because your hair needs sun protection too.

Let’s break it down: Between the frizz-inducing humidity, colour-zapping UV rays and drying salt water and chlorine, summer can take a real toll on your strands. “All those factors can make hair more prone to damage,” says Janet Jackson, hairstylist and L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert. That goes for all hair types, from curly to fine to colour-treated, as no one is safe from the harmful elements that are in high gear during our warmest months. Jackson—who’s worked with A-listers like Winnie Harlow, Iman and Andie MacDowell—knows a thing or two about getting your mane in order for the most socially packed season.

TRY A BONDING TREATMENT

Sunshine and, if you’re lucky, salt water are on the menu for summer, but these elements can cause the bonds in your hair to weaken and break. Bonds are what gives your hair strength and shine, so once they’re compromised, frizz and dullness follow. “Adding a repairing shampoo and conditioner to your hair regimen is a great way to repair your hair bonds and fight against summer’s damaging effects,” says Jackson. A bonding treatment will nourish strands from the inside out and will work to repair those broken bonds and rebuild that strength deep within the cortex of the hair. Any hair type can benefit from using a bond-repair treatment, and for those with extra-fragile hair (such as colour-treated and/or curly), using a complete bonding system, like the L’Oréal Paris Bond Repair collection, is ideal for when your summer-weary strands need an additional boost of TLC.

L’ORÉAL PARIS BOND REPAIR RESCUE PRE-SHAMPOO ($10, SHOPPERSDRUGMART.CA)

DON’T NEGLECT; PROTECT

Just like your skin, your mane needs adequate sun protection too. “Being in the sun for long periods of time is very damaging to the hair,” says Jackson. Before heading out the door, slap on some UV protection to shield your strands from harmful rays. Jackson recommends looking for sunscreen hair oils and leave-ins that are waterbased as they’re less likely to weigh hair down. SACHAJUAN HAIR IN THE SUN ($44, ETIKET.CA)

SWITCH UP YOUR STYLERS

Tweaking your skincare routine from season to season is a no-brainer, so why not give your hair the same courtesy? Its needs vary according to the weather too. While it’s probably safe to keep using the same shampoo and conditioner, changing up your styling products can go a long way toward keeping your hair happy and healthy throughout the summer. Jackson advises looking for a strong-hold hairspray that protects against humidity and topping off your routine with a serum, cream or spray that helps fight frizz.

KERASILK TAMING BALM ($42, CHATTERS.CA)

TIE ONE ON

Stocking your closet with some stylish sun-safe accessories is a simple way to do your hair and scalp a favour this summer. Silk scarves are a hot-weather staple—wrapping your hair in one will keep delicate strands protected, plus it will make you feel like you’re yachting on the Amalfi Coast. Or take a cue from the summer runways of Jacquemus and Schiaparelli and go for a sun-blocking statement hat. To tame unruly summer strands while you sleep, Jackson recommends using a silk pillowcase. It will help minimize static and encourage hair cuticles to lie flat, both of which lead to smoother, frizz-free hair.

SILK LAUNDRY ENDANGERED SPECIES SCARF IN HAZELNUT ($280, SILKLAUNDRY.CA)