BEAUTY MANTRA
P UTTING CLICHÉS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
‘T
is the season to ditch the desk for la dolce vita:
sun, sea and sand. And while we know we need to slap on the SPF to avoid damaging our skin, what’s all that UV doing to our hair and scalp? We asked the professionals. Philip Kingsley, trichologist UV rays oxidise and degrade your hair in a similar way to bleach, and can also burn your scalp. The amount of damage depends on how long you spend in the sun and the intensity of the rays. Being by the beach or in the water increases damage, as rays are reflected, doubling UV exposure. Salt water leaches moisture from your hair, causing dryness and breakage. The best way to protect your hair and scalp is to wear a hat, but you can also apply a hydrating, protective, water-resistant cream. I make one called Swimcap Cream, which I formulated for the US Olympic Synchronised Swimming Team. For protection in town, use a leave-in conditioning spray that contains UV filters.
Nicola Clarke, creative colour director at John Frieda Salons Salt water will dry out your hair and your scalp, particularly if you have colour-treated hair. But being in the sun can also give your hair a fresh summer vibe by adding some natural lights: use a product like John Frieda’s Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray (£6.29 for 100ml; boots.com). And after a day on the beach, rinse your hair using a good quality shampoo and a moisturising conditioner. Redken have a great After Sun range. Almond oil is also fantastic for the hair and scalp – a brilliant natural treatment.
Craig Taylor, creative director at Hari’s Salons Hair colour can be lifted and tone faded by sun and salt, which is a telltale sign of damage. Split ends and hair suddenly going straighter at the mid-lengths and ends are signs of parched hair, too. A post-holiday trim is the best way to salvage hair. Cutting off split-ends and an in-salon treatment helps a lot. Hari’s salons offer a selection of treatments by Moroccanoil, Kérastase, Philip Kingsley and Hari’s own blend. Alternative ways of remedying hair damage could be sleeping with a hair treatment on under a shower cap. For daytime, give yourself a slick fix by applying conditioner to dry or damp hair, brushing it through to distribute conditioner evenly, then pulling it back into a bun. Avoid using products with alcohol, as that will cause further dryness and damage.
This week: Do I really need to protect my hair from sun and salt water? ‘Salt water leaches moisture from your hair, causing dryness and breakage’