Beauty Boss
Nicole Petty, expert at Milk + Blush, shares her top haircare essentials for summer sunshine So you want beautiful tresses in the summer sun...hair’s how!
With summer now in full swing, most of us will have already filled our suitcases with SPF skincare, beach-ready bikinis and strappy sandals – but have you stopped to consider haircare, too?
Whether long or short, au naturel or dyed, sunny weather can wreak havoc on your locks, leaving your ’do dry and damaged by the end of your two-week vacay.
Here, hair expert Nicole Petty shares the summer haircare essentials you can’t leave home without.
Hat’s off to haircare
“Hats provide extra cover for the scalp against strong UV rays, especially in areas where your hair is thinner, and they protect the hair from sun exposure,” explained Petty.
“When exposed to too much sunlight, UVA and UVB rays can strip moisture from the hair, damaging the hair’s protein and cuticle, resulting in drybrittle ends, frizziness, split ends, discolouration or even thinning.
“Plus, if you get your hair coloured, wearing a hat locks in your hairdresser’s hard work for longer, as the sun will lighten the colour of the hair by stripping its melanin.”
UV protection
Petty continued:“there are several sun protection products that you can use on your hair and scalp. Look for water-resistant UV sprays, heat oils and primers, or mineral parting powders that will lock in moisture and colour while protecting your hair from the heat and elements.
“For natural remedies, look out for products with ingredients such as coconut oil, which has an SPF of just over 7, and karanja seed oil with its SPF of 20. Shea oil is also good for scalp and hair health, while plum oil is an antioxidant superhero.”
No fuss tools
Looking for lightweight accessories that won’t weigh down your case or your hair? Petty has you covered.
“Packing a selection of hair grips and bands will allow you to put your hair up in a range of styles,” she advised. “Plus, a headscarf is the
ultimate fuss-free accessory you can wear any time of day to cover your hair while looking sophisticated and fashion-forward.
“Velcro rollers and vent brushes will give your hair extra volume without the use of heat tools, too.”
Clever conditioner
Petty said: “Chlorine and sea salt can be damaging, but leave-in conditioners can act as a shield if you apply them to your hair before swimming. Lightweight products are best for fine hair, while conditioners with a lotion-like texture are best for curly locks.”
Visit milkandblush.com
As told to Alice Hinds