Compiled by PHYL CLARKE
Summer hair SOS
The laid-back look of summer demands a “less is more” mindset with a softer, more natural approach to hair. Not only do we visit the salon less often, but heat and humidity combine to wreak havoc on our hair at the very time when we want it to look effortlessly sleek and healthy. You can help the situation by making some minor adjustments to your haircare, along with a prescription of some specially targeted products.
Most of us are guilty of washing our hair too often, stripping away the natural oils which we then try to replenish with expensive conditioners. Consider washing your hair less frequently or at least switching to a baby shampoo, such as Johnson’s. You can also skip shampoo altogether and just wet hair thoroughly and follow with a conditioner. Finish with a cool or cold water rinse for added shine.
Give you hair a holiday from harsh colours and chemical- straightening treatments. The Inoa colouring system is very kind to hair and gives excellent results. It’s now widely available at L’Oreal salons nationwide, such as Peter Mark. I’ve being using it for more than a year and would never go back to traditional colour.
If you have blonde hair, the new colour-enhancing Sheer Blonde range from John Frieda will subtly lighten and condition hair, and costs from just €5.99.
Give the hot irons and heated rollers a break and dry your hair naturally if possible.
Wear a hat.
Leave-in conditioners are a great boon in summer – Schwarzkopf Bonacure Sun Guardian UV Protection spray (€15) is a two-in-one product which not only conditions hair but contains UV filters to protect it too. The Charles Worthington Results range includes a Sunshine line (from €2.99) with UV protection, available at Boots.
Oil overhaul
Your hair is thirstier in summer and will absorb rich products eagerly. Hair oils are as old as the hills and lovely to use in hot weather. Moroccanoil (€35) is a case in point – an intensive conditioner and styling aid that suits all hair types. Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolute (€50) is another winning formula that tames unruly locks into silky submission and Kerastase Huile Celeste (€24.30) is a great summer all-rounder, filtering the suns rays while moisturising with a hint of shimmer. The beautiful smell is the icing on the cake.
Rescue remedies
If you’ve overdone it in the sun and your hair needs some serious TLC, L’Oreal Professional Série Expert After-Sun Nourishing Balm (€16.80) will help. This is a deep conditioning cream masque enriched with vitamin E that delivers nourishment to parched hair.
Frizz can be a major threat to good hair days in summer and you’ll need a dedicated range to combat the afro effect. The Phyto range is available at health shops and includes one of the best anti-frizz products I’ve come across, in the Phyotdefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm (€18). It does exactly what it says on the pack – relaxing hair into languid softness.
Wen is a totally different system of haircare, centering around one product, a “cleansing conditioner” (£20.95). It doesn’t lather up, but rather foams creamily and, as it’s packed with natural ingredients, doesn’t strip the hair of its natural oils. You need to leave it on for three to five minutes for maximum benefit, but the results are impressive. wenhaircare.co.uk.