Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Hair Killers

While the sun is shinning directly over your head. Your skin is being exposed to very dry and hot conditions - so you need something extra to keep your hair healthy. Perhaps your a swimmer it makes matter worse, adding Chlorine to the mix. So how to care for your hair during the summer weather? Just because your hair needs some extra TLC doesn't mean it should cost extra. Instead, I've come across a few home remedies & products that can help you out in these drier times.
With dry winds and strong UV rays, our hair can become dry, brittle and vulnerable to breakage. Choosing a proper shampoo and conditioner is key for protecting your hair. Find a product that contains UV Ray protection. A good conditioner is essential to retain the moisture of hair and prevent it from excessive drying. My favorite right now, is Bumble & Bumble Seaweed Conditioner ($18). It's a bit on the pricey side, but you don't use much and it last awhile. You can also add ylang ylang essential oil to your shampoo, conditioner and styling agents as a hair rejuvenator.

I know it's difficult but try and avoid excessive use of chemicals & styling products. Don't over use hair dryers or flat irons. The sun takes enough nutrients out of our hair as is it, using those products only leads to more damaging of your hair. If you can't bear the thought of leaving your house without the help our your flat iron try using a product like TIGI Bed Head Shine Serum (SALE $15.50) first. Rinsing you hair with lemon juice will also help bring back the shine. (good for colored treated hair too)
For colored or highlighted hair, I suggest a spray like Garnier Fructis Style Shine Spray ($6.50) to prevent your color from fading. This spray also protects from UV Rays - a hat is always a good idea as well!

Chlorine isn't exactly green, it's actually no where close. So if your swimming or just taking a dip in the hot tub beware. Chlorine causes brittle, course hair - remember being a kid and crying when your mom went to brush your hair? Yes, we don't want to bring those days back. As soon as you get out of the pool or hot tub rinse your hair in the shower, then immediately spray your hair with Johnson & Johnson No more Tangles Spray ($3.70), the sweet baby-like smell will bring you right back to childhood (just minus the mom with the hair brush). After the swimming be sure to use a deep conditioner to remove all the excess chemicals and replenish what you've lost. Try UtlraSwim (local drugstore) $4.99. They offer a shampoo which is great also.

If you're looking for a cheaper way rinse your hair with baking soda or club soda when you finish your swim - it will help you hair from becoming mangled and damaged.

Oh and remember, wear SPF we don't want skin damage!

2 comments:

SwimFan said...

this is great! i know my hair is so damanged after years of swimming! ...where can I buy ylang ylang extract to put into my shampoos and conditioners?

Anonymous said...

honestly the best article! I needed all these tips

THANK YOU!