Summer in the sun, recipe for hair damage.

 

 Summer sun is no friend to your hair

Summer time, fresh lemonade, relaxing and sunbathing sounds idyllic BUT not for your hair which will be subjected harmful UV rays and heat from the sun which will break down the protective protein in your hair resulting any natural colours oxidising and giving a brassy hue to your hair.

This results in your hair being stripped of its radiant natural shine and leaving your hair damaged and brittle.

And if you are swimming, in the sea or a pool, you risk damaging your hair even more. As well as the UV rays, salt water can frizzle the follicles and zapps all moisture out of your hair. So here are a few summer hair tips to keep your locks glowing and healthy.

PROTECTION Soltan Head & Scalp Spray SPF30 from Boots

If your hair has a colour added to it be especially careful because the sun’s effects can be unpredictable and send it into a different colour altogether, so when in the sun either wear a hat or use plenty of conditioner or sun spray, items readily available in most chemists and especially Boots, which contain SPF protection for the colour and condition of your hair. To tame any unruly frizz, the main culprit being moisture in the water and humidity in the air, you need to invest in a good serum or finishing spritz.

The very opposite to dry frizzy hair is greasy locks as the heat promotes your sebaceous glands to churn out more of your body’s natural oil. The solution here is a dry shampoo to absorb the hair oil or you could dip a cotton ball into witch hazel (a natural astringent) which will dissolve the oil. Bathe your scalp along your parting and around your hairline and this will help slow down the release of sebum. 

Otherwise sea water is good for you whereas the chlorine in pools is a different problem altogether, even sending your hair green !! The chorine creates a green film over the hair, which is going to be more obvious on lighter shades of hair, so if you are thinking about taking a dip, make sure you do a pre swim prep. Before you take a plunge, wet your hair thoroughly with tap water, this will stop your hair absorbing as much chlorinated water and it’s also a good idea to use and leave in conditioner. If you do end up a shade of green, for a fix, try using a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos have residue removing properties but if that doesn’t work for you can you try the natural remedy of vinegar and water. When swimming avoid using elastic bands with metal seams when putting your hair up instead opt for a soft scrunchy and when putting your hair up make sure it is done loosely as if it is too tight this can cause breakage.

Have a great Holiday

Noggis Hair and Beauty, Bank St Bolton. Tel 01204 365411