5 TIPS TO HAPPY, HEALTHY HAIR THIS SUMMER

As much as we all love the sunshine, it can cause serious damage to you luscious locks. You need to remember that whenever you see someone with the whole “natural effortless hair look” it is often due to hours of work and haircare (don’t worry, it’s not hard – at all!). Here are 5 simple steps that you can take to combat damage to your hair this summer.

1. Try to avoid heat

It’s summer people! Your hair is already copping the relentless Aussie summer heat daily. The last thing you want is to come at your hair with a hair dryer, curling iron or straightener. We know this is difficult for the perfectionists out there (especially for big events) but try only using heat on the weekends. Your hair will thank you – believe me! Reducing exposure to extra heat will immediately reduce the possibility of dry hair, which is often a huge problem in summer.

2. Be careful (treat it with extra care)

Some of us are pretty rough when it comes to our hair. You are probably doing things that you don’t even think twice about. Don’t rub or tug at it after a shower. Rubbing a towel through your wet hair can often lead to tangling and knots, which then leads to breakage when you try to tame the monster you’ve just created.

If you are an avid beach lover, try not to be in the sun all day long. This is very drying for your hair and can damage the hair cuticle as well. Besides wearing a large brimmed beach hat (very Samantha from Sex and the City), you can spray a heat protecting spray that also has UV filters in it. Think of it like sunscreen for you hair! Apply and re-apply just as you would for your face, and you will seriously see the difference when it comes to washing after a beach day.

If you prefer the pool, make sure you wash your hair as soon as possible after a swim (especially in chlorinated water) so you can eradicate the chemicals and that nasty straw feeling after a swim.

3. Use the right shampoo

This is actually so simple and often overlooked. If you are using and shampoo and conditioner simply because you like the smell, perhaps it’s time to switch it up!

Firstly, take a good look at your hair and think about it’s needs. If you have dandruff and dryness, obviously you need an anti-dandruff shampoo (we know you already know this, just a reminder).

If you are colouring your hair frequently, then look for a shampoo and conditioner for coloured hair, to reduce the damage and relieve and treat your hair after the harsh chemicals.

If you want a little more oomph, you can use a hair thickening shampoo and conditioner to encourage your hair to grow and flourish.

4. Oils are good (some of them)

We all hate that oil-slick wet otter look. BUT your hair does produce it’s own natural oils to help keep your hair healthy and soft (it does need a little bit of oil here and there). If you are a daily washer we’re talking to you! Try to wash your hair once every 2-3 days instead of everyday to avoid removing your scalp’s natural oils.

If you have dry thin stringy ends you can (besides giving it a bit of a trim) use an argan oil to promote light moisture where needed. Simply use 3-4 drops and rub between your hands, then run your fingers through your hair focusing on the ends to add some moisture and shine.

5. Splurge on a mask or treatment (you deserve it!)

Just think of it like a facial for your hair. You can stock up on some conditioning masques and treatments that you can do once a week (preferably after the weekend when your hair suffers extra heat and damage from styling).  Your hair will be shiny, bouncy and youthful (without the need for a trip to the salon).

Remember as Elle Woods (our fave legally blonde) would say: “The rules of haircare are simple and finite!”

So true and so easy!