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| Keeping Hair Healthy in the Summer Sun |
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| We all know to protect our skin from the summer sun, but how many of us remember to protect our hair? Summer is notorious for leaving once-healthy locks tangled, damaged and dry. But don't fret: Getting gorgeous summer hair is as easy as one, two, three — protect, condition and maintain.
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Protect
Lather it in.
Look for gentle, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Using these protective products is an easy way to defend your hair against sun damage without changing your daily routine.
Spray it on.
Next time you purchase summer skin-care lotion, look for an SPF-fortified hair spray as well. Find a product with an SPF of at least 10 and spray it directly on wet or dry hair anytime you'd normally wear sunscreen, such as after swimming in the pool or ocean, or playing on the beach or sports field. Remember that your scalp can sunburn just like your skin, so don't forget the top of your head when you're lathering on the SPF. Reapply once every two hours.
Cover it up.
If you plan on spending an entire day in the sun, consider covering your hair completely with a hat or scarf. Try dark sunglasses paired with a bright, patterned scarf, or opt for a classic wide-brimmed sun hat. Or, pick up a copy of your favorite fashion magazine for other hot trends in hair fashion.
Condition
Lock it in.
To lock in moisture after sun exposure, use a conditioner specially formulated for "damaged hair," followed by a leave-in conditioner. This is especially important if you regularly color-treat, blow-dry or flatiron your hair. Many conditioner brands now make special "after-sun" formulas that fortify and repair damaged tresses. For best results, look for brands that contain some type of hydrolyzed proteins. Use these products daily or weekly, depending on the dryness and texture of your hair. Ask your hairstylist which brand and formula are right for your hair type.
Go to a pro.
Your salon might offer special deep-conditioning treatments you can get once or twice a season. Next time you're getting your hair cut or colored, ask your hairstylist which treatments cater to your hair type. One of these intensive conditioning treatments at the end of the summer might mean the difference between post-summer frizz and radiant autumn shine.
Maintain
Keep it trimmed.
Keep the ends of your hair healthy by trimming your hair every four to six weeks. If you leave split ends alone, they can split further and further into the body of your hair. Stop them in their tracks by cutting them off.
Keep it healthy.
Use a wide-tooth comb when untangling wet hair. Your hair is most vulnerable when it's wet, so never use a harsh hairbrush on your wet locks.
Keep it strong.
Keep your hair strong and shiny with a multivitamin. Many vitamin suppliers make special vitamins that target both hair and skin. Ask your doctor which vitamin supplements can best improve the look and feel of your hair.
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