Beauty Talk: summer hair

BY OLYMPIA COLANDREA

Want beautiful beach waves on all hair lengths? Or straight smooth hair? During the summer, our hair is much more dehydrated than usual.

Often, hair is dry because of harsh shampoos, chemicals, perms, blow-drying, hot irons, pollution, minerals in water or even over-shampooing.

In the summer, we add sun exposure and chlorine or salt water to the mix.  Having beautiful hair doesn’t mean we have to give up shampooing or going to the beach or pool.  We just have to make sure we are using the right products to keep our hair healthy and shiny in spite of it all.

Start by protecting your hair from sun exposure.” ITS A 10″ is a terrific protective leave-in conditioning treatment that also works great for over-processed hair. Just spray on wet hair and comb through.

If your hair is curly, use a cream or mousse specifically for curly hair.  I prefer a cream because, most of the time, hair that is already curly needs moisture and lots of it.  Moroccan oil has wonderful creams for curly, unruly hair.

If you hair has little or no curl, using a curl activator product and a diffuser can make all the difference.  A diffuser can be picked up in any beauty store; just make sure it has a spring or rubber band so it fits all blow dryers.

Start by diffusing your hair on low heat. If, at the end of this process, your hair is a bit thin at the top and you would like some height, lift your hair away from your scalp with your fingertips, but only about an inch.

NEVER run your fingers through curly hair. Remember, with the right product, the curl is formed while your hair is drying.  Running your hand through your curls will cause your curls to look frizzy, which is a no- no.

If you have an unruly, curly hairline, put a bit of extra product on it from the start. If you like the straight look for the summer but find it hard to get or maintain, a great suggestion, which I’m sure you’ve all heard about, is a Keratin or Brazilian blow out treatment.

It’s not a chemical treatment and it’s not damaging to the hair at all. It’s actually the most effective method for controlling frizz and at the same time repairs damaged hair because it coats the cuticle of the hair, leaving it soft and shiny. It will cut blow-drying time by at least 50 percent.

Alternatively, you can use a smoothing serum before blow drying.  My personal favorites are Alfaparf by Semi Di Lino or Hot Flex smoothing cream by KMS.

Always use the right shampoo for your hair type. Ask your hairdresser for his or her recommendation, so you don’t waste money picking up the wrong product.

Remember, if your hair is thick, coarse and frizzy, you need a shampoo and conditioner with moisturizer. If it says for damaged and dry hair, don’t assume that it’s right for you.  You will just end up with product build-up on your hair which you don’t need.

If your hair is dry from damage, you need a repair shampoo and conditioner. Don’t be afraid to use a dry shampoo between washings.  There are many great ones, like KMS Dry Shampoo or EVO.

Remember, your hair is like your body. Use the right products and take a little time to style it. Don’t ignore it, and see how many compliments you’ll get.

Look your best… Feel your best… Most of all, love yourself….

If you have any questions, please email Olympiacolandrea@danoionfifth.com.

Olympia  Colandrea is the owner of Da Noi on Fifth.