As summer approaches, it’s crucial to protect your hair from the season’s potential hazards. The sun, humidity and swimming can all have negative impacts on summer hair causing damage, dryness, and fading colour.
Chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools can strip natural oils from your hair too, causing it to become dry, frizzy and more prone to breakage. Both factors can also contribute to the formation of split ends and overall dullness.
To help you minimise damage, The Ethicalist spoke with leading UAE hair stylist Maria Dowling to get her top tips for maintaining perfect summer hair.
Since establishing her eponymous salon back in 2002, Maria and her team of internationally trained colourists and stylists have gained regional and international recognition for their hair colour techniques and natural, subtle approach to beauty. Often referred to as the ‘Queen of Colour,’ her salon has been awarded accolades such as the 2018 ‘Hair Salon of the Year’ at the Professional Beauty GCC Awards, the most respected beauty industry award in the Middle East.
Top Summer Hair Tips
Cover up
The sun is NOT your hair’s BFF: Try to avoid your hair being in direct sunlight. If you don’t want to wear a hat, then a topknot is a good alternative. Always use products that have UV protection such as those by Label M.
Hydration, hydration, hydration
Remember, the ends of the hair are 4 to 5 years old so treat them as you would silk – lots of moisture and nourishment. Stay hydrated and opt for in-salon moisturising treatments before and after sun exposure. Another option is to use Kerastase Elixir Ultime overnight on the hair and this will repair and replenish it.
Fight the frizz
There can be excess humidity in the summer months so using leave-in treatment products such as Olaplex no 6 will minimise the look of frizz and nourish the hair. The Colour WOW dream coat or Kerastase Discipline Fluidissme are also brilliant choices as they have advanced anti- frizz formulas that leave hair super glossy, glassy, and ultra smooth.
Shower BEFORE your swim
The hair cuticle can only hold a set amount of water so by showering your hair before you go into the pool/sea, your hair cuticle will not absorb too much of the sea/pool water. If you wet the hair down with masque beforehand, you can also double down on the protection for your hair. Once you return from the beach or pool, be sure to do a hair treatment to restore hydration and moisture levels and minimise damage. Remember, the negative impact of the sun and pool/sea water will be felt about 3 weeks after the exposure so do as much as you possibly can to minimise the hair’s exposure to these.
Be Colour-Safe
Those with coloured hair need to be extra careful about exposure to external aggressors such as chlorine from pools and the sun. Firstly, they should always use a colour-specific shampoo as this will lock in the colour and prevent fade. The Label M protein spray is a great choice during summer. This lightweight detangling primer has Vanilla Fruit Extract, which is a great source of B-vitamins and antioxidant properties to maintain the condition and helps protect the hair from environmental aggressors. It also regulates moisture levels resulting in smoother and more manageable hair.
To book a consultation visit the Maria Dowling Salon here
