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Inspired by Salon Disasters: Natural Remedies for Summer Hair Slumps

The cable show "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" has been a runaway hit and is now in its fifth season. In the show, hairstylist and salon owner Tabatha Coffey visits struggling hair salons, candidly offering her two cents on how to improve business practices and bring them back from the brink of failure.

Coffey is known for her unapologetic, brutally honest style and unapologetic delivery of advice to both the salon stylists and owners. Direct TV offers her astute business acumen on the popular channel Bravo.

Master the Disaster
Much like Tabatha can bring any salon back from the brink of disaster, you can do the same with your hair this summer. You don't have to settle for the sun, wind, heat, humidity and chlorine damage that often plagues summer hairstyles. Sun exposure alone can degrade your hair's protective protein, oxidizing the color and giving it a brassy look. (Tabatha would not approve) Sun, wind and UV rays can dull hair and leave it brittle. Humidity can double or triple your split ends, and nothing zaps the moisture from hair like chlorine or saltwater.

There are steps you can take to keep your hair looking healthy this summer. Bask in the summer glow knowing your locks are in good hands (yours).

beach nap

Protect from Frizz
The humidity in the air can make hair much more prone to frizzing. Any damage already done to your hair has probably already roughened the cuticles, whether from color, the sun, straighteners or other heat stylers. This enables the moisture in humid air to get into the hair shaft and cause it to swell, giving hair that "frizzy" look.

You can combat this effect with argan oil. This rare oil grows organically in Morocco and is produced from the kernels of the argan tree fruit. It's rich with vitamin E and hydrates skin and hair. Free of parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, look for versions in Sephora and Ulta. Smooth on damp or dry hair to moisturize and close cuticles preventing flyaways, frizz and split ends. (Also read How to use Argan Oil effectively on curly hair.)

Sunscreen
Even hair au naturale can be damaged by the sun's rays and once the cuticles are broken open, it takes time and care to repair them. To create a sunblock for hair, look for products that have an added SPF. Leave-in protectors and conditioners are best as long as you apply them frequently to seal that cuticle as closed as possible.

Reduce Grease
If you already have an oily scalp, it can get even worse in summer. Heat causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, and perspiration can make hair look even greasier. To tackle this issue, you might have to shampoo more often. Go for gentler blends and use a good conditioner on your ends to avoid drying them out. Aveda Shampure is a good option for daily shampoos. If there's a day you don't have time to shampoo, try blotting an astringent on your center scalp and along the hairline. Dry shampoos will also soak up some of the oil when there's no time for a shampoo.

Fight Swimmer's Hair
Over time, chlorine can build up and can leave a discoloring green film. To avoid this summer hair disaster, prep your hair before you swim. Use a leave-in conditioner to seal and protect the porous surface of the hair. Also, wash or at least rinse your hair shortly after chlorine or ocean water exposure. If you start to notice buildup, use a clarifying shampoo to remove the residue.

Michelle is an actress, director and freelance writer living the dream in New York City.

Comments

  1. Soujanya2:57 PM

    Another oily hair remedy is APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. After washing with shampoo or other products, rinse your hair with water and a cup of apple cider vinegar. It will leave your hair extremely clean and fresh-smelling.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Expert3:02 PM

    Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the scalp is beneficial for strengthening the roots of hair.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beauty Expert3:03 PM

    Apply coconut milk all over your hair and scalp and massage the hair roots with it. This helps in nourishing and promoting hair growth. You will need to prepare coconut milk. It involves grinding coconut shavings and squeezing out milk.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Medha3:04 PM

    Have lot of water during summer for the obvious reason that summer heat makes you lose your moisture. This will keep your skin moisturized and therefore, the hair roots would be stronger.

    ReplyDelete

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