Summer Hair Care

By JoAnn Kohut –

Nothing feels better than those first few weeks of summer when we step outside, feeling the warm air embrace us.  While our thoughts begin to think about the wonderful things that go along with summer, it’s not long before we also start to think of what all that fun in sun means to our beauty regime.

Outside of what the sun does to your skin, (SPF is of utmost importance all year, with added attention required in summer), the summer season can have a direct effect on our hair.  Hair is our crowning glory and we need to add a few things into our regimen that helps fight the most common summer challenges; the humidity frizz or style failure, our beautiful hair color fading and the irony of the pool and ocean water drying it out.

When you are hanging out pool side or on the beach you need to be conscious of the sun’s lightening effect on your hair color. Umbrella or not wear a hat or apply a hair product that contains a sunscreen. Redken’s Solar Sunscreen Spray in the Color Extend line is a light, easy to use formula that has an SPF of 12.  Not only will it protect your hair, it will also protect your scalp which is an added benefit if you or your beach buddies have thinning hair.  Choose a formula that is for color treated hair and remember to reapply when you cool off in the water.

Although you would think that playing in the water can do no harm to your hair, in actuality, all the minerals and chemicals found in the water can dry your hair out.  The more your hair is exposed and the longer they sit in the hair, the more drying they can be. Redken’s After Sun Moisturizing Mask is not only the perfect deep conditioner to use in the shower it is also another product to throw in your beach bag.  It makes a great little hairdressing cream/styling aid to use when you are making a quick appearance at the café or beachside bar.  Your hair texture warrants how much to use since a little goes a long way.  In or out of the shower your hair will look and feel great with its Mango Oil and Ceramides that replenishes its moisture and strength.

Speaking of the shower, properly cleansing your hair at the end of the day is key to protecting your hair from summer’s over all wear and tear, regardless of whether you color your hair or not.  When choosing a shampoo, choose a clarifying one that removes the minerals and stops the chlorine damage without drying out your hair.  The Color Extend After Sun Shampoo is the perfect choice and when used with the After Sun Mask and the Solar Shield you will have beautiful, healthy and shiny hair throughout the summer season.

When it comes to the final assault on our hair from summer humidity, you can get the most protection from “layering” a few styling products that are formulated to protect your hair and its style. Depending on where you live or where you vacation, humidity doesn’t just affect those lucky enough to have curly hair; it can also cause your beautiful blow out to droop. So protect your investment of time with the right products.

Your first layer will be your styling product, the one that you put on before you blow dry.  Look for ones that help control frizz such as Redken’s Align, a straightening balm or a volumizer such as Layer Lift. Both protect your from the humidity, while helping your overall style with control or fullness.

For maximum humidity protection, your next layer of product should be a soft working hairspray such as Fashion Works by Redken.   Not only will it put your style in its place while offering 24 hour protection from humidity, it will also has vitamins C and E to protect your hair and help prevent your color from fading.  For a stronger hairspray that holds your style in place while offering that same protection, Redken’s  Forceful 23 can be used in conjunction with the Fashion Works, or by itself to finish off your style!

Enjoy the summer and all its fun without the worry, by choosing some of these options that are best suited for your needs.  Ask your stylist what they recommend the next time you’re at the salon, they know you and your hair best and should be your go to expert for all your hair care needs!

As a beauty professional, JoAnn Kohut has shared her passion for the industry with clients and other pros for over 25 years. Her commitment to continual education allows her to continue providing the latest tips, tricks and techniques while behind the chair, in the treatment room and on the web. With so many sources of information available for women actively seeking help to improve themselves and their lives, JoAnn loves to seek out and decipher not just what works, but why it works. Along with her husband of 28 years, they have raised three beautiful children and are proud to say they are close to experiencing an empty nest.  Website: http://www.yourbeautypro.com/.