The end of summer is on the horizon and many of us already are feeling nostalgic for endless hikes and bike rides, beachfront vacations, lounging in the pool and overall open-air living.
Yet our hair is probably feeling overexposed and ready for a reprieve from the shadier aspects of sunshine and summer.
There are UV rays, present year-round but especially punishing at mid-year, particularly at Greater Prescott’s elevation. And the chlorine used to treat most swimming pools unless they’re saltwater, causes its own issues. Don’t forget the monsoon humidity that abruptly injects frizz and the heat from the styling tools you use to try to keep it under control. Add increased air pollution to the mix, including smoke from barbecues, campfires, fireworks and other sources.
As the days start to shorten, take these steps to protect your tresses and begin to recuperate from the brittle texture, split ends, breakage and faded color, both natural and dyed, that you may be dealing with right now.
Swimming sense
If you’re swimming consider donning a chic, athletic-looking swim cap, whichever body of water you’ve chosen. It’s the best way to protect your hair.
If you’re not into wearing those, rinsing your hair with fresh water before jumping in can reduce the amount of chemicals and/or salt your hair will absorb. After swimming, rinse your hair again to remove as much of the harmful substances as you can, then apply a hydrating hair mask to restore moisture after the drying effects of the water’s contents.
Full shade and SPF
UV rays damage your hair by breaking down the proteins in each strand and damaging its cuticle, the outermost layer of skin cells that regulates hydration and protects it from all types of damage.
Hats and scarves are excellent for protecting hair from the violence that ultraviolet rays commit on it, especially if they have any level of SPF. Scalp mists, lotions, powders, oils and creams with active SPF are being targeted for hair protection — those with thinning hair also must consider their scalp.
Chelating versus clarifying
There’s considerable confusion about these two types of shampoos and the role they play in reducing summer-induced damage. They serve different purposes and whether you should use them depends on what you need to accomplish.
Chelating shampoos address mineral damage from hard water and chlorine treatments, with ingredients that bind to these materials and lift them off. Clarifying shampoo eliminates surface-level products like sunscreen and residue from leave-in products.
Chelating shampoos are best used once a month, except for frequent swimmers who may need it more often. Clarifying shampoos are designed to be used once a week. Both tend to dry out your hair and should be followed by a moisturizing conditioner.