Sun-kissed hair looks golden and gorgeous but can also end up fried. Tamsin Marshall investigates how to keep it shiny and bouncy during the scorching months.
The hair at Wang’s spring 2017 show was everything we love about summer tresses – that relaxed, loosely styled look that embodies surfer-girl chic. Drawing inspiration from Californian surfers and skaters, Redken Global Creative Director Guido Palau created the matte, gritty look using two Redken products: Fashion Waves 07 and Rough Paste 12.
It’s easy to achieve this look naturally after a day at the beach – the combination of sun and salt makes hair more textured. But over time, this has a negative effect – the frequent drying out makes hair brittle, particularly coloured hair. The combination of harsh summer sun and the salt from the sea or chlorine from a pool can be your hair’s worst enemy. The result is crunchy hair that is frizzy, fried and refuses to be styled nicely.
“Summer sun, particularly in New Zealand, is harsh,” says Danny Pato, Creative Director D&M Hair Design. “Chemical blondes should definitely take care; otherwise hair can easily turn brassy and become very brittle. But it’s not just blondes who should exercise caution. The sun’s rays fade all hair colour, particularly those that are rich, deep or vibrant, like red, copper or brunette.
“To avoid sun-damaged hair over summer, braid it up under a hat, use leave-in products with UV protection and avoid sun exposure during the middle of the day,” he adds. “You should also be using a leave-in conditioner before swimming to protect it from salt and chlorine, which can also strip colour.”
Johnny Brophy, stylist at Hamilton Brooks Hair, suggests using the warmer months as a time to use heat tools less often, as these also dry out hair.
“Summer is the best time to give your hair a break from the blow dryer – just put in an oil product and let hair dry naturally,” he says. “Be careful not to wash hair too often as this will fade colour,” he advises for those who have dyed hair. “In between washes, use a dry shampoo at the roots to freshen hair.” Even those who are brunette? “Yes, the sun will fade all coloured hair.
Use a protection spray, like Wella SP UV Spray, which will protect hair from the sun’s harsh rays and prevent fading. Regular in-salon treatments will moisturise and strengthen hair, which helps to hold colour longer.”
There are many strategies to employ to keep hair luscious in summer and it’s important to take note. You could do just one, or all of them. Either way, your hair
will love you for it.
