Whether you’re going to the beach, or heading out for your daily hot girl walk, make sure you’re taking care of both your scalp and your hair. Read below for our top tips on how to protect your head from chlorine, salt water, and excessive sun exposure, and keep that balayage fresh all summer long!
Sun protection - If you aren't always down to sport a hat make sure to apply sunscreen to your part and hairline to avoid getting a sunburn. UV rays can also cause hair to lose moisture and strength, and if your hair is coloured you need to be extra careful as the sun can actually cause your colour to fade. Applying an oil or leave-in treatment that contains UVA/UVB filters will help protect your hair from the harmful effects of the sun. Learn more about heat protection here!
Hot tip: When applying sunscreen to your part line, or your neck and back, keep in mind that the sunscreen has the potential to alter the tone of your hair extensions.
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Pre-soak - One of the best things you can do for your hair, especially if it's colour treated or you have extensions, is free and couldn't be easier! Before you go swimming simply hop in the shower and soak your hair until it's completely saturated. Because your hair can only hold so much water, soaking it with clean water before swimming in a pool or the ocean will prevent it from absorbing too much damaging chlorine or salt.
Heatless styles - Summer is a great time to give your hair a break from heat styling. Embrace your natural texture and air dry that hair! Twist, scrunch, or braid some product in for a little extra oomph. We love spraying in Kevin Murphy's Untangled for a soft, natural air dry. Kevin Murphy's Hair Resort Spray is amazing to spray in before you braid, or spray in to 80% air dried hair for a salty, beachy vibe. Continue to spray in more throughout the day to give more definition and volume. The more the better!
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Clarifying wash - If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a swim in a lake or ocean, or even just a dip in your friend's pool, you’re going to want to follow up all that fun with a proper wash. A good clarifying shampoo will remove any salt, chlorine or product buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Make sure you’re using a product that is sulfate free, all that sun and chlorine is damaging enough.
Pro tip - A clarifying wash is beneficial for those of us that are stuck in the office all day wishing we were at the beach too! Detoxing your scalp and hair once a week prepares your hair to receive the maximum benefits of the rest of your products. Use it as a pre-wash and follow up with a shampoo and conditioner that are suited to your hair.
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Deep conditioning mask - Not just for dry winter weather - masks are important in the summer heat too! Adding a weekly deep conditioning mask to your routine will help revive your hair so it can thrive through anything. Throw on your favourite summer playlist and relax for a few minutes while a mask brings that hair back to life.
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Rinse with cold water - Another practice that your hair will thank you for year round - especially if you have colour treated hair. Exposure to so many different environmental stressors can wreak havoc on your locks, so you want to make sure you are doing everything you can to maintain the health of your hair. Rinsing your hair with cold water will close the cuticle and help seal in moisture and lock in colour. So channel your inner Wim Hof and crank that cold water to keep your balayage looking fresh all summer long.