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The sunny summer can be a wonderful time for your mental well-being. But for your hair health? Not so much. Between trips to the beach and dips in the pool, your precious tresses can take a beating, leaving you with dull, brittle hair by the time autumn rolls around.
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Well, this year is going to be different! Us Weekly spoke to three celebrity hairstylists about how to protect your hair from the adventures of the warmer months, and they delivered! Scroll to see their top tips, complete with product suggestions.
Before Your Sun-Filled Activity: Alterna Bamboo BB Beach Balm
Alterna Bamboo BB Beach Balm, $22, shop.alternahaircare.com
We know you’re dying to get out there, but to avoid as much damage as possible, you have to prep before you leave the house. “Before you expose your hair to salt or chlorine, get your hair wet,” says Alterna Global House of Experts Stylist Nate Rosenkranz, who works with Julia Stiles and Debra Messing. “Your hair will soak in the clean water first, which leaves less ‘room’ for chlorine or salt.” After that, gently remove any excess water, then apply a protectant like Alterna’s Bamboo BB Beach Balm, which nourishes the hair. Let it soak in for a few minutes, and you’re good to go.
Bonus: The BB Beach Balm provides both shine and a light hold, so it acts as a styling agent, too!
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During: Living Proof Restore Instant Protection
Living Proof Restore Instant Protection, $26, livingproof.com
According to Michael Shaun Corby, Creative Director at Living Proof (co-owned by Jennifer Aniston), the best way to weather-proof your hair is to “layer your care from start to finish.”
Once you’re poolside, spritz your whole head with Living Proof Restore Instant Protection. “It’s like a sunblock for your hair with UVA and UVB protection,” says Corby, which is crucial, as excess UV rays can turn hair dry, dull and damaged. “It not only protects your hair from harmful rays, but it also functions like a lightweight dry conditioner.”
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Another pro-tip from Corby: Stay out of the sun for the first three days after dying. “That’s the most fragile time for hair,” he says. “I’ve had people wear hats in the sun and still have color fade in just a week or two. No single product alone will protect you, so you need to weather-proof!”
After: Suave Professionals Coconut Mask
Suave Professionals Coconut Milk Infusion Intense Moisture Mask, $7, walgreens.com
Once you’re home and happy (and safely tanned!), it’s all about moisturizing. Because if you haven’t put the hairdryer or straightening iron down this summer, beware. “Consistent use of hot tools during the summer can make your hair look wiry,” says Suave Professionals Celeb Stylist Jenny Cho, who styles Jennifer Lawrence and Saoirse Ronan. The trick? Swapping out your usual conditioner for a nourishing mask, like her pick, Suave Professionals Coconut Milk Infusion Intense Moisture Mask, twice a week.
For a simple way to incorporate a mask into your routine, Cho suggests applying to hair midway down before heading to the gym. Tie your hair into a bun, get your workout on and then rinse it out afterwards for instantly healthier, hydrated hair.
