Tackle Top Summer Hair Issues
Summer is the time to enjoy sun, surf and relaxation. But the UV rays, salt water, chlorine, heat and humidity can quickly render one’s hair a hot mess. However, there’s no reason to avoid soaking up the rays and sipping poolside cocktails — just follow these easy tips, courtesy of Luigi Parasmo of Luigi Parasmo Salon Spa.
Sun protection
Not only do the UV rays emitted by the sun accelerate skin aging, they can also damage your hair. The shaft of each hair is covered by a layer of keratin fibers composed of about 75 percent protein and 25 percent lipid. UV rays degrade both the amino acids (proteins) and the lipids, leading to roughening and thinning of the hair cuticle.
DC on Heels: What is the best way to shield your hair from the sun? Are there any specific products that you would recommend?
Luigi Parasmo: I recommend using a very strong conditioner before exposing hair to the sun. Keratin Complex makes vanilla bean conditioner that is applied to damp hair so that it creates a barrier/shield to protect your hair from the sun, chlorinated water and sea salt. There are also many other sprays out there, but there are not as effective as this conditioner as you need to keep spraying your hair over and over.
Frizz
DCOH: The DMV’s summers are notoriously humid. Humidity can cause major frizz. What are your recommendations to fight frizz? Are there any good products that you suggest?
LP: Keratin Complex and/or Keratin Express Blowout are the most amazing treatments in the world when it comes to taming frizz in the horrid humidity. Kerastase Fluidissime Spray also works well, but nothing like a keratin treatment as it will not only smooth your hair out. It will reduce damage to your hair caused by the blow drier heat, which can be easily abused by those trying to smooth the frizz out that is so persistent due to the high and swampy D.C. humidity.
Volume
DCOH: The humidity can also lead to a collapse in volume. Are there products that can help maintain volume and body?
LP: Absolutely. I’d recommend Oribe Maximista spray on roots and along the hair length or Oribe Gel Serum on roots. We really need strong hold to fight the humidity and keep body in the hair. However, no product needs to be too strong or stiff. I’d finish up the blowout with something every woman should have whether regular or purse size: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, an amazing tool that will lift your roots, keep and promote body and can be used right away and the day after your hair is done. This is NOT a hair spray so it won’t be gooey or stiff. Hair is left supple and with movement providing hold at the same time.
Dryness
DCOH: Salt water and chlorine can both lead to dry, brittle hair. Which products do you recommend to counter dryness?
LP: I always recommend strong conditioner on damp hair before entering pools or the ocean. Letting chlorinated water sit in your hair for a long time will cause dryness, hair color alterations and may damage your hair. During summer months, it’s always a good idea to use once weekly only a clarifying shampoo to properly cleanse your hair and remove chlorine and salt build up. Adding a hair mask weekly, and letting it process for 30 minutes will help incredibly by deeply moisturizing your hair and closing all the hair cuticles, which are normally raised by dryness and harsh chemicals.
Fading hair color
DCOH: The intense summer sun can quickly fade color-treated hair. What are your recommendations for preserving hair color in the summer months?
LP: Again use conditioner in your hair as much as possible before sun exposure. Wearing hats is also a good idea. Always use a sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free shampoo, which will keep the color in your hair. Although normal components of most shampoos, sulfates have a “stripping effect” and therefore are not ideal for those who color their hair. Another great suggestion I always give my clients is to go half shade darker if they have one single process. That way, if and when the color fades it won’t be as light as it would be without darkening it a bit.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.