Prevention is key to great summer hair

By making a few simple changes, you won't have to spend the fall months in recovery. By VICTORIA DePROFIO-KONDRY

The summer sun, salt, sand, chlorine and extreme heat dries, damages and, in some cases, will cause breakage to hair by depleting it of moisture and strength. Prevention is best. Here are some easy
ways to keep your hair protected this summer.

• If you are looking for a change, the warm weather is the perfect time to sport a short new ‘do. A textured wash-and-wear style is a cute, easy and healthy alternative.

• Be sure to wear a scarf, hat or protection when you are in prolonged exposure to the elements.

• Color-treated hair is prone to extreme funk-ified fading when out in the sun. Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray has a light sunflower fragrance and contains moisturizing benefits and SPF. It’s effective in maintaining a proper moisture balance, sealing the cuticle to reduce frizz and fading, prolonging the life of your color.

• Stay hydrated inside and out. Drink plenty of water and apply Paul Mitchell Moisture Mist to hair and skin to keep both glowing. Keeping hair moist gives it bounce, shift and movement.

• Prior to swimming in a chlorinated pool or relaxing in a hot tub, always saturate your hair with non chlorinated water to reduce chlorine absorption. Follow up with a deep-cleansing shampoo to prevent build up. Rinse, then moisturize. If you have time, leave the moisturizer in a bit longer. Never sleep with chlorinated hair.

• Look for hair care products that advertise “replenishment” or “moisture.” Try Tea Tree’s new Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.

• Be consistent about trims. Ends that are dry and frizzy are most likely damaged, split or both. Nip them before they get worse.

• Reduce hot appliance usage, especially those with natural wave or curl. Embrace your curls for the summer. Your hair type is the most susceptible to damage, and you are not going to win. Humidity causes reversion.

• If you have length to your hair, tie it in a knot, bun or braid to reduce frizz and damage.

• Preventive maintenance: Gather your “Broad Squad” for a night of fun. Mix Wella Cholesterol with Tea Tree Lavender Mint Conditioner. Apply it to one another’s freshly shampooed hair and baggie it. Let it soak in while you give one another manis and pedis. You’ll be refreshed from head to toe.

Educator and stylist Victoria J. DeProfio-Kondry is the owner of Transformations Hair and Now, 1191 Hooksett Road, Hooksett. She can be reached at 647-0270.