Swimming, UV exposure and a casual lifestyle that sees us adopt a ponytail more often than not can cause damage to our strands.
Recovery for fried strands is possible – and there are plenty of advanced hair treatments that can help – but it takes effort.
We asked top stylist Kelly Manu, director of Una salon and a L’Oréal Professionnel artist, her tips on summer hair challenges and how to revive your style.
What are the main challenges to hair health over the summer months?
Exposure to harmful UV rays, which don’t just age our skin, they age our hair as well!
The sun can break down the hair’s protein structure which leads to dryness, damage, and colour fading. Additionally chlorine from swimming pools and salt water from the ocean can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture.
What are common summer complaints you hear from your clients?
Every summer we get a lot of hair emergency phone calls from people who have naturally blonde or lightened hair and they’ve gone swimming in a pool and come out with green hair!
We are always extra stocked up on L’Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox Treatments and Clarifying Shampoo to restore their blonde tresses back to their former glory.
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Are there any summer habits we overlook that can have a big impact?
It’s so easy to just pop your hair up in a ponytail and forget about it in the warmer months but just remember not to tie your hair up wet or sleep with it in a super tight pony. This can cause a lot of hair breakage which sometimes you don’t realise until your next hair appointment, when your stylist points out the line of broken hair at the back of your head!
What’s the best approach for hair that’s in bad condition – is a big chop the only option?
If you’re feeling that your hair is ultra damaged my best advice is to start rocking a wet look every now and then. Apply a generous amount of a mask such as L’Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair to wet hair and let it soak in all day, your dehydrated locks will thank you!
Regular haircuts also make a big difference to hair health and even if you don’t want a chop you still need to get those split ends tended to.
What in-salon treatments would you recommend post-holiday?
Anything ultra hydrating will work wonders; the L’Oreal Metal Detox In-Salon Treatment is the perfect summer fix as it will replenish loss of moisture and add an ultra glossy shine while also gently removing any metal and mineral build up.
Look for a salon which has an extra scalp massage option such as ours; UNA in Kingsland. This allows the treatment to really soak in while also taking care of your scalp and who doesn’t love a bit of extra pampering!
What are some at-home tips for extra hair TLC – what we should and shouldn’t be doing?
Make sure you are double cleansing your hair when you wash it; 2 shampoos will really clear the dirt from your hair and scalp which allows your hair care to really use its technology. If your hair doesn’t lather much on your first shampoo try adding a bit more water to help emulsify it instead of using extra product then you shouldn’t need as much for your second shampoo.
Rinsing your conditioner or mask with cooler water will also close your hair cuticle.
What are some tips for growing your hair out?
My ultra top tip for growing your hair is using the L’Oreal Professionnel Pro Longer range; it literally acts like a plumping filler for your hair. The formula works on thin ends and areas where help is most needed to combat those split ends. Combined with regular haircuts you’ll have mermaid hair in no time!
What’s one underrated product you think is an essential in summer?
Sunscreen for your hair! The L’Oreal Metal Detox Anti-Metal Protection Cream will protect from those pesky UV rays while also combating color fading; combined with 72 hour hydrating frizz control it is the most essential summer hair product.
What are the key things we need to remember to keep frizz at bay?
Hydration, hydration, hydration! The main cause of frizz is a lack of moisture in your hair. This causes your hair to seek out and absorb moisture from the air; which is why its even worse when its humid!
The Pureology Hydrate range will help to replenish your thirsty hair and the conditioner has the most devine peppermint smell which really helps to wake you up in the morning.
