The sunny season has come and the time when many leave for the sea. Hair in conditions of heat, sun and sea water requires additional care. I asked my friend Viktoria Plotnikova, a natural hair care professional and owner of Beauty Essential LAB, for her professional advice. Here’s what she said:
Strong sun destroys the protective protein in the hair, as a result the hair color is oxidized, the vibrant shine disappears, moisture evaporates and the hair becomes brittle and dry. Moreover, the scalp quickly becomes dirty, and the hair turns out to be unruly and sticky. But all of this can be avoided by following some simple tips and applying natural hair care products:
- Reduce heat
Hair, like skin, gets sunburn. Foods like shea butter and sesame oil are able to filter out natural UV light. But if you plan on being out in the sun for more than an hour, the best way to protect your hair is to wear a stylish hat or headscarf. Try blow-drying your hair as little as possible, and avoid irons, which can cause severe damage to dry hair.
- Wash your hair more often
Since you sweat a lot more in the summer, your hair follicles produce more sebum, protecting your scalp from moisture loss and overheating. You cannot wash your hair with shampoo every day, as you can dry it out. Better to just wash your hair with conditioner and shampoo once a week. Switch to lighter moisturizing formulas and refine the ingredients to make sure the products are free of harsh sulfates, parabens, or sodium chloride.
A great option for daily hair washing is rye or pea flour + herbal powders.
Use oil: coconut, olive, avocado oil penetrates well into the hair shaft. Shampoo your hair, apply oil from ends to roots, and then rinse well. Do not overdo it, because oil can weigh hair down.
- Protect your hair
To protect your hair from chlorine when swimming in the pool and from salt in the sea, wet it with tap water before bathing, and then spread it with a thick layer of conditioner or a little oil. This way, the hair will not absorb the chlorinated water. Blondes should rinse their hair with acidified water (¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of water) before swimming in the pool to preserve their color.
Always rinse your hair after bathing. Use a spray or oil to protect your hair from drying out. You can make your own spray by mixing 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with water in a small spray bottle. The spray will help you get beachy-looking wavy hair, and the coconut oil will counteract the dryness of the salt. Another good spray is argan oil mixed with water.
- Drink more water!
Cold coffee or tea, mixed drinks, beer or wine are refreshing but also dehydrating. Drink at least one glass of cool water after each non-aqueous drink. Add a slice of lemon or a slice of cucumber to it for a refreshing taste.
- Use the solar healing effect
Use the heat of the sun to your advantage. While relaxing by the pool or on the beach, apply a thick layer of a nourishing mask to your hair, comb through with a wide-toothed comb, and tie your hair in a bun while soaking up the sun. The mask will protect the hair from salt or chlorinated water and will be absorbed better by the sun’s heat.
- Cool the cosmetics
Cool down your conditioners and sprays. This will stimulate the cuticles to close and refresh the scalp on a hot day. Use cosmetics with a more acidic pH to help the hair flakes stay closed.