Summer Hair Care Tips 2005

Summer sun and humidity, chlorine, salt water, over drying and product build up can cause damage to the hair's cuticle, resulting in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair. Michelle Aldridge, Creative Director of Shuum in Brisbane, gives us a stack of hair care tips to protect our locks this summer.

The combination of sun, salt water and chlorine will suck moisture out of the healthiest head of hair - coloured hair is especially susceptible. A hat is still your best option for protecting your locks (and face) from the drying effects of summer. Kerastase Solaire range is another alternative.

When swimming in salt or chlorinated water, wet your hair with tap water before you swim. Hair is like a sponge, there is only so much water it can absorb. The wetter your hair before you swim, the less salt water and chlorine it will absorb.

Use the sun to your advantage - comb a dollop of deep-conditioning treatment through your hair after rinsing out the salt or chlorinated water, let the heat of the sun help the treatment penetrate.

If you have fine hair or a centre part - don't forget to protect your scalp. Not only does a sunburnt scalp hurt, it can lead to flaking which could be mistaken for dandruff.

If your hair tends to be oily in the summer months, avoid blow-drying with hot air as heat stimulates the scalp which encourages the production of oil. If you really have to blow-dry your hair, lightly rough dry the root area first then use a medium heat setting.

Be religious about trimming your hair. Summer humidity can make porous hair extremely frizzy, have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks during summer to remove split ends.

Be careful not to over use shine products to control frizzies. They often contain silicone which can coat your hair after just a few applications. Michelle recommends L'Oreal's Liss Extreme to control frizz.

Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week. This will detox the hair of chlorine, salt, minerals and styling product build up. Clarifying shampoos also help prevent blonde hair turning green.

Some people apply lemon juice to their hair before sunning to intentionally lighten their hair. This dries out the hair and should be avoided.

Sun-kissed highlights will fade naturally in the summer sun. Michelle recommends contrasting tones of blonde or honey brown scattered throughout your hair for summer as these will fade to look more natural.

Michelle Aldridge is the creative director of Shuum, Brisbane.

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