Summer hair salvation
7:00am Saturday 16th August 2008
Rescue your hair from the perils of summer with our expert help.
By Lisa Haynes Sun, sea, sand and surf... it's a cocktail for summertime bliss. But for our hair, the holiday season can equal split ends, frizz attacks and colour disasters.
Forget sun-kissed tresses, we're more likely to head to the hairdressers complaining of sun-parched locks that require some serious TLC.
"Summer holidays can cause so much damage to your hair," warns hairdresser Phil Smith. "The UV rays, humidity, chlorine, salt, too much partying and change of water will all strip moisture from your hair."
Over 80% of UK women admit they're suffering from some form of hair damage, according to a recent Dove survey.
But hair help is at hand. We ask the nation's top hairdressers to give the low-down on how to cure summer's most common hair-mares.
Time to check in to summer hair rehab.
:: BEACH BABE Q: I'm a surf chick so my hair's constantly exposed to sun, sea and sand. How should I look after it?
A: Sam McKnight, Pantene ambassador says: "When you leave the beach at the end of the day, wash your hair thoroughly until it's squeaky clean and then use an intensive but lightweight leave-in conditioner."
TRY: Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Comb-in Cream, £3.99 (Available nationwide, see www.pantene.co.uk) or Tigi S Factor Papaya Leave-In Moisture Spray, £13.30 (www.asos.com).
:: CURING CONDITIONER Q: What's the best way to give my locks some post-holiday TLC?
A: Andrew Collinge, celebrity stylist says: "Deep conditioning is required when you return from holiday, as the sun can really dry hair out.
"Use a deep conditioning treatment two or three times a week. Get your hair cut as soon as you can to avoid split ends."
TRY: Andrew Collinge 1 Minute Wonder Deep Conditioning Salon Treatment, £3.99 (Superdrug nationwide); or Redken UV Rescue Recovery Treat, £14.85 (0800 4444 880).
:: FRIZZY MANE Q: Every summer I suffer from the frizz factor. Can I tame it?
A: Lisa Shepherd, hairdresser and ambassador of Clynol says: "For curly hair, use a cream rather than mousse. Creams dry into the hair to seal your style.
"If your hair's straight, use a lightweight serum as this will also seal in the cuticles."
TRY: Phil Smith Be Gorgeous Tame the Frizz Serum, £3.99 (Sainsburys nationwide); or Frizz-Ease Secret Agent Styling Cream, £4.49 (Boots nationwide).
:: COLOUR SHOCK Q: I have coloured hair and the sun has really taken the shine off it. What can I do to revive it?
A: Dove stylist Jamie Brooks says: "With highlighted hair especially, your colour can change shade when exposed to sunlight.
"To keep lightened hair looking vibrant and protected from the damage caused through colouring use a colour care shampoo and conditioner for lightened hair."
TRY: Dove Colour Care Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner for lightened hair, £1.99 each (Available nationwide); or Trevor Sorbie Colour Preserve Shampoo and Conditioner, £4.49 each (www.trevorsorbie.com).
:: WATER BABY Q: I keep in shape by swimming. Is there anything I can do to protect my hair besides wear a swimcap?
A: Stylist Julie-Anne Rackham for Regis salons says: "Any barrier between your hair and the salt or chlorine will help protect it, so wetting your hair before swimming with clean water is much better than entering the water with dry hair."
TRY: Boots Sun, Swim & Gym Mask, £3.49; or Lee Stafford R U Taking Protection Chlorine Spray, £3.99 (Boots nationwide).
:: RESCUE REQUIRED Q: My locks look beyond repair after two months of travelling abroad. Can it be rescued?
A: Mathew Soobroy at the House of Charles Worthington says: "Book in at a salon for a detailed hair diagnosis to prescribe a bespoke mixology treatment combined with a hot iron application. This will increase the effectiveness and depth of the intensive treatment."