Get Your Shine Back!

When the last of the summer heat is over, it’s important to take time to reverse any hair damage caused by sun and sea water.

- By Cathi Trevor

Hair masks rehydrate, add shine, reduce frizz and maintain colour.

NO doubt you vigilantly applied lashings of sun protection to your face and body, but you probably forgot about your hair. Keratin, the protein in hair, is crucial for flexibility, strength, shine and restoration, and when it’s exposed to UV rays, it breaks down, causing damaged hair shafts, weakened cuticles, fragility, frizz and split ends. The sun also fades hair colour really fast. Add the metal factor – hard water – and you’re dealing with a double-whammy damage situation!

SEVEN WONDERS TO GET YOUR HAIR BACK ON TRACK

1. Chop-chop

At the end of summer, a trip to your hairdresser should be your first port of call. ‘A trim or cut works marvels for instantly creating healthier-looking hair,’ says hairstylist and colour guru Shelene Shaer of Tanaz Hair in Sandton. If you don’t want to sacrifice length, opt for a ‘dusting’ technique, where only the damaged or dry ends are snipped, ridding you of frizz and flyaways.

2. Mask up

During the summer months, environmental stressors like sun, heat, pollution, saltwater and chlorine leave your hair extra thirsty. Amp up moisture levels to restore health to your hair cuticles, which will protect your locks. Formulated with special oils, butters, plant extracts and other nourishing ingredients, hair masks rehydrate, add shine, reduce frizz and maintain colour.