Fried, Dried and Frizzy: 10 Pro Tips for Fixing Summer’s Worst Hair Woes

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As much as we talk about skin protection in the summer (are you wearing sunscreen now? Go put some on!), we rarely discuss the fact that our hair can take quite a beating in the sun. I chatted with Cassie LeMunyon, a colorist and stylist at Suede Salon and Spa in Marlton to get tips on keeping locks healthy and fresh.

IF YOUR HAIR IS DRIED AND FRIED:

1. Get weekly conditioning treatments.
“Especially after sun exposure. It can be a conditioning treatment in a salon or a heavy mask that you’ll leave on your hair for 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse out.”
Her product recommendation: Davines hair mask, $32.

2. Stop shampooing every day.
“I don’t think that shampooing your hair every day is necessary even in the winter. It tends to dry your hair out. Use a dry shampoo instead.”
Her product recommendation: Davines hair refresher, $28.

3. Take care of your ends.
“For sealing down ends I recommend using Schwarzkopf Repair Rescue Sealed Ends cream. Use it when your hair is dry, after you style it.  Start at the ends and work your way up.”

4. Put in conditioner before you go into the pool.
“Dampen hair and leave a little bit of conditioner in it before you go in. That way your hair won’t absorb so much chlorine.”

IF YOUR COLOR IS FADED OR BRASSY:

5. Use sunblock.
But get one that’s made for hair: “Things that they make for your skin are different than what you would want to use on your hair, and they could dry out your hair more. Davines makes a great product called ‘hair milk.’ Spray it all over your hair before you go into the sun.”
Her product recommendation: Davines SU/Hair Milk, $29.

6. Use a color-depositing shampoo.
This will help brighten faded color. “Just make sure you check with your colorist or stylist to make sure you’re using one that’s right for your hair,” says LeMunyon.

7. Cover it up.
“Try to wear a hat as much as you can. The sun can be very damaging to your hair.”

8. Shower immediately post-pool.
“Shampoo your hair as soon as you can once you’re out of the pool. In blondes, a lot of chlorine buildup can give hair a greenish tint to it. And it can dry out hair.”

IF YOU’RE DEALING WITH MAJOR FRIZZ:

9. Try a Keratin treatment.
“They are really the best thing for frizzy and puffy hair,” she says. For a more cost-effective — albeit not as miracle-working — solution (Keratin treatments can run you upwards of $250), LeMunyon recommends the Sealed Ends cream (see Tip #3). “This helps keep hair nice and moisturized, which tones down the fuzz and puffiness.”

IF YOUR LOCKS ARE LIMP AND STRINGY:

10. Get a haircut.
“Keep up with getting your hair trimmed to get the dead ends off and it will stay healthy,” says LeMunyon.

11. Use the right brush.
“You want to use a round brush with metal on the inside. The smaller the brush, the more volume you’ll get at the root. Those with short hair should use a smaller brush than those with longer hair.”