August 2016 36 www.womanthismonth.com showcase There are easy and natural ways to tame your tresses during this season. Here are some of the most common hair problems you’re likely to encounter and how to fix them. B Chlorine Damage Too much time in the pool can change the colour of your locks, especially if they're very light. But it's not due to the chlorine; it's likely because of copper lurking in pools where the chemical balance isn't quite right. "The chlorine molecules get trapped in the hair and oxidise the metals found in trace amounts in the water,” says a Toni&Guy stylist. "It's the oxidised copper that actually causes the green colour. Chlorine can still cause damage, though. The outer layers of the cuticle start to lift up and the chlorinated water can get into the centre of the hair, making it more brittle. “Luckily, there are a few simple ways to prevent the damage. The easiest can be done anywhere — just rinse your hair under tap water before taking the plunge. Plain water binds to the hair, making it harder for chlorine to get to it. “A label.m leave-in conditioner has a similar effect, and can be a good pre-pool option as well. A weekly label.m intensive hair care mask can help repair the damage and seal the cuticle.” Wearing a swim cap and washing with shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for swimmers to replace lost moisture is also recommended. B Grease We've all heard about how you don't need to — and maybe shouldn't — wash your hair all that often. But during the summer, all bets are off. "I tell people you should wash more frequently in the summer and not just because of all the chlorine and salt water,” says the stylist. "For In the summer, instead of ‘beachy waves’ we’re often left with greasy, frizzy and brittle strands that have seen healthier days. Here’s how to manage and conquer those unruly manes. TONI&GUY SUMMER HAIR PROBLEMS SOLVED those of us with long hair; when the sunscreen touches our back and shoulders, it can come off onto the hair making it dirtier, faster." B Sun Damage The sun breaks down the bonds that make the keratin of the hair strong, leading to weaker strands and fading colour. Just as covering your skin can help prevent sun damage, wearing a hat can help save your hair. “A number of hair products that boast UV protection may also work, as long as you're thorough in your application,” says the stylist. "Work it through like a conditioner so as many strands as possible are coated. To treat sun-dried hair, using label.m moisturising leave-in conditioner should do the trick.” B Sunburn While you're protecting your hair from the sun, don't forget about your scalp. If you often wear your hair in the same position, be sure to use sunscreen on the part. And if you pull your hair back in the summer, apply sunscreen all the way up to your hairline. Using shampoos and products with antioxidant ingredients such as soy, green tea or vitamin C can sometimes be helpful. And if you do happen to do a little damage, cover up as soon as possible to avoid further sun, then use cool water in the shower and normal sunburn soothers. B Frizz In the summer, thanks to the high temperstures and oppressive humidity, flyaway strands increase in size. The generally smooth cuticle covering the shaft of healthy hair is disrupted when the shaft absorbs moisture from the air, breaking some of the chemical bonds that keep hair straight and roughing up the cuticle, taking away shine and smoothness. Stay away from heavy products, and look instead for a label.m antifrizz serum or spray. B Split Ends UV rays are not the only issue at this time of year, high temperatures can also take a toll on the bonds that make hair strong by sucking the moisture out of your locks, leading to breakage. To ease brittleness, the stylist suggests a heavier treatment such as Moroccan oil or label.m argan oil. "True damage can never really be reversed, only cosmetically improved until that part of the hair grows out and can be cut off,” she says. “Products can temporarily glue split ends back together but the best bet may be a little trim to freshen up.” Call 17 001-700.
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