How to Protect Your Hair from the Sun This Summer
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- by Style.com, on Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:30am PDT
First there was the
unbearable cold; then came the rain. Now that summer has finally
come to New York, we, true to form, are still dissatisfied. Not
completely, of course—this week’s blue skies and near perfect
temperatures have been enjoyable. But the threat that the season
still holds for our hair looms ever large. If it’s not
humidity-induced frizz (which, sadly, we know will return at some
point before September rolls around), it’s the sun’s damaging
effects on colored hair that keeps us ill at ease, as our once
black strands receive unwanted copper highlights.
Kiehl’s has apparently been
anticipating what we’re pretty sure is the collective discontent of
the city’s hair-coloring masses and has just launched a
Color Preserving haircare line. Completely devoid of
color-stripping sulfates, silicones, or parabens, the natural
formula is bolstered by apricot oil and sunflower seed oil, the
latter of which contains high levels of vitamins B and E,
moisturizing essential fatty acids, and a UV-protective filter so
it protects as it repairs damaged strands. While the line’s
Shampoo, Conditioner, and Deep Recovery Pak are a good first
defense, they can only do so much (UV rays are a formidable foe).
To keep your color looking vivid all summer long, here are a few
additional precautions you can take:
1. Wait at least one full day after a coloring
service to shampoo your hair. This will help allow the hair shaft
time to repair itself from the treatment.
2. Avoid using hot water directly on the hair,
as it will open the hair’s cuticle and potentially allow the
release of color molecules from the cortex. Instead, shampoo gently
with a color-safe product using lukewarm water.
3. Embrace the accessorizing capabilities of a
tightly woven hat or scarf if you’re going to be outside for a
while, as sun exposure can break down color molecules and dry out
the hair shaft, making hair color look dull. (See
Celebrity Looks post on Vivienne Westwood for ideas.)
4. If your fun-in-the-sun activities schedule
includes a dip in the pool, wet hair with water first. Chemically
treated hair is more absorbent and water will protect the hair
shaft from absorbing too much chlorine, which can be drying.
Photo: Courtesy of Kiehl’s
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