Here's to hot hair that defies harsh weather
By Linda Miller | Published: July 3, 2012
Oklahoma's summer weather can deliver a nasty blow to your hair and hairstyle.
Blame it on the dreaded triple Hs: heat, humidity and harsh winds. One or all can pump up the volume on frizzies, dry locks and split ends or turn those morning-perfect loose waves into a limp mess before noon.
Luckily, you can look to the catwalk for a couple of stylish options. Slicked-back hair and hair wraps were all over the runways for spring. The wet look is just that — hair that looks wet and slicked back, either in a low ponytail or bun or worn stick straight. Hair wraps were shown twisted and tied like a turban or headband, as well as wrapped around the head in a nod to boho.
While wraps and slicked-back hair can be good options, especially on those days when your hair isn't cooperating, it's important to give hair extra attention during the summer and choose the best products for hair type and weather.
“Keeping hair fresh in triple-digit summer heat is a challenge,” said Jan Hill, co-owner of Eden Salon. “Even the best morning start can quickly go limp, frizzy and parched.”
We turned to three Oklahoma City hairstylists for their tips on keeping your hair and hairstyle in check this summer.
Hair care 101
Plan for the heat. Stubbornly straight hair won't hold a curl, and “curly girlies” should embrace their curl. In other words, go with your hair's natural tendencies. Just be sure to keep it tidy. Consider using headbands and sheer scarves to keep hair under control, off your neck and out of your eyes.
Less is more. Really. Clouds of hair spray, handfuls of gels or mousse are no match for the heat and turn into crunchy hanks or sweaty gunk. Try leaving off the daily conditioner and switching to a weekly treatment instead. If a little lift is a must, try Aveda's new Pure Abundance Style Prep before styling.
If you have fine hair you need a strengthening treatment and sometimes moisture also. If your hair is normal to coarse and thick, give your hair a drink of moisture regularly. Remember that too much protein can make hair brittle and break. Aveda Damage Remedy Botanical Spa treatment will strengthen hair with barley and quinoa proteins. Aveda Dry Remedy Botanical Spa treatment intensely moisturizes with kukui oil and pomegranate. Both are salon treatments that only take 5 minutes. Sun-damaged hair? Aveda Suncare After-Sun Hair Masque restores and repairs with morikue protein and tamanu oil, and organic coconut oil offers relief for scorched hair.
Shampoo correctly. Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails. The goal is to feel your scalp move as you massage it. Towel blot instead of “scrubbing” with the towel and roughing up the cuticle of the hair strands. Men enjoy Aveda Men's Exfoliating or Rosemary Mint shampoos for deep cleansing the extra oil and perspiration summer weather brings.
Get a great cut regularly. Damaged hair doesn't hold a shape; if you have more than ½ inch to 1 inch of growth, it is time for a cut.
Jan Hill,
co-owner, Eden Salon
Tame those frizzies
Satin pillowcases allow the hair to glide, instead of roughing up the texture by rubbing hair against moisture-zapping cotton. Satin pillowcases also help avoid split ends.
Shampoo less frequently.
Use a shampoo designed to tame curly, unruly hair and condition hair every time you shampoo. Use a deep conditioner once a week and a leave-in conditioner as needed. Recommended products include Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner, Smoothing Repair deep conditioner, and 7 Seconds Leave In, all by Unite.
Tame unruly frizz and lock out moisture on humid days with products like U Luxury Argan Oil and anti-humectant D Frizz Argan Spray.
Do not rub wet hair. Squeeze or pat dry hair from scalp to ends.
Wear a scarf on windy days to avoid frizz.
Minimize heat usage and keep those split ends trimmed.
Greg Welchel,
co-owner, Trichology Salon
Sun, wind and chlorine
Protect your hair from the sun's harsh rays, even when you're not in the water. UV protection is offered in many products, including Joico, 12 Benefits and Pureology. You can even spray sunscreen on the top of your head to protect your scalp.
A dip in the pool may be cooling, but chlorine isn't kind to your hair. Chlorine does not come out of the hair with regular shampoo, so a clarifying shampoo for chlorine removal is necessary. Two to try: Paul Mitchell Shampoo 3 and Redken.
If your hair is colored or highlighted, using a conditioner such as Joico K-Pak, Paul Mitchell's The Conditioner or It's A 10 before and after swimming will help protect against sun, chlorine and provide moisture.
Defying the wind in Oklahoma any time of year is a feat in itself, so I turn to Short Sexy Hair Play Dirty spray wax to control flyaways.
Wrapping hair in a towel or cap before tanning in a salon will keep blonde hair from turning yellow.
Kimberly Stafford, manager, Hair Rage Salon
