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Manage Your Hair in the Heat

There's something irresistible about soaking in the sun -- otherwise, how can we justify the damage that the sun and surf inevitably wreak on our hair and skin?

While wavy "beach hair" is undeniably sexy, you'll soon find out that the hairdo that looks great with a golden tan and a bikini can mean dry, lifeless locks. Here's your challenge to manage your damaged locks:

1. Lock in protection

You know what they say: An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. The key to preventing sun damage is to use products with built-in SPF, and to avoid unnecessary heat-styling when you know you'll be going for an extra dose of sun outdoors. Smooth a dime-sized amount of leave-in conditioner with SPF 15 on your locks prior to hitting the beach, or wear a stylish straw hat when the heat is at its most intense.

2. Go easy on blow-drying

Take a hiatus from heat-styling immediately after a trip to the beach or the pool, where the chlorinated water will leave your tresses in a vulnerable state. Give your hair a break and let it recover for approximately three days, and air-dry your tresses. In the meantime, you can experiment with chignons and loose braids.

3. Go deep

An intense moisturizing treatment is essential for revitalizing your locks. Pamper yourself with a trip to the salon for a professional treatment, or try one at home so you could keep tabs on how often your sun-fried tresses need it. (Once or twice a week should be enough, depending on how dry your hair is.)

4. When all else fails

Go for a stylish pixie cut to "reset" your hairdo. Your hair usually looks at its worst at the end of the summer season, when extended exposure to the elements causes your locks to lose moisture and shine. A trim will take care of most split ends, but if your tresses are seriously damaged from a combination of too many days at the beach and over-styling, take a cue from Hollywood and get a cute, elfin cut that's similar to the ones on Emma Watson and Keira Knightley.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/courtneyk

 

 

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Fashion & Style
Manage Your Hair in the Heat