CLEANSE AND REPAIR
If a summer of sun and swimming has left your hair a little worse for wear, these expert tips will banish dry ends, limp locks and itchy scalps.
NATURE’S WAY
“It’s important to hydrate thirsty strands with natural, replenishing ingredients,” says hair stylist Anthony Nader. “Privé Shampoo and Conditioner contains aloe vera – it brings dull hair back to life and makes the hair cuticle incredibly smooth.”
Tresemmé Expert Botanique Restore & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.99 each, tresemme.com.au
Privé Reparative Shampoo and Conditioner, $46 (set of two), sydneysalonsupplies.com.au
Sukin Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner, $7.95 each, sukinorganics.com
TREAT YOURSELF RIGHT
Most of us understand the importance of a weekly hydrating hair mask – the confusion lies in how long it should be left on.
“Many people believe the longer the better, but that’s completely false,” says Anthony. “There’s a reason why most treatments come with a suggested time frame of 10-15 minutes – the hair follicle can only absorb so much at one time. If you’re really after extra strength, wash out your treatment and follow up with a second application.”
Kérastase Paris Nutritive Masque Magistral, $66, kerastase.com.au
Toni&Guy Nourish Reconstruction Mask, $15.99, toniandguy.com.au
Muk Spa Argan Oil Repair Mask, $28, mukhair.com
TRY A CLARIFYING SHAMPOO
Hair flatter and greasier than normal? Has using a hairdryer caused your hair to give off steam? These are indications of product build-up at the roots – a common post-party season problem. A clarifying shampoo intensely cleans hair by removing any remaining product: use once a week, leaving it on the hair for a few minutes before rinsing.
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, $37.95, moroccanoil.com/au
KMS California Hair Stay Clarify Shampoo, $33, kmscalifornia.com
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, $36, mecca.com.au
SOOTHE YOUR SCALP
Dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook explains why scalps can act up during summer. “Scientific research shows that heat, sweat and pollution can result in scalp stress causing dryness, flaking and irritation,” she says. “Not only does this cause dandruff, studies have shown that lingering dandruff reduces the quality of newly emerging hair fibres. This means future hair will be thinner, less glossy and prone to breakage. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo that purifies the scalp while nourishing each strand.”
- Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky Shampoo and Conditioner, $12.49 each, headandshoulders.com.au
Coloured hair can fade quickly in summer due to excess exposure of UV light, chlorine and saltwater. To freshen up with one of this year’s trending shades, here’s what to ask for in-salon, as well as some expert advice for nailing it in the comfort of your own home.
FRESHEN UP YOUR COLOUR
AT THE SALON
If you’re blonde: “Ask for a mix of golden and honey highlights – avoid going too icy,” Anthony suggests. “This will give your skin a healthy glow, as well as the illusion of shinier, thicker hair.”
If you’re brunette: “Go multi-tonal. Little touches of light-catching pigment woven throughout will add warmth when you head into autumn,” he says.
If you’re a redhead: “Ask your colourist for a rich, classic red,” Anthony says. “It will bring out the natural flush of your cheeks and make your skin look really fresh.”
AT HOME
If you’re blonde: “Blonde shades sit on a spectrum between icy and caramel. Liven up your skin with a universally flattering caramel that won’t wash out your skin the way platinum colours can,” says Schwarzkopf national technical educator Grant Withnell.
If you’re brunette: “Brunettes have the easiest job of taking care of their colour at home,” Grant says. “If your colour has faded, simply go over the top with your favourite permanent in the most natural-looking shade.”
If you’re a redhead: “Vibrant red hair needs to be looked after exceptionally well,” Grant explains. “Top it up with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Expert Mousse in 5-88 – it’s a foam that’s easy to apply and will give you a brilliant burst of colour.”
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect by Excellence Natural Blended Colour in Lightest Warm Golden Brown, $19.99, priceline.com.au
Clairol Nice’n Easy in Natural Medium Golden Brown, $12.99, priceline.com.au
Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Expert Mousse Semi-Permanent Mousse Colour in 5-88, $23.95, priceline.com.au
DIY HAIR-COLOURING HACKS
Keep Vaseline nearby “Vaseline is your best defence against colouring the skin around your hairline,” Grant says. “Apply it to your forehead and ears to avoid staining.”
Undo brassiness “Purple shampoo is perfect for this,” Anthony says. “It takes out orange tones after just a few washes. Try the De Lorenzo Novafusion Silver Shampoo – it’s salon quality and I use it on my clients all the time.”
Grey is glam “Grey is a fashion statement in itself. Keep it shiny and gorgeous by using a silver shampoo that adds brightness to stop it looking flat,” Grant says. “Schwarzkopf Professional’s BC Excellium Beautifying Silver Spray is perfect to have on standby. It’s great for those with 70-100 per cent grey hair as it takes out yellow tones and has a built-in UV blocker.”
Be brave and try balayage “Balayage is all about free-hand application – great if you want to add dimension to your hair,” Grant says. “If you’re trying it at home for the first time, go slowly and paint highlights starting level with your ear and sprinkle a few a bit higher at the roots. Simple is best with this technique.”
Cool it “Rinse your hair in the coldest possible water temperature that you can handle. This will lock in your colour and stop it from losing its vibrancy,” Anthony says.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, $3.99, priceline.com.au
De Lorenzo Novafusion Colour Care Shampoo in Silver, $27.95, priceline.com.au
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Excellium Beautifying Silver Spray, $29.95, priceline.com.au
L’Oréal Paris Préférence Glam Lights For Light Brown to Dark Blonde Hair, $19.99, priceline.com.au
