Hair
The problem: Washed-Out Color
Whether your strands are blond or brunette,
colored or natural, it’s likely that you’ll notice fading by Labor Day. The
reason: “Summer is when hair is subjected to the three biggest causes of
damage: sun, chlorine, and salt water,” says Kyle White, lead colorist at the
Oscar Blandi Salon in New York City.
Quick fix
Enhance color: For a quick hue refresh,
head to the kitchen. Blonds tend to lose golden colors, resulting in ashiness,
says White. Counter this with chamomile tea: Rinse damp hair with cooled tea
(the longer it steeps and the richer its color, the better), and let it sit for
five to 30 minutes before shampooing. “This deposits the yellow and gold tones
that are the first to fade in blonds,” says White. Brunettes can try a similar
trick using coffee; the java replenishes cooler shades that are lost when brown
hair turns brassy. Color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner, which help brighten
strands without depositing dye, are another easy daily fix. Try Redken Blonde
Glam Shampoo and Conditioner ($14.50 and $15.50, salons; 7) or Pantene Pro-V
Brunette Expression Shampoo and Conditioner ($5 each, drugstores)
Try
Redken Blonde Glam Shampoo and Conditione
Long-term solution
Maximize shine: When it’s time to recolor,
apply dye only where you see visible changes. “Fading typically occurs only on
the top layer, where hair is exposed to sun, and at the ends, which are the
most porous. Since color is damaging, apply it only where it’s needed to
minimize wear and tear,” says White. Then try a clear gloss to boost all-over
shine and vibrancy. This smooths the hair cuticle, making strands look
lustrous.
The problem: Dry, Brittle strands
Summer elements zap moisture from hair,
leaving you with Barbie-like locks. “Chlorine and salt water lift the cuticle,
seep in, and dry tresses,” explains hairstylist Don Bewley. The sun also
weakens hair – particularly gray hair, which doesn’t have the protective
benefit of melanin, or color.
Quick fix
Treat and hydrate: Apply a deep conditioner
to damp hair, then wrap with plastic wrap so your body heat will help the
ingredients penetrate, says Bewley. Try: Paul Mitchell After-Sun Replenishing
Masque ($19, salon; 9). Or, try a hair oil. Look for one with coconut oil,
which won’t leave a greasy residue; we like Pureology Precious Oil ($40,
salons; 8). Apply from mid-shaft to ends before blow-drying, or massage a few
drops into dry hair before shampooing.
A
quick, easy way to quench dry locks
Long-term solution
Swap conditioner: “People use one with
proteins like keratin, thinking it will strengthen hair,’ says Rebecca
Friedman, co-owner of Goodform Salon is Los Angeles. “But over time the
proteins build up and harden, making strands feel brittle,” she explains. Save
protein-based products for occasional use and opt for a moisturizing
conditioner with hydrating oils for every day. Try: Bangstyle Hydrating
Conditioner ($16, bangstyle.com for salons), with avocado oil.
At-home glosses & glazes
They promise shinier, smoother hair…
without a hefty salon price tag. Some claim shine for a few days (till they’re
shampooed out); other guarantee luster for weeks.
The test:
Women with varying hair types tried each product at home and reported on their
results. In the lab, colored hair swatches with the glosses applied were
evaluated for immediate shine and smoothness; glosses with long-term claims
were also evaluated after four and six weeks.
The results:
Among the temporary fixers, John Frieda Clear Shine Luminous Glaze ($10,
drugstores) scored tops for being the easiest to use and instantly adding
shine. “I got compliments about my hair. It seemed to smooth the texture and
make it shinier,” said one volunteer. For long-term effects, Clairol natural
Instincts Shine Happy Clear Shine Treatment ($9, drugstores) aced consumer and
lab tests for immediate shine, and testers also liked how it smoothed strands.
While it fell short of the four-week claim, it still left locks shiny for two
weeks in lab tests. A few testers found that the glaze slightly lightened their
hair color.
John
Frieda Clear Shine Luminous Glaze
