Tress Management

Summertime, and the living is easy…but not for your head. Heat from the sun degrades the protective protein in hair –  which oxidizes the color to a brassy hue, wipes out shine, and leaves locks brittle. On top of that, UV rays, follicle-frizzing humidity, and moisture-zapping chlorine and saltwater can parch your ‘do. Here is our third installment of  summer hair care tips to keep your locks aglow.

Cut Grease

Like oily skin, an oily scalp gets worse in summer. “Heat prompts sebaceous glands to churn out more oil, and perspiration compounds the problem because it makes hair appear dirtier and greasier,” says trichologist David Kingsley, PhD, a scientist trained to deal with hair and scalp problems.

Frequent shampooing (once or twice daily) is the most effective technique for removing buildup. “You can have greasy roots but fried ends, so even if you’re afraid conditioner will make your hair greasier, apply it to your ends to prevent sun-related dryness and damage,” Kingsley says. Lancôme Hair Sensation Intense Nutrition Damaged Tips Nutri-Serum ($22; department stores and Lancôme) coats hair with an invisible film that repairs unhealthy ends and protects against future frizzies. You can also banish grease with a dry shampoo made from oil-absorbing powders, such as Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Extract ($15; drugstores and online beauty stores). Or make your own by dusting your hairbrush with cornstarch, shaking off the excess, and brushing it through your hair and scalp.

Dip a cotton ball in witch hazel–a natural astringent that dissolves oil–and blot your scalp along your part and around your hairline.

For more tips check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our summer hair care series.