Sun, saltwater, and chlorine can be hazardous to your hair-but we'd never tell you to spend your summer indoors. Instead, protect your curls at the beach or pool with these tips from our Curl Advisory Board experts.
Redefine multitasking And we don't mean checking your work emails. "Spending your days at the beach? Don't forget to bring the travel sized Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask," says Chadwick Pendley, Master Artistic Educator and co-owner of Ouidad's Ft. Lauderdale flagship salon. "This mask will restore your hair's lipid barrier while you work on that beautiful tan." Plus, the sun's warmth will help the mask's nourishing ingredients penetrate better.
Your curls look too good to spend the summer indoors.
Minimize tangles Wind and waves can leave your curls knottier than a clump of seaweed-but not if you're proactive. "Before you hit the beach, prep your curls with Advanced Climate Control Detangling Heat Spray," says September Sirico, partner at Greg & Tony salon in Westport, CT and owner of blowdry southport | westport. Our newest multitasker has a dedicated UV filter (think of it like sunscreen for your curls), making it perfect for beach days. "Throw it in your beach bag and re-spray after a swim to protect against heat and UV damage," Sirico says.
The ultimate beach bag product for curly hair.
Prevent chlorine damage Taking the plunge in a chlorine-treated pool can dry out your curls. Not feeling the swim cap look? Try this tip from Jason Hallman, senior stylist at Ouidad's New York flagship salon: "Before swimming in the pool, wet your hair with fresh water from a spray bottle," he says. Think of your hair like a sponge-if it's already saturated with fresh water, it will absorb less of the chlorinated water when you dive in. Post-swim, wash away any traces with a deep cleansing shampoo, such as our Water Works Clarifying Shampoo.