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Ferial Scissorhands
By Ferial Mosharaf - ferialm@hotmail.com
Lock Protection: Summer HairWhen I was a kid in Iran, I simply lived for the summers. There was nothing better than going to one of the private or public pools with my cousins and having kalbas-and-potato-chip sandwiches (with the chips in the middle of the sandwich, of course).
As an adult living in the OC, you'd think I'd spend lots of time at the beach or at my pool. Fortunately for my hair (if not for me) I'm rarely outdoors.
Besides the obvious negatives for summer hair, like sun damage and the effects of chlorine, generally speaking, California has poor water quality for any hair type all year round, so remember that.
What makes our hair simply fry? We go lighter in the summer and darker in the fall. Going lighter already means we have to use bleach or a stronger coloring process, especially if we've colored darker during the cooler weather. We also spend more time outside in the garden, at the beach, in the pool or at barbecues.
Straight forward Scissorhand Tips for Healthier Summer Hair:
1. Use a gentler, less drying shampoo.
2. If you have to take more than one shower a day, don't shampoo your hair both times. Avoid washing your hair daily but get all the chlorine out after each dip in the pool (this is a secret trick I only teach clients).
3. Use deep treatments or a heavier conditioner (or both) regularly.
4. Use leave-in conditioner on a daily basis.
5. Use products without alcohol.
6. Leave heavy conditioner on your hair when swimming or, better yet, use a swimming cap.
7. Get an extra trim this summer, even if you are growing out your hair.
8. Wear a cap or hat if you are gardening or barbecue-ing outside.
Writing this article has made me look forward to this summer. In fact, I'm going to make it a point to get together with some of my cousins and repeat the experience of sandwiches and chips at the pool while screaming with joy.
And yes, I'll make sure to keep my locks protected, too. Summer, here I come!
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