Every year towards the end of summer, my hair starts looking a little dull, feeling a bit dry and just appearing lifeless. My guess is that your hair might be looking and feeling the same way. What can you do to repair your summer hair?

Clarify

Everyday styling products such as hair spray, gel and leave-in conditioner can cause a build-up over time. Add to that chlorine, and other “gunk” found in the ocean or lake and it’s no wonder your hair looks flat and dull. Regular shampoos alone cannot remove all of the build-up that ‘s weighing your hair down.

One of the best ways to remove this type of residue is to use a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos are specifically formulated with stronger cleansing ingredients and fewer conditioning agents. The good news is that your hair will be squeaky clean; the bad news is that these shampoos can be quite drying. So just remember to follow up with a good conditioning routine.

How often should you use this type of shampoo really depends on your hair type, but here’s what I recommend. If you have normal hair, use it two times a month, at most.  For those with oily hair, you can use it once a week. Color treated hair? Don’t worry; most clarifying shampoos do not contain any bleaching agents so it won’t lighten your hair.

Salon brands: Redken Cleansing Cream, Joico K-PAK Clarifying Shampoo

Drugstore brands:  Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo

Deep Condition

Especially after using a clarifying shampoo and in addition to your regular shampoo/conditioner routine, I think it’s important to hydrate your hair by using a deep conditioner. Deep conditioners are formulated to restore moisture, improve elasticity and leave hair soft and shiny.

Deep conditioners should be left on the hair about 10-15 minutes and can be used with or without heat. When heat is used, it penetrates the hair shaft faster.

I think deep conditioning once a week is perfect for most hair types. When using this type of conditioner, start applying it from the middle of your hair and work your way down to the ends. Be careful not to put too much conditioner on the top of your head as it can leave your hair oily at the roots.

 Salon brands: Enjoy Hair Mask and Kerastase Masque Oleo-Relax

Drugstore brands: Aussie 3Minute Miracle Moist Deeeeep Conditioner

Remove Split Ends

Split ends can cause hair to look dry, brittle and out of shape. There are many causes for split ends, but most of them come from the use of heat, mainly from tools such as hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons.

There are many products on the market that claim to repair split ends. Many of those products only provide a temporary mending of the split end. I am here to tell you the only way – I repeat- the only way to get rid of split ends is to get your hair cut!

Even if you are growing out your hair, it’s still a great idea to get your hair trimmed every 8-10 weeks in order to keep some sort of style.

All of these recommendations can be performed at home or in a salon; however, if your budget allows, save the trim for the professional!

 

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Kim Hudnall is a 40 something Mom, wife and training consultant.  With a background in Education & Training and the last 10 years spent in the beauty industry, she founded TheHipChickOnline.com. Her goal is to educate, motivate, and inspire women to look and feel fabulous!