Hair Talk

Staying outdoors exposes our bodies to the harmful elements, and the same holds true even within the protective shell of a vehicle. Vulnerable parts of our physique such as our skin, hair, and eyes may remain exposed to harsh sunlight, wind, and pollution; and although we may not immediately feel its ill effects, these stresses pose cumulative damage to our bodies over time.

Having said that, I would like to touch a subject that is seldom discussed when it comes to driving and commuting—hair damage. As vain as it may sound, it is a reality that for many people, further hair quality deterioration results as collateral damage from the daily commute. Of course some situations are more damaging than others—such as, say, driving your car with the top down; being part of the top-load of a jeepney (a regular occurrence in the provinces); hanging out at the upper level of an open-top tourist bus; or even just driving with only a glass moonroof over your head. But simple daily bad habits are already enough to pose collective damage to your hair...and so I decided to go get us some expert hair advice from a long-time top stylist and friend, Chastine Fitcher Isidro.

Chastine has had a lengthy and remarkable career in hairstyling—he has gathered acclaim and highly specialized knowledge with regards to hair after pursuing studies in the United Kingdom. He studied in institutions such as the Toni&Guy Academy (UK), the Alan D Education Academy, and the Mahogany Hair Dressing Academy, and has since kept a diverse clientele of VIPs, celebrities, and models in the Philippines. Currently he works with Empire Salon (under the management of Angelie P. Manabat), the hip, new London-inspired salon that recently opened in Hotel Intercon Manila.

“What you basically have to remember is that the sun dehydrates hair,” explained Chastine as I asked for insight on what exactly does the most damage to hair while traveling. Upon hearing this, it became immediately obvious that whatever subjected your crowning glory to more sunlight—such as untinted windows, an open sunroof during the day, driving with your top down, or riding in any roofless vehicle for that matter—all added to different degrees of damage towards your hair. And while this appears to be the biggest culprit for dehydrating hair as far as environmental factors are concerned, Chastine was also quick to point out that among the biggest mistakes women (and long-haired men) commit is “to tie their hair up while it’s still wet.” Chastine furthered: “In the morning, during the rush hour, when people are in a hurry and go straight out of the shower and into their cars to drive to work, people forget that they need to dry their hair before driving.” Apparently, trying to save time and simply pulling your hair back in a scungie while it’s still wet is very destructive in the sense that it makes your hair “very dry and brittle.”

“Elasticity is lost when the hair follicles get very dry,” remarked a concerned Chastine, who then went on to explain that this is the stage when hair strands begin to break easily, and you start finding strands of hair scattered all over your car’s cabin.

His suggestion? “Make it a point to always towel-dry the hair and rub off any excess water. It is advisable to cold-dry or medium-dry the hair, for it to remain healthy; But if you must apply heat, then be sure to apply products that offer heat protection,” he said.

“Especially during the months with intense sunlight,” he emphasized, “I recommend that you use a leave-on conditioner on your hair after drying, to further protect against excessive exposure to sunlight.” Meanwhile, he also warned against using coconut oil as a replacement for heat-protecting products, “because coconut oil, under the sun, gets fried!!” (It may be good for your scalp, but not as a heat-protectant of your tresses.)

Meanwhile, Chastine explains that wind is also a notorious element when it comes to drying hair. “If exposure to wind cannot be avoided, I recommend wearing a cap or hat that is not too tight,” he said. “This headgear will protect your hair from UV light, the heat, and the wind. But no bullcaps or tight head garments, please.”

A natural product that Chastine loves to use is Argan Oil. “Argan oil is very nutrient-rich,” he explained, “and you can use them in so many ways... not just on your hair! They can also double up as a moisturizer for your skin.” However, Argan oil does not come cheap, but it is really worth the investment, since you only use a small amount at a time. They are usually sold in small vials if they are in their pure form (which is what we suggest people to get), and are usually so versatile, they can even be used on your face, before applying any makeup! “I would definitely go Argan over any other proprietary hair product,” exclaimed Chastine, further explaining how Argan oil is excellent in controlling frizz, and is a great tool in helping detangle already-windblown hair (say, after an afternoon joyride in your convertible with the top down).

“For people whose hair are constantly exposed to the open air of EDSA, you must take extra care, because napupuno siya ng alikabok (pollutants tend to get stuck in your hair),” pointed out Chastine. “In this case, it may actually be more beneficial to tie your hair (assuming it is properly dried), but not too tight please, because you don’t want to weaken your follicles and trigger falling hair,” he furthered.

And Chastine’s favorite hair battle tools to carry around? An anti-static comb and leave-on conditioners. And of course there’s always that special place in his heart (and bag) for Argan (Moroccan) oils.

And while Chastine explains that there really is no perfect haircut for people who commute or travel a lot, he adds, “Perhaps what could help is to get haircuts for busy women.” What he means are wash-and-wear types that save you time from styling, and thus buy you more time to properly dry your hair and use protective products. There is nothing wrong with maintaining longer, shoulder-length hair however (in fact, digital perms are quite stylish), for as long as you remain vigilant in protecting your hair. I guess, in a way, it is like saying that you also need sunblock for your hair, if you’d like to minimize/control daily damage.

“Getting a haircut regularly will also help keep your hair healthy, so you can rid yourself of those recurring dry, damaged ends,” he said.

Our hair, skin, and eyes are among the most neglected by drivers and passengers in their daily commute. We must not forget caring for them, as daily stress agents will ultimately wreak some long-term damage we will later regret. If you would like to show your hair some TLC and seek professional advice from Chastine, you can find him at the Empire Salon, G/F Intercontinental Hotel, Concessionaires Area, Makati.