Mane event for summer

Two weekends at the beach and my long, sun-drenched tresses turned into a sorry state of disrepair. Short of shearing it off and using the dead locks to make a broom for my floor, I opted to consult a hair-expert friend.  Hearing the desperation in my voice, she gave me an appointment right away.

Karina Mantolino is all of 26 years young but is considered a hair professional, master cutter and hair colorist because of her intensive training with L’Oreal for the past five years.  Being heiress to Regine Beauty Salon, a family-owned business, is enough motivation for her to be the best in the field of Trichology, the science of hair and scalp.

The wall of the sitting room of Regine’s Beauty Salon is decked with various plaques and trophies that Karina has amassed all these years as L’Oreal’s hair scholar. This year, Mantolino was given the title of Institutional Artist. Her credentials are more than enough for me to entrust my chemically abused hair to her.

The reality one must face when hair reaches a certain “age of maturity” (40 and above, according to hair experts) is that hair needs to be nurtured and pampered just like a human being. Our hair needs a lot of care and maintenance and can’t be abused the way I do without facing the consequences.  I wrote down the abuses I committed to my hair before meeting with Mantolino so she will know exactly what remedies to prescribe.  To make a long list short, I am guilty of every abuse one can think of: constant highlighting and coloring, almost daily washing and blow-drying under intense heat, constant use of curling irons, use of chemicals like volumizers, mousse, lacquer spray, jogging under the sun (I put tons of sunblock on my face but no protection for my hair), among others. After going through my list, Mantolino she shook her head and said: “No wonder your hair is in such a bad state. It’s physically and emotionally battered. Your hair is crying out loud for nourishment and care! And it’s about time you start caring for it like you would care for a baby!”

For starters, she prescribed Pureology, Essential Repair (UV Hair Colour Defense) a sun block for the hair, which I have to apply daily. Just as our skin needs protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun, our hair needs protection from the sun, too.  This product literally acts like an umbrella. And since I work out under the sun, this product is a must- have for me.

I have chemically colored hair, and therefore should not swim in the ocean. Saltwater and wind are natural lightening and drying agents. Just look at the fishermen, they have orange or blonde hair. When in the beach I have to put a hair mask to keep my mane hydrated under extreme heat.

L’Oreal came out with a new Serie Nature range of organic products. She recommended Richesse Masque, which is environment-friendly, as it contains no chemicals.  The all-natural ingredients provide emollience for easy detangling. This product also has a unique, butter-like texture, which easily melts into the hair and allows for better distribution throughout the strands.

For health-conscious individuals who wish to go organic in their choice of hair products, check out Serie Nature products of L’Oreal. These products also maintain the efficacy and potency of a salon-grade item.

Going back to my hair crisis, Mantolino took out all the split ends off my dry hair, layered it to give volume and movement, and subjected it to a two hour in-salon treatment using Kerastasse Vita-Ciment, which aims to cement back lost ceramide and other nutrients to mature and damaged hair.

The waiting time was well worth it as my crowning glory was restored back to health and shine but not without her warnings that I have to take better care for my hair.

Mantolino recently launched her new spring/summer colors for young hair at SM Mall of Asia. She conducted hair-cutting and hair-coloring demo. If you are young and adventurous with your hair, opt for colors that are bright and vibrant like burgundy, orange, red, and dark blue.

Hair for the summer should be layered for movement, light and playful like how a beach babe should be.