Sunshine on the shoulders

MANILA, Philippines - Summer may bring glorious visions of sun-kissed tans and long wind-blown hair. But whether you are headed to a BBQ, a ballgame, or the beach, the summer heat gives hair a brutal beating. The reality is that sun and humidity can damage your hair’s cuticle and result in dry, brittle or frizzy hair.

Here is the summer-hair truth that we have to face: It only takes five minutes under the sun to harm your hair. You can lose up to 50 percent of your hair’s moisture, leading to split ends and dry, brittle hair. It is important not to let hair suffer and protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, chlorine, salt water, and wind. As damaging as a hot blow dryer, the hair becomes a major victim of summer frizz. So here are a number of hair care tips to make sure you keep that fabulous sunshine on your shoulders:

1. Condition. Condition. Condition. Use a hair conditioner that has moisture-replenishing capabilities, such as Cream Silk Summer Shine, which is a limited-edition conditioner especially for the summer season. A lightweight conditioner that works on every hair type, it contains Aqua-mineral technology that restores moisture to dried-out hair. It also has UV Blockers that help protect hair from the sun’s dulling rays, plus a limited-edition perfume that keeps hair smelling fresh. Simply use this instead of your regular conditioner, for hair that is well-equipped to face the sun. With nothing to hold you back, you can shine all summer.

2. Take a break. Give your hair a break from hot hair tools like blow dryers, hot irons, electric curlers, etc. During summer let your hair dry naturally. If you want beautiful waves, simply braid hair when wet and air dry. Always cover hair with a hat when out in the sun, or use a conditioner with UV Blockers. If you can’t do without a blow dryer, leave in conditioner that is specially formulated to protect hair when blow-drying. Prevent potential frizz by wearing hair up in a knot, bun or braids.

3. Be gentle. Treat hair gently in summer by using more moisturizing and overall gentle shampoos. Switch to natural hair products that are devoid of harmful chemicals. Condition sun- damaged hair with products that have moisture-replenishing technology. Oil also puts an end to frizzy hair. Jojoba oil can be used either as a pre-shampoo treatment or to protect dry strands when out in the sun.            

This summer, let nothing hold you back from getting your hair under the sun. With the right hair care essentials, you can — shine all summer.