There’s nothing better than a summer in Montauk. Unfortunately, long summer days in the sun, salt water, humidity, and chlorine-filled pools can wreak havoc on your tresses. Protect and repair your hair with the following tips and tricks.
1. Protect and Seal
One great tip that I took from with me from years of working at hair salons is to coat your hair before you swim in the pool. Hair is “porous,” or shall I say, like a sponge. A quick rinse before taking the plunge will saturate your strands with moisture, keeping chlorine from entering the hair shaft. Take it one step further, and apply a conditioner with Dimethicone in it before swimming, to create an even stronger barrier against the chemicals. This ingredient coats the hair with a protective film, almost like a sealant. Try Herbal Essences “Hello Hydration” Moisturizing Hair Conditioner, available at drugstores.
2. Remove Deposits
Chlorine buildup can lead to that tell-tale greenish-hue, dullness, and dryness. Fear not, there are store-bought and DIY solutions to fix this problem. At the drugstore, look for Ultra Swim Chlorine Removal Shampoo. At home, take a look through the cabinets for some apple cider vinegar. Simply combine one part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water, and apply to freshly washed hair. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then rinse to reveal freshly clarified hair.
3. Leave-In Condition
Leave-in conditioner formulas can make a huge difference in hair condition and texture. One of my favorite sunscreen brands, Sun Bum, has created the Beach Formula 3 in 1 Leave-In Treatment. This multi-faceted, lightweight formula protects hair from sun and wind damage, offers UV color protection, detangles, and is humidity resistant for those misty Montauk days. Toss the convenient spray into your beach bag with a wide tooth comb, or my favorite The Wet Brush (available at Target), for the perfect post-beach hair fix.
4. Deep Treat
I worked at one of the first Long Island salon’s that began providing the Japanese straightening service to clients. This treatment exposes hair to extreme heat and requires proper post-care. That is how I discovered an amazing deep conditioning product that has been unmatched ever since. The stylists recommended that clients use the Crede Er Treatment from Milbon, to provide intense hydration for stressed-out tresses. This Japanese product can be hard to find, but can be purchased on the Amazon website. A little amount of this product goes a long way! At home, go natural with a DIY coconut oil and honey hair mask. First, Combine 1 tablespoon organic honey and 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil in a bowl. Heat will allow your hair follicles to open, so transfer the mixture into a saucepan and warm it up on low heat (carefully test the temperature before applying). Apply the mixture to wet hair, comb through to the ends, and wrap hair into a bun. For the best results, cover hair with a plastic shower cap to help hold in the heat. Let the mask sit for 30-40 minutes and rinse to reveal softer, well-conditioned strands!
