Too much fun in the sun? Here's how to restore your mane to its former glory.
Singapore’s climate – hot and humid year-round – calls for frequent dips to cool off. But while we get a refreshing hit, we’re also exposing our hair to saltwater, pool chemicals such as chlorine, and more time in the sun (hello, free radicals), all of which can wreck havoc on our prized asset. Although protection is important, it’s often difficult to sustain (swim caps and hats usually play second fiddle to sunscreen). This detox plan will help you counter whatever has gone awry, so you step into the new year with a head of healthier-looking hair.
STAY TRUE TO YOUR HUE
Spread conditioner through damp hair at the beach to keep colour from fading.
UV DAMAGE
CHLORINE GREEN AND PRODUCT BUILD-UP
“It might seem counterintuitive to wash your hair when it feels dry after being in a pool, but you want to remove the chemical residue as soon as possible,” says Brianne West, founder and CEO of Ethique. That’s because chlorine strips hair of its natural oils, which accelerates damage and results in rough hair. Over time, it can even lead to a shift in colour (for example, blonde hair can look green). To fully remove chlorine and all product build-up, give charcoal a try. “The pores on charcoal’s surface allow for meaningful absorption of toxins and impurities, beyond what a standard shampoo can do,” says Nancy Twine, the founder of haircare line Briogeo. Give chlorine-soaked strands a deep cleanse with a charcoal-infused shampoo, such as Hask Charcoal with Citrus Oil Purifying Shampoo ($16.90, Guardian). It’s beneficial to give your scalp a good detox once in a while too. “Chemical and product build-up on the scalp has been known to cause follicle inflammation and can potentially even lead to hair loss,” Nancy says. Try clarifying scalp drops, such as Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment ($47, www.sephora.sg), and keep excess oil in check on days you don’t wash with a dry shampoo such as Handmade Heroes Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo ($15.90).
SALTY STRANDS
A little salt can help create textured, beachy waves, but too much of it, or leaving it on for too long, will severely dry out your hair, says Rachel. When salt hits your strands, it sticks to the surface, and not only pulls moisture out of your hair but also builds up and hardens, leaving a clumpy, crusty residue. This is why it’s important to wash your hair right after a day at the beach (or if you’ve OD’d on salt spray). Stick with a mild cleanser for daily washing such as Tresemme Cleanse & Replenish Deep Cleansing Shampoo ($14.90, Guardian).
1 R+Co Acid Wash ACV Cleansing Rinse (US$32, or S$44, www.net-a-porter.com)
2 Ethique The Guardian Conditioner for Dry, Damaged or Frizzy Hair (US$18, or S$25, https://global.ethiquebeauty.com).
