Has the heat and humidity left you with dull, dry or damaged tresses? Don’t hide under a hat - just follow these expert tips.
Has the heat and humidity left you with dull, dry or damaged tresses? Don’t hide under a hat - just follow these expert tips.
Sun-drenched days, swimming pools and saltwater can wreak havoc on your hair, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. This leaves previously lustrous lengths prone to frizz, colour fade and flatness, says hairstylist Barney Martin. We zoom in on six common hair concerns and our top product picks to regain healthy tresses.
When the humidity soars, moisture penetrates the hair cuticle causing strands to swell, resulting in a flyaway effect. Opt for sprays or serums containing argan oil (to soften and shield from environmental aggressors) and antioxidants (to restore shine). Spritz to damp hair before styling for best results. “Scrape wet lengths into a low chignon, high topknot or bun,” says Barney. “This look is perfect for frizzy, hard-to-tame hair.”
Air pollutants, heat styling and sun damage can cause your fresh new hue to look lacklustre. Fortunately, coddling your hair with colourspecific products can restore your strands to their salon-worthy state. “If your colour is a bit flat or faded, use purple shampoo and conditioners to tone and bring it back to life,” advises Barney. Stick to sulphate-free shampoo and conditioners – sulphates contain salt, which can sap moisture and strip colour.
Does the humidity cause your bouncy blow-dry to fall flat by lunch? First things first: Limit your use of conditioner. “Using too much conditioner can weigh hair down,” says Barney. Pump up the volume with colour – this will swell the hair shaft, making it look fuller. And stick to layered, textured styles when going for the chop. “These give the illusion of body,” explains Barney. At home, opt for root-lifting products and lightweight mousses.
Chlorine exposure can cause your mane to lose moisture and become porous. Occasionally but not always, your lengths may also sport a subtle shade of green. Prevent damage by rinsing hair first and using a protective anti-UV spray. “This will stop your locks from absorbing chlorinated water,” says Barney. Immediately afterwards, wash with a clarifying shampoo, then treat with a protein-rich deep conditioning mask to seal in moisture and soothe strands.
Fun in the sun, exposure to wind and waves, hot tools, over-colouring and under-treating can result in thirsty locks, says Barney. Restore rough hair back to its glossy glory with products containing coconut oil to enhance shine and soften texture. A hydrating leave-in conditioner or serum will also help maintain moisture levels. Suffering from split ends? Schedule frequent trims and avoid lots of layers.
When the mercury rises, your sebaceous (sweat) glands go into overdrive. Swap your regular shampoo for a lighter, clarifying formula that removes product buildup and excess oil without stripping strands. “Don’t overwash your hair as this encourages over production of natural oils,” says Barney. And hit refresh between washes with a dry shampoo.
