Fast Fixes For Shiny, Healthy Hair

Has the heat and humidity left you with dull, dry or damaged tresses? Don’t hide under a hat - just follow these expert tips.

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Has the heat and humidity left you with dull, dry or damaged tresses? Don’t hide under a hat - just follow these expert tips.

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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.

TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ELIZABETH LIEW / PHOTO: 123RF.COM
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FEND OFF FRIZZ

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.”

"Repel humidity, tame frizz and enhance shine with John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Original 6 Effects Serum, $19.90 (50 ml), which has an expert blend of silicones and silk protein."
 
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"Lock down unruly flyaways with the portable OUAI Anti-Frizz Sheets, $27, that contain coconut oil and shea butter to leave hair shiny and smooth."
 
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"The Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate & Argan Oil NutriOil, $53 (100 ml) is lightweight, fragrant and utterly nourishing to both hair and body."
 
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STOP COLOUR FADE

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.

"Available in brown, ash and pink variants, the Liese Hair Color Supplement, $17.90 (170 g), is specially designed to lock colour in for longer and banish brassiness."
 
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"Formulated without silicones or parabens, the L’Oréal Botanicals Fresh Care Geranium Radiance Remedy Shampoo, $17.90 (400 ml), helps hydrate and restore shine to dull, coloured hair."
 
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"Wash your hair with KMS Color Vitality Shampoo, $32 (300 ml), designed to prevent colour from fading while enhancing radiance."
 
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LIFT LIMP LENGTHS

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.

"Build body and fullness with the fluffy Schwarzkopf G2B Volumaniac Bodifying Mousse, $12.50 (226 g)."
 
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"Boost volume right from the roots with IGK 30,000 Feet Volume Powder Spray, $50 (7 g), which coats strands with bentonite clay to add density and grip."
 
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"Pump up lifeless hair with Goldwell Stylesign Ultra Volume Double Boost Intense Root Lift Spray, $34 (200 ml)."
 
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SWIM-PROOF YOUR TRESSES

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.

"Block out humidity and harmful UV rays with Rita Hazan Lock + Block Protective Spray, $39 (85 g), which also protects coloured hair from fading."
 
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"Syoss Moisture 10 Intensive Care Shampoo, $9.90 (350 ml) is formulated with 10 hydrating actives to deeply nourish dehydrated and brittle hair, leaving it softer and easier to manage."
 
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"The olive oil-infused L’Occitane En Provence Huiles D’Olivier Nourishing Mask, $55 (200 ml), helps protect against external aggressors and restore postswim hair to a soft, supple and silky state."
 
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HYDRATE DRY HAIR

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.

"Botanist Botanical Hair Milk (Smooth), $24 (80 ml), gives tresses a moisture boost and contains hydrolised silk, known to repair UV damage."
 
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"Made with virgin coconut oil from Bali, each koqo VCO face.body. hair spray, $22 (100 ml), is rich in antioxidants and ultrahy drating. The best part? It’s organic, and can even be drunk!"
 
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"Vernon Francois Leave-In Conditioner, $36.66 (200 ml), contains Mongongo oil that protects hair from the sun without weighing it down."
 
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BANISH OILINESS

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.

"Packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins from prickly pear cactus, the HASK Cactus Water Weightless Moisture Shampoo, $18.90 (355 ml), cleanses and hydrates oily hair weight lessly."
 
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"The silicone-free Moist Diane Extra Fresh Shampoo, $16.90 (500 ml), helps purify scalp of sebum and dirt. It contains active ingredients to soothe irritation, without stripping your hair of its essential moisture."
 
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"Bid greasy hair goodbye as A’kin Dry Shampoo, $14.90 (150 ml), is formulated with an extraabsorbent blend of bamboo and rice powder to give your hair volume and texture."