5 Natural Remedies for the Summer Hair Blues

Sunshine, ocean water, chlorine: they make for a great summer day, but they're not always kind to your hair. You can keep your hair looking fabulous all summer long by using tips and tricks from salon professionals. The best part is, you won't have to go any further than your own home for these natural remedies.

Detoxify hair with apple cider vinegar - The acidity in apple cider vinegar is great for detoxifying the hair because the acidity is a close match fro the acidity in natural hair. This makes it ideal for removing buildup, according to Emily Thomas, General Manager at Cutler Salon, Miami Beach, Fla. She suggests using "it once a week in the shower - alone before shampooing. One cup should suffice for medium length, naturally straightened hair. Add an additional cup to curly, textured or longer hair."

Protect highlights with conditioner - The last color you want to see on your signature summer highlights is green. Because the hair cuticle opens when it's wet, the hair will absorb chlorine. Remember the color wheel? Blue + yellow = green.

"Chemically lightened hair (highlights, foils) is even more porous and therefore will absorb more chlorine. If the hair is wet down before swimming the cuticle is opened. If conditioner is applied to the hair it fills the cuticle, leaving it less likely to absorb the chlorine" according to stylist Meaghan Ortenzi, Keldara Salon and Spa, Dedham, MA.

Paddle away the moisture - If you don't have a paddle brush, you should, at least in your beach bag. "Use a paddle brush, it's great for the beach. It removes most of the moisture, keeping hair smooth so you don't have to work as hard to comb out tangles," advises celebrity hair stylist Naz Kupelian.

Let the air dry your hair - The professionals agree: put away the hair dryer whenever possible. Even "towel-drying" should be skipped. "Avoid towel-drying your locks post-shower because it adds friction and friction = frizz. If you can skip blow-drying your hair, do it. Nick recommends letting your hair air-dry as often as possible since the heat of a blow-drier will detract moisture from your locks," recommends Nicholas Penna, Jr., owner and lead stylist of SalonCapri in Newton, Mass.

Brighten naturally, with chamomile - Naturally brighten hair with chamomile tea. You can use a mix of cooled chamomile tea, lemon juice on your hair before heading into the sun.

Sources

Email interviews with salon professionals, conducted June 2011