Back-To-School Haircare: A Guide for Teens and Tweens

The entire summer spent in the sun, surf, and chlorinated pools has done a number on your luscious locks. Here is how to get your hair back-to-school ready in three easy steps.

1. Trim The Fat

Great back-to-school hair begins with healthy hair. Even if you are trying to grow your hair out, it still needs a trim every so often. Typically, a half inch trim every 4-6 weeks is recommended, but having been outside in the sun and water all summer may require more taken off. The ends are probably splitting and fried , so have it trimmed at least an inch. This goes for guys as well. Also, even though you want to make a splash in the new school year, the time to choose a radical new hairdo is not a week before school starts. If you want to change things up, consider getting some cute side-swept bangs, some layers, or making small modifications to your current hairstyle instead of doing something radical. How embarrassing would it be to try a new ultra short 'do before school starts, only to find out short hair doesn't work with your ears?

2. Feed The Beast

Your hair is probably screaming to be fed. With conditioning, that is. Even if you have been using conditioner all summer, your hair is probably in need of something a little more serious. Try a couple of hot oil treatments before school begins, or a deep conditioning hair mask. These can be left on overnight with a shower cap for ultimate conditioning. Nothing says hair health more than hair that is soft, frizz-free, and silky. A treatment the night before school, to be washed out in the morning will make your hair especially luscious and smooth.

3. Dyeing To Be Seen

Let's talk haircolor and how it is probably one of the most eye-catching things you can do for your hair to make a back-to-school statement. A word of caution though, unless you are experienced in coloring or go to a professional salon, don't stray too far from your natural color. Try going one or two shades lighter or darker, or putting in some easy highlights or lowlights that can be purchased in a kit and are pretty foul-proof. Fall often calls for going a shade or two darker, so that would be a great subtle but noticeable change to your hair. Also, dyeing coats the hair shaft to make hair appear smoother and healthier. If your parents poo poo your dyeing dreams, consider getting a toner, or a hair glaze. These are non-permanent products that coat the hair shaft with a clear gloss that makes hair catch the light and shine like it is made of silk. Toners can add just a slight touch of color, along with shine and are the perfect compromise between dye-happy teens and color cautious parents. Remember, if you do decide to dye your hair, enlist a friend and follow the directions to a tee. It is best to dye your hair about a week before school begins to let the color 'settle'.

Going back to school is an exciting time that can also mean a bit of end-of-summer stress for teens. At least one thing you won't have to worry about if you follow these steps, is having a bad hair day!