problem, especially for those of us here in Orlando,”
Michelle explained adding that the care process is sim-
ilar to that of chlorine.
We asked Michelle how to plan your hair routine for
optimal protection on a hot summer day. “First, wash,
condition with hydrating products and let it air dry.
Then, add a serum. Now, before you go out, especially
in very humid climates (because the humidity can add
up to 15% in weight to your strands), you’ll want to
make sure the hair is very dry after using the serum.
You can use the serum on either wet or dry hair, but
you want to make sure that before they go out in the
sun that their hair is dry. The humidity is going to soak
right into the hair making it frizzy and making it even
more tangled.”
Once you arrive at your destination, add in a leave in
conditioner. Michelle recommends their Daily Refresh-
er. “I use it when I get out of the water,” she explained.
“It’s great for detangling and it’s got the bluemax, so
it’s got some extra protection in there and it keeps it
from drying out. Once you go in the chlorine or salt and
that sun hits, it it’s going to start fading your color and
drying out your hair. I always recommend if you have
to get your hair wet (option one, don’t get wet) but it
happens, as soon as you get out use the daily refresher
and try to get the protection back as soon as possible.
Just use your fingers-the last thing you want to do is
try to put a comb through it. Air dry a little with your
fingers and you’ll wind up with some beautiful waves
that look all beachy.”
At the end of the day, you can assess your hair’s sta-
tus and decide if it needs another wash. While washing
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frequently should be avoided, if you’ve been playing
hard and have a head full of salt, chlorine, sweat and
sand, you’ll want to make sure to remove any residue
and add back moisture. Michelle notes that you’ll want
to make sure hair is fully dry before you crawl into bed
for the night.
For general protection, adding a serum is a great idea.
Anything that locks moisture in and keeps the hair from
expanding with humidity is a huge help. “Our serum
or our daily leave in conditioner are fantastic options,”
said Michelle. “Another thing we always encourage
people is that whether they’re in sun, or salt, or chlo-
rine—keep a hat on. There are so many cute options
with fun and funky hats. I think some people, especially
in northern regions, fail to realize that the sun is damag-
ing your hair even if it’s 60 degrees. If you’re outside or
running around, many wear hats to protect their eyes or
skin, but really the sun is doing a number on your hair.”
Aside from a good routine, here are five more tips on
how to protect your hair at the beach or pool.
1. Before you head out for the
day, choose a style that’s
going to protect your hair.
Maybe an simple side braid or
a loose topknot. This will keep
your hair out of your way and
slightly more protected. You
won’t want a style that’s too
tight that may cause matting
but minimal exposure helps.
2. Soak your hair in fresh water
before swimming to prevent it
from absorbing excess salt or
chlorinated water.
3. Try a swim cap, it may not be
the cutest option, but it’ll keep
your hair the safest of any
options.
4. After swimming, rinse your hair
out with fresh water and add a
daily conditioning treatment to
help loosen any knots that may
have formed and to rehydrate.
5. Be selective of where you’re
swimming—make sure the
water isn’t over chlorinated,
while some chlorine is needed
to keep a pool safe too much is
harmful to both your hair and
skin.