Feature

how to survive humidity part 2

February 1, 2010

Frizz-Free Hair.

While the added moisture in the air can be great for our skin - it’s disastrous for hair, especially those with frizz prone locks that suck it up and pouf out.

It’s not just the climate that’s to blame - heat tools and straightening chemicals like formaldehyde aggravate the situation which gets worse if you slack off with regular trims or like to frolic in the sun and surf a lot.

If you’re like me, you probably resort to wearing your hair up a lot but for those times when you want to wear it down here’s what to do to help battle the frizz.

1. Start with the basics - get the RIGHT shampoo and conditioner for your hair type particularly one with silicones. Silicone seals the cuticle. Leave conditioner on for a full five minutes and use a treatment once a week that contains Keratin (it strengthens and heals). Blot dry hair, don’t rub it aggressively.

Try: Joico KPak Reconstruct Shampoo, $30 (has Keratin Silicone).

2. Treat with anti-frizz serum in either a spray or cream formula. Using your fingers, rake your hands evenly through your hair concentrating the majority of the product to the outside.

Try: VO5 Frizz Relief Elixir, $6.49;

3. Blow dry thoroughly and point the nozzle towards the ground in a downward motion - this works along the hair follicle and seals it shut rather than fluffing it upwards.

4. If you want curls - use a diffuser and aim it upwards.

5. Seal the deal - use a shine spray and lightly smooth over hair.

Try: Joico Humidity Blocker, $30.

Limit the amount of times you wash your hair per week - aim for two, three at most. Give your hair a day without any heat styling tools and allow to air dry (if you dare - you might want an arsenal of smoothing serums or just twist your hair into a bun).

Protect your hair while you’re out in the sun. Use UV protection products like Kerastase Soleil Masque UV Defense Active and/or Gelee Fraiche, $42; Joico KPak Sun Therapy Treatment Masque, $30; PPS Silk Moisturiser, $29.

Keep your hair in tip-top condition. Apply weekly treatments especially if you bleach your hair.

Try: Joico KPak Reconstruct Intense Hydrator, $30; Vitapro Fusion Leave IN Hair Treatment, $ (this is organic); Redken Real Control Overnight Treat, $38; Kerastase Nutritive Oleo Relax Nuit, $62; VO5 Moisture Soak Hot Oil, $6.49.