15. HAIR HYDRATION HANDBOOK

How good is the feeling when the days start to get a little bit longer, the weather gets a little bit warmer and you can just feel spring poking its head around the corner and summer is just on the horizon. You start spending more time outside, in the water and an afternoon drink with the girls is a little more enticing. But the fact of the matter is your hair could be suffering. Sunshine, humidity, salt water and styling products and tools all have an effect and can take a toll on your hair. Well never fear! We are going to share some of our hot tips to hair hydration this spring/summer so there is no guilt factor when it comes to enjoying all activities that come with this time of year. 

HYDRATION STATION 

So let's start with product. There is nothing worse than being completely overwhelmed by products and not knowing where to start. Its easy to be bamboozled by everything out there and all their marketing about what the products claim to do and being blinded by pretty packaging (I mean who hasn’t!). Let us cut through the clutter and suggest just a few must haves to chose from to make life easy and that you know will definitely get you some hydration results. 

Oribe have an amazing line of products specifically targeted to moisture and control. Its amazing for all hair types whether your straight hair is feeling limp and lifeless or your curly mane is just frizzing beyond control - it has benefits for everyone! If you're in the market for a shampoo and conditioner at the moment we highly recommend the Shampoo and Intense Conditioner for Moisture and Control for this oncoming season. If you want to up your game a little then you can never go wrong with a hair mask and the Moisture and Control Deep Treatment Masque is a great addition.

For the Olaplex girls out there if your already running the shampoo and conditioner, the Olaplex best seller, no.3 hair perfector is an amazing addition. It also seamlessly fits in if you're using other shampoo and conditioner brands. This  at home treatment is an easy step in your hair routine that leaves you feeling like you just come from the salon. It reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair, improving its look and feel, restoring your hairs healthy appearance and texture. 

From our fave sustainably conscious brand Kevin Murphy, their Hydrate Me Rinse, Wash and Masque are our top picks from their range for hair hydration containing hydrolysed silk extracts that instantly smooth the surface, sealing in moisture to the hair. The shampoo is gentle but effective, cleaning without stripping the scalp and hair’s natural oils which is essential for hydration. It's a beach babes best friend.

Of course if your in the mood to treat yourself the addition of a salon treatment is the ultimate self care splurge and your hair will love you for it. 

AT HOME HELP 

Being a beachside salon we have a huge blonde clientele, many who spend a lot of their time outside or in the ocean. Weather your blonde, brunette, red or blue our number one tip for hair hydration after a day at the beach and swimming in the ocean is RINSE! Ultimately, a quick rinse under the showers after you have swum is our number one tip. Rinse away the salt water as it is dehydrating and as soon as your hair dries it makes it brittle and susceptible to breakage. Throw in a few hours in the sun with dried salt water on your ends and your will be frazzled. So step

1. Rinse with fresh water once you've swum.

Step 2. Wash with shampoo and conditioner once you have gotten home.

If you're swimming daily or regularly then avoid washing your hair too frequently but the rinsing step is imperative. 

Next TURN DOWN THE HEAT! Its no secret that the less heat styling you do on your hair the better but who doesn’t love a big bouncy blow out or a sleek pony. Avoiding heat styling will ultimately ensure the health and hydration of your hair so opt for something like a sea salt spray to create textured waves or a curl enhancer to smooth and control the curly girls. 

Last but not least, try a silk pillow case! Not only is it great for your skin, its most beneficial results are for your hair. The silk can help retain moisture from products and natural oils to reduce friction which causes tangling and breakage. Also … dreamy to sleep on! 

INSIDE OUT 

Ultimately the number one tip to keeping your hair hydrated is treating it from the inside. Like anything related to health and wellbeing food and supplements can make a huge difference to whatever you're looking to fix. 

We always recommend in salon to our clients that they be taking a daily does of collagen to help with hair hydration and health. The inclusion of a collage supplement in your daily routine helps provide the amino acids the are used to build keratin (the protein that makes up hair), helps fight damage to hair follicles, prevent thinning and boost hydration. Some of the brands we are loving right now are JS Health, Nutra Organics and The Beauty Chef. 

Keeping a well balanced diet will of course be beneficial to overall well being which in turn helps with hair health. Hydration can come from the foods we fuel our bodies with and some more so than others. Try adding eggs (great source of protein and biotin which hair thrives on), berries, spinach, fatty fish like salmon, avocado and nuts and seeds to see a difference in your overall hair health and hydration. 

So there you have it! Our little hot tip list of what to do’s to keep your hair hydrated and luscious this spring/summer! Little changes here and there can make a huge difference but also remember that these changes can also bring more longevity to your salon colour. Which ultimately means more time doing the things you love!