By incorporating these frizz-taming tricks in your beauty regimen, it is possible to win the beauty battle against wetter weather
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Let’s face it – the reason why you’ve clicked into this story is because you’re tired of waking up to a mane that simply won’t obey, thanks to the 90% of humidity that has hit our city as early as the beginning of April this year.
If you’ve lived in Hong Kong long enough, you will certainly be very well acquainted with the maddening effect of humidity on hair. When carefully styled curls drop and textured locks become untamable and puffy in the time it takes to reach the office, it’s inevitable that most of us would ask ourselves: “Why do I even bother styling my hair in this weather?”.
With the help of two hair-care professionals, Aveda’s Creative Director Glory Chan and IL COLPO group’s Director Chris Cheng, we say it’s time to fight back. Here are their best beauty tips for tackling the humid season ahead.
Don’t over wash your hair
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If you’re one of those people who washes your hair both in the morning and at night, you may want to rethink your hair care regimen. In humid climate, cutting down the frequency that you shampoo is indeed a natural frizz fighter.
“I don’t recommend people to wash their hair twice a day. Washing intensively will over cleanse the scalp and hair, eventually resulting in a sensitive scalp as it lacks natural protection,” says Chan. “Over washing your hair will also cause excessive oil to be released from your scalp as it aims to balance the dehydrated condition.” he adds.
Cold splash
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We all love that refreshing cold shower on a hot summer day. Good news: blasting our locks with stream of cool water is beneficial to our hair. “This helps to close down your hair’s cuticle so that moisture from the air can’t get in and wreck your design,” says Cheng.
Watch your hair products
It’s worth investing in effective frizz-taming hair products that can help protect your strands from the moist air. “Consult your hairstylist for choosing the suitable shampoo and condition for your hair type in different climates,” advises Cheng.
In case you haven’t heard, the drier your locks are, the worse they will be suffering from frizzing and flopping. To keep hair hydrated, nourished but light, leave-in conditioner should be one of your go-to products in this climate. “Look for products that feature ingredients like naturally derived plant fibers, which allow them to attach to each hair strand to loosen waves, as well as to help hold your straight hairstyle in place,” says Glory. He recommends Aveda’s damage remedy daily hair repair, an organic leave-in conditioner which aims to restore health, softness and shine to your locks.
Show Beauty’s pure treatment oil, on the other hand, is a lightweight serum that is infused with nourishing Argan oil, leaving hair fiber renewed, strengthened and nourished.
Use heat-protecting products
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While hair-straighteners and curling tongs are our best friends when creating weatherproof looks for the day, these heat styling tools are toxic to our strands in the long-term. So for the last time, apply leave-in hair product to prevent thermal damage before taking a flat iron to your hair, remarks Chan. Consider opting for the vitamin-infused Moroccan oil heat styling protection also acts as a thermal protective shield and provides a glossy finish.
Cheng also highlights on the importance to control the time of hot styling tools stay on your tresses. “Try keep it under five to eight seconds for thick hair, and three to five seconds for damaged and fine hair.”
Pamper it after your pool and beach dates
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Summertime is the best time to lounge by the pool, hang out at the beach and go on one too many weekend boat trips. But unless you are comfortable with donning a rubber swimming cap every time you head into the water, chances are your hair will suffer from brittle ends, frizziness and uneven colour that comes along with extended time in the pool or sea.
“As you are at the beach, intensive sunlight releases free radicals which breaks down hair protein, damage cuticles and strip away its color, while salt from the seawater dries and roughens hair. In addition, the chlorinated pool water discolours hair as well as damages and weakens fibers,” remarks Chan. He underlines the need for a thorough aftercare for our tresses which can cleanse and restore hair from the harmful effects of sun, salt and chlorine. Aveda’s sun care hair and body cleanser, for example, can gently and effectively remove chlorine and salt while restoring moisture in our locks.
Tie it up
If you’re having a majorly bad hair day and you can’t afford the time to tame your locks with heat styling tools, an effortless hair up-do will become your lifesaver. Chan suggests mastering the messy bun, which has the volume and texture that keeps your look from entering ballerina territory. Perfect for gym, beach day or an even a night out, a sleek and high power braid is sharp and classy. Smooth over a tiny amount of styling gel over your top hair for added shine.