Defend your locks from harm
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Pagination
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• Perming
Risks A perm is a strong chemical process that lifts and separates the cuticle scales, often stripping them off entirely to reveal the inner cortex of the hair.
Moisture guard May recommends that you wash your hair every other day, use a light conditioner each time you wash, to help prevent breakage, and use a reconstructive treatment once a week.
• Relaxer
Risks "There's a huge risk of moisture loss with relaxers," says May. The two most popular types are chemical relaxers and thermal reconstructive treatments, favoured by women in Asia who want super-straight hair.
Moisture solution "We usually follow a chemical-relaxer treatment with a strengthening conditioner to put the protein back in the hair," says May.
• Sun
Risks "I tell my clients who are going down south, 'When you're on the beach, use a reconstructive treatment and leave it in while you're in the sun.' It protects coloured hair from fading and dehydration. And if you don't like the look of slick hair, buy a big hat!"
Moisture guard Regardless of whether you colour your hair or not, May recommends combing in a colour-care conditioner for added UV protection and moisture. When you get back to your hotel, wash your hair again and add more conditioner.
• Salt water
Risks Salt minerals stick to the hair causing severe dehydration and fading, and they often alter your hair colour.
Moisture solution Sport a leave-in conditioner, but as soon as you've finished swimming in the ocean, rinse your hair immediately and reapply a conditioning treatment.
• Chlorine
Risks If you have highlights and swim in a chlorinated pool, your hair may turn green as the chemical oxidizes.
Moisture guard Use a clarifying shampoo once a week, but no more than that. Follow up with a conditioner for colour-treated hair.
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