From pool parties to family BBQ’s, our social calendars become jam-packed during the warmer months. Getting out and about is great for you, but what about your hair? Summer’s endless list of activities can reap havoc on even the healthiest heads. We asked Howard Barr, hair stylist and Canada’s creative consultant for
John Frieda, for the best tips and tricks on how to protect your tresses when things start to heat up.

Fun in the sun activity #1: Grabbing some rays

Mane offender: The sun. UVA and UVB rays can damage more than your skin. Under their glare, your precious tresses are also at risk of fading and drying out – especially if your hair is coloured or highlighted. A hot sun is usually accompanied by high humidity, leading to frizz, frizz and more frizz.

Protect your investment:

• Before you hit the beach blanket, work a sun-protecting smoothing product through dry or damp hair. Barr suggests
John Frieda Thermal Protection Hair Serum $14.99 to help minimize discolouration and add shine.

• Grab a chic cover-up, like a wide brim hat or a colourful printed scarf. A physical block between your hair and the powerful rays means less damage to manage later on.

• Don’t fight Mother Nature. This season’s loose, messy bun is a breeze to pull off thanks to a little added volume from the humidity. Working with your natural texture will save you time and aggravation.

Fun in the sun activity #2: Pool party

Mane offender: Chlorine. “Chlorine has a similar effect to household bleach. Although it’s diluted in a pool, consistent exposure will dry and dis-colour hair,” warns Barr. This is exacerbated on hair that is colour treated.

Protect your investment:

• The best way to prevent damage from chlorine is to get the chemical out of the hair sooner, rather than later. “Women who swim should rinse their hair as often as possible,” says Barr. As soon as you get out of the pool give your locks a quick dousing with water.

• Pack a light leave-in spray along with your swimsuit. After a quick dip, try combing
John Frieda Daily Nourishment Leave-In Fortifying Spray, $9.99, though damp hair to detangle, strengthen and preserve it from the sun.

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Fun in the sun activity #3: Ultimate Frisbee

Mane offender: Hair elastics and perspiration. Obviously, you need to keep your hair up, up and away so you can score the winning point for your team. However, constant re-clipping and clamping from inadequate accessories can cause wear and tear on delicate hair.

Protect your investment:

• Find a user-friendly hair accessory. Avoid ones with metal closures that can easily tangle and tear out fine strands. Check out the Stay Put collection from Goody,
www.goody.com
Thin strips of soft, flexible rubber are sewn into the fabric of elastics and headbands so they won’t roll, slip or fall out. The only thing moving will be you.

• Don’t sweat it. According to Barr, “sweat is not really that damaging to hair as the salt levels are not that high. However anyone who believes sweat is damaging their hair might be advised to use a leave-in conditioner.” Packed with Aloe Vera and hydrolyzed silk, John Frieda Rehydrate Moisture-binding deep conditioner $9.99 makes for soothing post-game pampering.

Fun in the sun activity #4: City cycling

Mane offender: Your helmet. A non-negotiable for safety reasons, but it’s certainly not doing your hair (or your look) any favors. The most common complaints from cyclists is that the hard plastic heats up quickly, traps sweat and leaves hair in a damp, fuzzy mess upon removal.

Protect your investment:
• “Sometimes a loose-fitting helmet can break hair on hardcore cyclists,” Barr says. Even if you’re more of a leisurely biker, this can be easily remedied by adjusting to a snugger fit, which is ideal.

• Cut down on tress-damaging friction and create a barrier between your hair and the helmet. “Helmet damage could be prevented by tying a bandanna beneath the helmet,” suggests Barr. It will also help to absorb sweat.

• Slats in a helmet allow for circulation, but also allow the sun to beat down on certain parts of your head. If you’re going to be out for a lengthy ride in the peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM, or have a sunny ride to work every day, protect hair from UV rays with a leave-in conditioner or spray.

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