Lovely Locks

Meghan A.T.B. Reese

Summer is here, and with it comes the heat and humidity that can kill your coif. Don’t let your hair fall into a summer slump. Antonio Prieto, acclaimed hairstylist and owner of the Antonio Prieto Salon, offers these tips.

Care for Your Hair
While you're slathering on the sun protection, don’t forget your hair. To avoid faded, dull, and dried out hair, use a product with UV filter and nutrient-rich oils, like Cibu’s Geishalicious shampoo. Also, nothing refreshes quite like a dip in the pool, but the cost is often dry hair. Try a leave-in conditioner like Cibu’s Miso Knotty or Johnson & Johnson’s No More Tangles 10-15 minutes before you dive in to protect your locks from chlorine. After you swim, use a detoxifying shampoo and conditioner.

Moisturizing isn’t just for skin! Nourish your locks by using a moisturizing hair cream. Use your regular conditioner as a penetrating treatment by massaging in a generous amount and letting it stay on for 5 to 10 minutes. And remember, just like skin, hair needs protection, so grab a chic hat and be sure to use products with UV protection.

Summer Styling
Don’t fight the texture of your hair during the sticky summer months. A ponytail is a classic, sexy, user-friendly style. Wear it high or low, messy or tight, for a look that will take only minutes. To add some summer elegance and color, try different looks with Asian inspired hair sticks, butterfly barrettes, or beautiful silk flowers, like those from Karin’s Garden. The orchid and tiger lily pony holders can take you from a wedding or shower to a company picnic with the greatest of ease.

If it’s too hot to have a ponytail hanging on your skin, a low bun at the nape of your neck is a sophisticated option. And for a little more fun, try messy pigtail buns. To add some summer sparkle, spritz your hair with Brocato’s shimmer sprays in platinum, gold, or pearl.

For fresh out of the ocean waves without the sticky salt water, rub some product through your hair and air dry or use a diffuser. We like Kusco-Murphy’s Beach Hair with sunscreen, crushed bamboo, and a tropical coconut fragrance for the day and Kusco-Murphy’s Bedroom Hair with green tea and aromatic cassia for summer nights.