Sunblock for you Hair!

It looks as though the sun is finally coming here to New York! If you are one of those people who simply cannot wait to get out there and rip off all those winter layers, then it looks like you won't have to wait much longer. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year, hiking, fishing, swimming and simply wandering new corners of the city. All of these outdoor activity means prolonged exposure to the sun and this means that you should be applying SPF on a daily basis but you might be forgetting your hair!

If your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun, UVA and UVB rays can damage the outside cover of the hair strand, called the cuticle. Signs of sun damage to your hair include discoloration, dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends, thinning and frizziness. Damaged hair has a dry look and feel.

Especially if you are a lover of the pool and or the beach, the chlorine and salt water are harsh on your hair. There are a few options for protection, when I was younger my mother would rub regular sunblock in my hair, well this is that same idea, perfected. SachaJuan Hair in the Sun

Winter Hair Blues

During the winter months, we are, for the most part, confined to indoor activities. This causes a bit of cabin fever and causes us to experiment more with our looks, the main characteristic being our hair. The coming of the winter means dry everything, from the land, to our skin and even to our hair. Here are a few ways that you can keep moisturized and nourished. 

Lets start in the morning:

You know how you love to shower and wash your hair every morning...stop it. The mix of the cold hair outside and moisture in your hair is a toxic combination. Keep the hair washing to a minimum. Instead, if your hair starts feeling a tad oily or greasy, try an alternative like our Klorane Dry Shampoo that comes in two formulas for both light and dark hair colors. 

Before leaving the house when you are bundling up, don't forget your head! The cold air dries out your hair making it feel brittle, stiff and dry. Grabbing a hat before you leave the house will not only keep your body warm but keep your hair protected from the brutal cold. Worried about hat hair and frizz? Buying a beanie lined with satin will prevent this, or you can simply tie a scarf over your hair before a hat as well!

At night when you feel like it's time for a good wash, consider a Co-Wash. Briogeo Hair Care is a great line which has an amazing "Avocado + Quinoa" Co-Wash which works wonders. Co-Wash actually stands for Conditioning Wash: using a conditioner or conditioner cream based product to cleanse the hair in place of a shampoo. If the hair is extra dry, or chemically processed like mine, try the "Don't Despair Repair" Deep Conditioning Mask.

For the night-time, if you like your apartment hot and cozy like me, be sure to invest in a good humidifier. The heat in your apartment dries out the air as well as your skin and hair.  Using a humidifier will combat the effects of the heat and leave you waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day. Say goodbye to waking up tired, groggy and dehydrated!

HEADS UP!

Hair is a decorative crown that shows off our true style.

Your hair says something about who you are, how you want to be seen by others, and how you see yourself. Contrary to popular belief, "good hair"  is not just about genetics; great hair is a combination of good haircare, products, and a healthy lifestyle.

Hair is made up of keratin (protein) and starts deep in the dermis layer and sprouts up through your follicles and out through the scalp. Too much oil/dirt on the scalp can clog the follicles and stunt hair growth. Too little oil and moisture causes dry scalp and leads to flaking or dandruff. Chemical processes, product abuse, and over styling can cause hair to break, dry out, and become weak.

 To keep your hair as healthy as can be, follow these simple shampoo and conditioning tips:

• SHAMPOO - Keep your scalp clean from dirt, grime, and product buildup. I recommend washing your hair at least once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo. If you have oily hair you should wash your scalp at least twice a week with a clarifying shampoo or a normal shampoo, and if you have coarse hair at least twice a month with a nourishing shampoo. Your hair naturally creates its own oil, and if not properly cleaned it can lead to breakage. Tip: Focus shampoos on your scalp, and as you rinse it out it will clean the rest of your hair. 
• CONDITION - You do not have to use a conditioner every time you wash your hair. It depends on you hair, and whether it is: dry, needs shine, or to make it easier to comb. Conditioners coat the hair with emollients that remain even after you rinse it out, which adds shine and moisture. Apply conditioner from the middle of your hair to the ends because that is the driest part of your hair, and the emollients can clog your scalp. Tip: If your conditioner makes your hair too limp then you should consider switching brands.
  

Remember, what ever you take care of will thrive. Take care of your hair, and it will stay beautiful.