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Skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid for summer stressed hair
If your hair has been through some summer stress – think sun, chlorine, salt and air travel – then perhaps a routine revamp is in order.
This season, we are seeing more hair products that take their cues from the skincare sphere. If the ingredient is good enough for your face, then it’s likely your hair and scalp will love it, too.
To help combat dryness, start by protecting and replenishing your scalp’s barrier with products containing hyaluronic acid such as Dyson Amino ($85), a leave-in foam with barley and amino acids. For those with very dry scalps, styling foams are a soothing option. Try Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu and Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam ($45).
Salicylic acid (BHA) is great for scalp exfoliation, removing excess product and targeting flakiness; try Drunk Elephant TLC Happi Scalp Scrub ($67). Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is good for oil reduction, which is why we like Make Styling Sea Salt Spray ($31). And vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost collagen production. Look no further than R+Co Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner ($49).
Micellar water also has a place in hair care as the gentle micelles help cleanse the hair by lifting dirt, oil and product build-up without disrupting the scalp’s natural moisture barrier and is especially effective for fine, oily or colour-treated hair. Aveda Foam Reset Rinseless Hydrating Hair Cleanser ($73) is a great option.
Another way to give your hair a seasonal refresh is to take a break from heat styling. Try to work with your hair’s natural texture by finger-drying it using a power-boosted dryer like the Cloud Nine Airshot Pro ($499). To shield hair from styling heat, spritz Oribe Balm d’Or Heat Styling Shield ($75) onto your palms and work it through mid-lengths to ends.
The best finger-drying technique involves using your fingers like a rake to lift roots and create volume while directing hot air from a hairdryer from root to end. For a further boost, flip your head upside down and tousle your hair while drying. If you want a smoother look, close your fingers and keep the dryer pointed downwards to seal the cuticle.
When I’m feeling lazy, I often just blast my fringe and then work my favourite “no blow-dry” styling product into the mid-lengths and ends before letting it dry naturally, my justification being that it saves the bulk of my hair from heat damage. For this, my go-to product is Living Proof Style Lab Air-Dry Styler ($59).
ASK STEPH
Can you suggest a good treatment for tired feet?
Nourishing Foot Balm from the clever folk at Birkenstock ($43) caught my eye recently. They certainly know feet and this cream’s rich formula includes soothing murumuru butter, white willow bark extract and pomegranate enzymes.
Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.
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