 | Kim McIntosh, a former graduate of Xenon Int'l. School of Hair Design serves as the school’s Director and is a shareholder in the business. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructor's license in Kansas and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair and managed some of the most prominent salons in the Wichita area. As an educator, her primary goal has been to provide the beauty industry with successful licensed professionals. Having served in the past as Second Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the National Cosmetology Association of Kansas, Kim is currently a Director on the national board for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You may contact Kim at (316) 943-5516. |
Beauty & Fashion
2009-06-01 10:29:00
Protecting your hair in the summer
Answer: Salons typically receive questions this time of year from clients who are concerned with protecting their hair from the intense summer sun. If you’re wondering what happens to your hair when exposed to heat and sun, just think about what your bathing suit looks like by the end of summer. It has soaked up chlorine, been exposed to daily sunlight and blasted with heat in the clothes dryer. Hair, just like your bathing suit, consists of fiber and is vulnerable to color fading and loss of elasticity. Where bathing suits wear out and are pitched, hair re-grows. But what can you do about sun-damage in the meantime? Enlist the help of a professional for your individual hair care needs. I’ve supplied some commonly asked questions and their solutions:
Question: How can I prevent my blond hair from turning green after swimming?
Answer: Green hair shows up every summer. The green color is most noticeable in blonde hair although it can coat and damage any hair type. Most people assume it is from the chlorine used to purify the water in pools and spas. Chlorine itself is colorless, but greenish compounds form in the pool/spa environment and are readily absorbed by porous hair strands. To remove it from the hair you will need to use products that are made for this purpose. Your hairdresser can recommend some chelating and clarifying shampoos. In unusually difficult cases, where the hair is extremely porous (such as bleached hair) your hairdresser may need to apply a color stripper chemical treatment. To prevent green hair from returning, you have to keep your hair out of the pool! If you’re not willing to give up swimming, you can minimize the hair’s porosity by wetting the hair thoroughly before entering the pool. This will allow the hair to absorb less chlorine. A good conditioner before swimming may help too.
Question: Can you make your hair lighter by using lemon juice?
Answer: Not exactly, Lemon juice by itself will not lighten the hair. Lemon juice AND the ultraviolet rays of the sun will lighten your hair. If your hair color is dark, it will cause the streaks to turn orange! This job is better done by a professional. If you’re seeking the look of natural sun streaks, I would suggest a weave. The weave (unlike the all-over color) will not show such an extreme outgrowth line (dark roots). If you are already a dark blonde or very light brown you can probably use the lemon juice and sun method. But, remember, to reach the results that you are looking for, the lemon/sun method needs about 5 hours in the sun which is hard on your skin. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
The reality is that summer sun and humidity can damage your hair’s cuticle and result in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ends. Hair needs to be treated more gently during the summer. Consider switching to a more moisturizing and overall gentle shampoo. If you normally blow dry and use hot curling tools every day, try and give your hair a break during the summer months. Consider letting your hair air dry or take time out from curling. Hair braided when wet will air dry into beautiful waves. Consider washing your hair less often during the summer months to allow your hair to absorb more moisture. When possible, finish with a cool to cold rinse to seal the hair cuticle and impart natural shine.
