COVER STORY - Hair care for all seasons.

COVERSTORY HAIR CARE A SeassHAIR CARE FOR

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HAIR ALL YEAR LONG

By Kerry-Ann Scrase

Just as you change your clothing and even your diet depending on the season, so should you change your hair care. Your hair's needs, condition and behaviour changes depending on the general weather conditions. Understanding the needs of your hair and tweaking your hair care routine will ensure that your hair remains your crowning glory all year long.

SUMMERTIME

Who does not love a bit of summer sun? It rejuvenates the body and the soul, however just as your skin is vulnerable to damage from the sun's harsh rays, so is your hair. That healthy sun-streaked look is great, but it can also leave your hair frazzled, frizzy and fried. Combine this with wind, salt and chlorine and the results can be disastrous.

The sun weakens the hair's protein structures, dehydrates it, and reduces elasticity so that it breaks more easily. A hat is the best protection for your hair, but it may not always be practical to wear a hat.

Look out for products that contain sunscreen there are effective hairsprays, leave-in conditioners and treatment products that contain sunscreen.

Chlorine and salt water can ravage your hair. You should use a water-resistant treatment to prevent damage. You can make your own by adding high protection suntan oil to a thick conditioner and combing this through your hair. Pop in a bun, plait or slick your hair back. Simply shampoo and condition after use.

Don't forget to also protect your scalp especially along partings which are exposed to the sun. A pre-shampoo treatment should be used to restore moisture and condition to your hair.

AUTUMN CARE

Autumn is the season to pamper and care for your hair. After a summer of sun, sea, pool and outdoor fun you will probably find your hair is dry, dull and split. The first step is to trim off the split ends and then remoisturise replacing all the precious moisture lost during summer in order to restore the hair's elasticity, resilience and shine.

Pre-shampoo treatments can be left on overnight or all day to pump moisture back into hair cells. These will really help restore your hair, however you should continue applying a nourishing hair mask every two to three weeks to maintain the condition and health of the hair.

WINTER WOES

Winter is probably one of the most challenging seasons for hair because of the constant changes in temperature, humidity and general environment. Every time you move from a dry, heated home or office into the cold air outside your hair's behaviour changes. One minute it can be dry and full of static, the next floppy and limp. Hats and beanies also play havoc with your hair and scalp. Your hair can end up looking messy every time you take your hat off and it causes friction which damages the hair. Winter also sees an increase in flaky itchy scalp conditions. The most important thing when it comes to scalp care in winter (or in fact any season) is to wash and condition your hair regularly - daily if you can. Remember you need a healthy scalp for healthy hair growth. So even though it is cold do not skimp on your basic hair washing routine.

You can also try a scalp toner. These are applied by parting the hair and applying to the scalp. Massage the toner into the scalp and it will relieve itching and flaking and leave the scalp refreshed.

SPRING – NEW BEGINNINGS

Just by its very nature, Spring fills us with renewed energy. Even if you looked after your hair through the winter months, you will likely emerge feeling like you need a change. A good cut and style is always a great way to get rid of hair that is dry, dull and damaged. You may also consider dyeing your hair for a boost. Dyeing your hair will not necessarily give it shine but it will give it depth of colour which will immediately make your hair look healthier.

Zinc taken orally and applied topically in conditioning treatments will really give your hair a boost and as in previous seasons a regular hair mask routine will maintain your hair and ensure that it enters summer looking healthy and full of life.

ALL YEAR, EVERY DAY

Beautiful healthy hair starts on the inside… a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables is essential however hair is a protein, so you need to ensure you are getting enough protein as well. If you are vegetarian or vegan make sure you get enough protein from plant sources or supplement as not enough protein can lead to lack lustre hair and even hair loss.

Interestingly, breakfast is the most important meal for your hair. Your energy levels to your hair are at their lowest first thing in the morning and they need a boost. Furthermore, the energy levels to your hair are depleted if you do not eat for more than four hours. Healthy snacks in between meals is important for healthy hair and hair growth.

Whether you are a vegetarian or vegan, if your hair lacks condition, is breaking and not growing well consider a hair supplement rich in calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins D and B.