Bad Summer for Hair

By Joy Ross CONTRIBUTOR

Hi everyone! I hope you’re staying cool and dry. This is an especially bad summer for our hair. Frizz, damage, fading, flat and limp. I know all of you have at least one of the above if not more. Misery loves company so know you’re not alone. I can’t stress enough how important it is to take extra special care of your hair in these hot, sticky months. Please use good shampoo and conditioner and a spray leave in when outside. A heat protectant before blowing and styling will help to protect the hair. Do not shampoo every day. It strips the natural oils and actually makes the hair greasy. Wet , saturate the hair before swimming so it cannot absorb the chemicals in the pool water. It will make a big difference in the health of your hair and keeping the color in place longer. I cannot stress this enough. I know I’m being redundant but so these simple things are so important. Having regular trims is second of importance. I know it’s easier to put your hair up and forget about it but it needs the extra attention..

I decided I would give you some little known facts about hair. I’ll quit preaching this month. I will say that if there’s some- thing you think is a subject others would like to hear about, please email me joy@ styleitsalon.com. I do have a difficult time coming up with new subjects every month so this will help me quit repeating myself. I can be your Dear Abby for hair. I would welcome your thoughts questions. Now for some little known, somewhat useless, hair facts.

Black is the most predominant hair color, followed by brown, then blonde then red which is the most rare.

Hair can stretch up to 30% of its original length when wet. This is why you shouldn’t brush or pull your hair when it’s wet. The elasticity will cause it to damage and snap when it’s stressed.

Hair grows faster in the spring and summer months (just like the plants). The vitamin D and C are the culprits. Finally, your follicles are alive, but the strand is dead. Therefore, it cannot absorb toxins and chemicals.

Now you have nonsense to chat about at a dinner party when there’s a lull in the conversation.

Till next time.... stay cool.

Joy Ross is owner of Style It Salon in Old Town Bluffton. styleitsalon.com