Here’s what we’re using to rescue our hair this summer, from treatments to great hair oils …
Swimming and sun exposure can cause havoc to our hair. We’re always looking out for remedies, masks and treatments that can help to mitigate the damage. Current favourites? I’m using Oribe shampoo and conditioner, which I find great – nourishing, and a pleasure to use – though an expensive habit to maintain. For scalp-care, look to pharmacy brands such as Aveeno, and remember to wash your scalp as well as the lengths of your hair. And then with conditioner, apply to lengths only, rather than the scalp.
Many hairdressers offer good treatments to help restore moisture to your hair; I love a good Davines hair mask (book in to Romina Daniel salons, in Sandyford and Palmerstown). And I always love a good hairstylist tip, so here’s mine: if you live in or near Dundalk, I highly recommend Orla at Peter Mark – she can advise you on the K18 products and how to get the best results from them (plus, like all the best hair stylists, she is great fun).
Here are five ways to restore some shine, bounce and condition into stressed summer hair:
1 THE TREATMENT
K18 is a bit of a phenomenon – its leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask is a bestseller, and the whole range is widely stocked across Ireland now. I tried out one of the new K18 professional hair treatments at Peter Mark the other week, and loved it. The Detox Treatment (there’s also a pH Maintenance Treatment) was thorough, fuss-free and effective – the trick seems to be to not overuse the products, as they are very concentrated, and also to leave them on for a few minutes to work, before styling. My hair felt shinier, more conditioned and stronger when I left the salon, and the blowdry lasted nearly a week. I’m also trying out the new K18 molecular repair hair oil at home – it’s designed to tame frizz (for the whole day) and reduce split ends. It’s heat-protectant too. Even long hair only needs three drops, and there’s no heaviness or greasiness, like some oils. €65, at K18 official salons nationwide: see www.k18hair.ie.
2 THE BRUSH
Hush & Hush have a range of supplements, including Deeply Rooted for hair health and to encourage growth, plus a new haircare range. The floral hairbrush is one of Hush & Hush’s bestsellers, and no wonder – so many brushes are plain, if not downright ugly. But this is one we can display on our dressing table, or bring in a bag – a “going out” hairbrush. €30; www.hushandhush.ie.
3 THE OIL
I tend to use hair oil on lengths when I remember to, as my hair is so dry; a few drops on towel-dried lengths seems to help. I’ll use something like Augustinus Bader’s hair oil, or this softly scented Irish one by Ground Wellbeing, with rosemary and clary sage (€27.50, www.groundwellbeing.com). To promote scalp health – and thus healthy hair – Annutri’s Grow It Scalp Oil (€35, at www.annutri.com) is made in Ireland.
4 THE HAIR MIST
Have you got the hang of hair mist? It’s a lighter way to wear scent, and can offer a more affordable way to wear a luxury perfume – for example Frederic Malle hair mists start at €125, compared with €240-plus for the (undeniably gorgeous and longer-lasting) eau de parfums. And yes, Portrait of a Lady is available as a hair mist (€160 for 100ml, rather than €305 for the same sized perfume).
Also in on the act is Jo Malone London, whose latest Sakura Cherry Blossom hair mist seems the perfect scent to wear in this way, light and floral. It’s limited-edition, at Brown Thomas. At €48 (30ml) it’s a bit more affordable than the same-size cologne (€65).
5 THE SEA SPRAY
I haven’t tried this out, but I like the idea of a purely Irish sea salt spray. Those of us lucky enough to be near the sea can dunk our heads at any time, or do a Sam McKnight and put a bit of seawater in a spray bottle (see this post for more). This one has been created by Ciarán O’Sullivan of KiwiCutz salon in Cork City, using pure natural Irish sea salt and it’s nicely presented in a glass bottle. I feel that if you are far from the sea, or away from home, this bottle would be a refreshing and uplifting reminder of home, as well as helping to deliver Kate Moss-esque beachy, textured waves. €28.99 from www.kiwicutz.com.
