5 fantastic ways to keep your hair looking great in the summer heat

Finding a good colorist and hair stylist is like finding a good doctor. And when I moved to Jacksonville, I had to search for the perfect person to do my hair. It’s such a personal relationship and to find someone who understands your hairs ups and downs is priceless. So when I discovered Devin, I was ecstatic. Devin Pifer from Hair by Devin located on the Southside of Jacksonville was the answer to my hair problems. She not only does a top rate job, but listens, evaluates, and asks questions, making sure your hair is done exactly how you want it. She’s does this with her own flair and understands the stress women have in finding the right color and style.

I asked Devin to share a few insider tips on how to keep our hair looking good in the dog days of summer. Here’s what she said on beating the heat.

1. During the summer months, rinse hair with cool water. Hot water dries and damages hair excessively. Running cold water through your hair also helps retain moisture and keeps you cool.
2. Summer heat & styling completely dries out your hair. Give back natural moisture by towel-drying your hair and letting it air-dry. Don't blow-dry as often. If you use a leave-in conditioner or glossing cream, apply it while your hair is still damp and use a brush or comb to distribute the product. Always apply a heat protector on your hair before you turn on any styling tools. Summer is the perfect time of year to stop or cut down on using flat irons and other heated tools. Ultimately, protect your hair and avoid over heating, over brushing and washing it every day. Have fun and experiment with hats or scarves that will shield your hair from the sun.
3. The sun's harmful UV rays can damage your tresses, so you need to start using products to help protect it. Use a hair conditioner & leave-in conditioner that contains sunscreen. Always try to use natural products on your hair, which are gentler.
4. Hair color can turn brassy or dull in the sun. Maintain vibrant shades by ensuring strands are hydrated. Slather on a mask twice a week. MOISTURIZE! Always keep your hair moisturized! In other words, use lots and lots of conditioner. Condition your hair with a creamy, intensely hydrating conditioner after every shampoo.
5. If you’re a swimmer, thoroughly wet your hair and add a bit of conditioner before you dive into the pool or ocean. Shampoo & condition your hair immediately upon exiting the pool, BEFORE YOUR HAIR HAS A CHANCE TO DRY. Chlorine is very damaging to the hair and washing it out as soon as possible is important.

While its true that hair doesn't undergo cancerous changes from sun exposure, the same rays can penetrate the hair's cortex (middle layer,) weakening it's strength and elasticity; damage the cuticle (the protective layer,) making the hair dry and brittle; and oxidize the pigments, causing them to break down, which can turn the color reddish or brassy

So now, thanks to Devin,  you can step outside looking like a Hollywood Diva and take on summer’s heat without stressing about your hair.

For more information on hair tips go to: Hair By Devin