As soon as the weather warms up in Edmonton many of my clients come in to the salon looking for a change. Usually clients come in looking for a new cut and lighter colour but one thing that everybody has in common is a need to switch from Winter hair care to Spring. Just like skin care, for optimal hair, hair care must constantly be adapted for climate and conditions.
Edmonton weather can be unpredictable so all of my hair care tips can be adapted depending on the day. The important thing is to take cues from your hair and if you are completely lost, ask your stylist at your next appointment.
Conditioner
Over the cold and very dry Alberta Winter, I recommend deep conditioning regularly and for many of my clients, a daily leave-in conditioner in addition to their regular conditioning. In Spring this doesn’t need to stop but you may need to cut back. If you deep condition every week, try every second week. If you use a daily leave-in conditioner, try every second day.
If you notice static, add moisture, if your hair is oily, start cutting back.
Chlorine
If warmer weather has you heading to the pool, chlorine build-up can become a problem. Switch up you every day shampoo with a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoo is used the same way as your regular shampoo, just be sure to allow the lather to sit on the hair for a minute or two before rinsing, allowing the shampoo time to break down chemical and oil build-up. Depending on the amount of chlorine build-up in your hair you may not need to use a clarifying shampoo every day but using one even once a month in Spring and Summer months can help prevent dull, heavy, greasy hair.
If you swim often and find that even with a clarifying shampoo your hair is dull, there are more intensive salon treatments available to strip the hair.
Sun Care
Just as the sun can cause the skin to age prematurely, it can affect coloured hair. The sun has a natural lightening effect and although it doesn’t cause the same permanent damage to hair as it does to skin, it can be drying and cause unwanted lightening. To minimize the effects of the sun, select a shampoo, conditioner or styling product that offers UV protection.
Ultimately, no matter what Edmonton weather brings, if your hair is properly balanced, every day can be a good hair day.