PERSONAL/HAIRCARE SPECIAL.. How To Survive The Deep Frizz

How To Survive The Deep Frizz

Humidity is no friend of the sleek, chic bob. But with a little help, you can keep every strand in check

“A hair massage for 30 minutes improves blood circulation”
“A fine head of hair adds beauty to a good face, and terror to an ugly one.” – Lycurgus

THE FIRST monsoon showers are generally welcomed by most people as a respite from the boiling summer. But there’s one annual feature of the season that isn’t as anticipated – the frizzy hair that bedevils many women – and men – at this time. So what can you do to prevent this? The remedy begins right in the shower.

WHEN YOU SHOWER

“Make sure you use an appropriate shampoo and conditioner, otherwise your hair will get frizzy,” says celebrity hairstylist Rod Anker, who runs the rodanker salon at Claridges Surajkund in Faridabad. “Color Protection shampoo by the Italian luxury brand Alfaparf is sodium laureth sulphate (SLS)-free and will not dehydrate your scalp or disturb the cuticle much,” he adds.

“We also recommend SLS-free shampoos as SLS makes your hair dry and dull,” adds Rodolphe Hequet, creative director of the Aman Salon at Aman New Delhi. “And I suggest applying Moroccan oil after shampooing and drying hair. The oil is nourishing and residue-free and is a great conditioning, styling and finishing tool.”

WHEN GOING OUT

“I recommend a leave-in conditioner for all-day use; this can be applied every alternate day. A bamboo mask or crystal liquid serum from Alfaparf also delivers great results,” says Hequet. “Simple steps like protecting your head from the sun (cover it with a scarf or cap) and tying back long hair to avoid dirt and humidity work wonders,” adds Archana Gupta of Club Olympus, Hyatt Regency, Delhi.

TREATMENTS

Kapil Dhameja, coowner of Blue Terra Spa, Delhi, suggests an ayurvedic head massage with neelibhringadi oil, once a week (it’s a must during the monsoon). “A good massage for 30 minutes with acupressure improves blood circulation and relieves stress and tension (one of the causes of hairfall); lubricates and conditions the scalp, helps prevent flakes and dryness (common monsoon woes); is rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair; and helps prevent brittleness and split ends,” he adds.

Gupta suggests deep conditioning hair once a week. “The bamboo marrow moisture pack by Alfaparf is my secret monsoon treatment – while it adds moisture and assists in repairing hair structure, it does not weigh down your look,” says Anker.

HOME REMEDIES

“Massage hair with natural oils like jojoba, almond, olive, jasmine and rosemary; try a homemade mask of mashed bananas and avocado to rectify damaged hair and apply a mask of honey and eggs to prevent moisture loss,” suggests Gupta.

She adds, “Use hair serum, protect hair ends with a conditioner containing vitamins and minerals, use packs specific to your hair problem and type, wear a cap while swimming and use a mild shampoo; chlorinated water may dry out your hair.”

Anker’s other tips include not overdrying when blow drying (don’t leave it wet, but don’t burn it); using a water-soluble serum before blow drying and a small amount after; using a widetoothed comb with a leave-in conditioner – to detangle and lubricate the strands – and avoiding products that contain alcohol. “Also, buy a satin pillowcase (it will reduce static and keep your hair smooth),” he adds. That’s using your head.

by Kavita Devgan htbr120708