We are halfway through the summer and your hair is most likely parched, brittle, brassy or all of the above from the endless pool parties. This can be a nightmare for blondes since the color now looks orange or yellow and feels like straw…..horrifying! Build-up on the hair can be one reason for this awful texture. If you have been in chlorine or salt water more often lately than usual, your hair may have absorbed layers of build up over time. Using normal shampoo may not be as effective, so here are 3 simple ways to rid your hair of slime and bring back the shine!
1. Strong Clarify Shampoo
This is the most common solution to rid build-up from hair. Consumers often buy the wrong product which can create more problems. Most people will end up buying Head & Shoulders or Suave, which a no-no. Here’s why:
a. It’s an over-the-counter product. That automatically means the detergent levels are super high, which is great for clarifying but terrible for the hair texture.
b. Products such as Head & Shoulders have medicated ingredients meant for dandruff, dry scalp, etc, which you may not need. It will actually over cleanse your hair, stripping off the much needed natural oils.
You need to have active conditioning agents in the products which will nourish the hair while detoxifying. One great product is the Sunday Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble. You use it once a week only, and it will leave your hair soft and shiny with the squeaky clean feeling. The Davines Detoxifying Enviromental Damage Recovery Shampoo is also wonderful. It smells great and is very gentle. (www.davines.com)(www.bumbleandbumble.com)
a. It’s an over-the-counter product. That automatically means the detergent levels are super high, which is great for clarifying but terrible for the hair texture.
b. Products such as Head & Shoulders have medicated ingredients meant for dandruff, dry scalp, etc, which you may not need. It will actually over cleanse your hair, stripping off the much needed natural oils.
You need to have active conditioning agents in the products which will nourish the hair while detoxifying. One great product is the Sunday Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble. You use it once a week only, and it will leave your hair soft and shiny with the squeaky clean feeling. The Davines Detoxifying Enviromental Damage Recovery Shampoo is also wonderful. It smells great and is very gentle. (www.davines.com)(www.bumbleandbumble.com)
2. Baking Soda
This home remedy is gentle yet effective for very oily hair types. All you need is 1 Tablespoon of baking soda per 8 ounces of water. The easiest method would be to mix together in a squeeze bottle, available at anything beauty supply store, and apply as you would shampoo. In the shower, wet your hair first and then squeeze the baking soda solution on a little at a time, mostly on the scalp. Emulsify as you distribute, concentrate mostly on the roots and mid-lengths. Let it sit for a few minutes to deep cleanse and rinse out. You may apply a light conditioner if needed, but it isn’t necessary. This can also be done once a week or right after pool or ocean activity.
3. Vinegar
This method usually sounds bizarre since vinegar is not an appealing scent but I promise it works wonders. Vinegar is a mild acidic, and also very gentle on the hair. In fact, it is more conditioning than most over the counter conditioners. You only need a little so use 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 8 ounces (1 cup) of water also. The vinegar detangles hair easily, leaving the texture silky and smooth. I definitely recommend using organic/unpasteurized apple cider vinegar as opposed to regular white distilled vinegar. Distilled white vinegar sold in supermarkets is considered "dead" vinegar with none of the live enzymes contained in the raw, unpasteurized vinegars. Your hair will feel so great, you’ll never let it have residue on it ever again.
So there you have it! With these 3 easy ways to clarify your hair, you should get rid of the mid-summer build-up in no time!
Christine
