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subscribe to beauty blog via RSSKiehl’s Wages War On The Sun
July 15, 2009 2:12 pm
First there was the unbearable cold; then came the rain. Now that summer has finally come to New York, we, true to form, are still dissatisfied. Not completely, of course—this week’s blue skies and near perfect temperatures have been enjoyable. But the threat that the season still holds for our hair looms ever large. If it’s not humidity-induced frizz (which, sadly, we know will return at some point before September rolls around), it’s the sun’s damaging effects on colored hair that keeps us ill at ease, as our once black strands receive unwanted copper highlights. Kiehl’s has apparently been anticipating what we’re pretty sure is the collective discontent of the city’s hair-coloring masses and has just launched a Color Preserving haircare line. Completely devoid of color-stripping sulfates, silicones, or parabens, the natural formula is bolstered by apricot oil and sunflower seed oil, the latter of which contains high levels of vitamins B and E, moisturizing essential fatty acids, and a UV-protective filter so it protects as it repairs damaged strands. While the line’s Shampoo, Conditioner, and Deep Recovery Pak are a good first defense, they can only do so much (UV rays are a formidable foe). To keep your color looking vivid all summer long, here are a few additional precautions you can take:
1. Wait at least one full day after a coloring service to shampoo your hair. This will help allow the hair shaft time to repair itself from the treatment.
2. Avoid using hot water directly on the hair, as it will open the hair’s cuticle and potentially allow the release of color molecules from the cortex. Instead, shampoo gently with a color-safe product using lukewarm water.
3. Embrace the accessorizing capabilities of a tightly woven hat or scarf if you’re going to be outside for a while, as sun exposure can break down color molecules and dry out the hair shaft, making hair color look dull. (See Celebrity Looks post below for ideas.)
4. If your fun-in-the-sun activities schedule includes a dip in the pool, wet hair with water first. Chemically treated hair is more absorbent and water will protect the hair shaft from absorbing too much chlorine, which can be drying.
tags: Hair, Kiehl's Since 1851
