Here’s how to get your healthiest hair and skin this summer
Don’t let the heat ruin your sexy summer look.
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While it may be the most enjoyable season of the year, summer doesn’t come without challenges. The African sun is harsh, and while sunburn is usually our number one priority, it’s not the only challenge we face. Hot weather has a dehydrating effect on the body and can make your hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage. It is particularly harsh on curly hair, but all hair types are vulnerable to its effects.
Higher temperatures also have a dehydrating effect on the skin, which may lead to flakiness, itchiness, sensitivity and discomfort. And if you enjoy a swim in the ocean or a pool, you’ll know that salty seawater and chlorine pose their own sets of challenges.
Luckily, there is plenty you can do about it. These simple tips will ensure that you enjoy all the benefits of warmer weather without compromising on the health of your skin and hair.
Nourish your skin with a gentle soap
When the weather is nice we spend more time outdoors, do more exercise and are more prone to working up a sweat. It’s important to use a good quality soap that effectively removes dirt and impurities without leaving your skin tight or dry. VP Herbal Black Soap (R79.99) was created for normal-to-oily skin and contains all-natural activated wood charcoal and glycerine to purify skin and remove excess oil without stripping the skin of moisture. Looking to restore your skin’s glow? VP Herbal Turmeric Soap (R79.99) has a gentle formula and contains turmeric and shea butter to help promote the skin’s natural glow. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and has also been shown to help reduce scarring.
Water is your hair’s best friend
Did you know that freshwater can protect your hair from the damaging effects of seawater and chlorine in swimming pools? The trick is to wet your hair before you head out for your swim. Allow it to get drenched – your hair will soak up the freshwater and will be near saturation by the time it hits the chlorinated/ seawater.
Go sulphate-free
Sulphates are chemicals (or specifically, detergents) used as cleansing agents. They’re responsible for that lovely foam we associate with shampoo, soap and home cleaning products. While they’re great at creating a lathering effect to remove dirt, oil and impurities, there’s one major downside to hair care products that contain them: they are dehydrating. That’s because sulphates are very efficient at what they do. So efficient that they don’t just remove dirt and build-up, but also strip the hair and scalp’s natural oils and moisture. Rising temperatures, humidity and the effects of seawater and chlorine in swimming pools already have a drying effect on hair, and a sulphate shampoo and conditioner could exasperate the problem. Brazilian Sulphate Free Shampoo (R89.95) and Conditioner (R89.95) contain natural oils and are free from sulphates, silicones, parabens and salt. Ultra-gentle, the shampoo effectively removes grease and impurities without stripping the hair and scalp’s natural oils. The conditioner promotes hair growth, strengthens roots and helps regenerate the hair surface.
Don’t forget about your scalp
We dedicate so much time and effort to caring for our hair that it’s easy to forget about our scalps, but a healthy scalp is the first step to healthy hair. Our scalps are responsible for generating hair growth and supporting each hair follicle as it grows. We wash our hair more frequently during summer, which can have a drying effect on the scalp, and sometimes lead to flakiness and itchiness. To keep your scalp moisturized and healthy, it’s important to use a scalp mask or treatment regularly. Try Pure Royal’s Scalp Treatment (R65.95). With anti-itching properties, it instantly cools and helps soothe a dry and itchy scalp. It contains natural moisturisers to repair dryness, nourish the roots and help prevent dandruff.
An itchy scalp is also associated with tension hairstyles such as braids. Pure Royal Anti-Itch Treatment (R65.95) helps restore moisture to the scalp and hair while soothing a dry and itchy scalp and aiding shine. It’s the perfect product to use when you’re wearing braids, locks or extensions, as you simply spray it onto the scalp when needed (and there is no need to wash it out in between wash days).
Supercharge your hair with a serum
Serums are not just for your skin. A good quality hair serum can do everything from increasing shine to aiding manageability and sealing split ends. Brazilian Silicone Serum (R58.95) offers medium conditioning and can be used on your natural hair or hair extensions. It gives hair a sleek and silky finish without weighing it down. Pure Royal’s Silicone Serum (R74.99) contains vitamin E and a UV filter; it provides long-lasting shine, mends split ends and conditions frizz.
Hydrate with a weekly hair mask
Hydrated hair is softer, shinier and easier to manage. Amp up your hair care regime this summer by incorporating a weekly hair mask or home treatment. To stimulate healthy hair growth, try Pure Royal Repair ‘n Grow Hair and Scalp Treatment (R72.95). This intensive treatment is enriched with vitamins E and B5 to condition and moisturize the hair and scalp while aiding stronger hair growth and shinier hair. If you’re more concerned about damage, try Pure Royal Hair Mayonnaise (R62.95). Enriched with olive oil, herbs and vitamins, it helps restore the health of fragile hair and prevents breakage and further damage.
See? Summer needn’t leave your hair and skin worse for wear! Stick to these simple rules and you’ll enjoy your healthiest hair and skin this season.
Shop these products at Clicks and Dis-Chem or visit www.pureroyal.co.za for more info.