The hot summer sun & your hair

The hot summer sun – what’s the impact on our hair? It’s time to start taking care of our strands this summer. NYC professional hairstylist, Lucy Garcia Planck from the John Barrett Salon, tells us how to make sure our hair stands out this summer season with some key tips and her favorite products for helping hair grow quicker and healthier:

• Moisturizing is Key: Keeping hair moisturized will help with all of the heat and humidity. The dry summer air will quickly zap your hair of any moisture it has. Try not to shampoo often. If you have oily hair wash it every other day, and if you have dry hair, aim at washing it one to two times a week maximum.
• Take Care of Yourself from the Inside-Out: I always say, ‘you are what you eat.’ Whatever you put into your body reflects your outsides. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and eat proper foods such as fish, nuts and eggs helps to keep hair shiny. Taking a biotin supplement will also help. Biotin is a natural supplement that many people don’t get enough of and that could be a contributing factor to dry, brittle hair. I always tell my clients to take biotin year-round to maintain a strong, healthy glow to their hair and it also helps with split ends. I love using and always recommend vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails, a great-tasting gummy multivitamin that contains 12 key nutrients, including Biotin and Vitamins C and E to help nourish beautiful hair, skin, and nails from the inside out.

• The Answer Could Be in Your Pantry: 1-2 times a week mix one full egg with either coconut or avocado oil as a mask. Leave on for about 20-30 minutes with a shower cap. These oils have a ton of Omega 3’s which will help your hair grow in thicker. Also eating the inside of an aloe leaf will help. The aloe plant has tons of vitamins to help you.  You can also mix the gel inside the aloe plan with avocado oil in the blender and leave on your hair for about 30 minutes.
• Hair Masks are a Must: Another great way to keep hair hydrated is by using hair masks 1-2 times a week depending on your hair’s texture. I like to use 1 tsp of coconut oil directly on your hair, starting on the ends of the hair and working it up towards the scalp. Go to work out or run an errand and leave in for 30-60 min then shampoo with the treatment still in the head and then rinse. This locks in the natural oils in the hair and keeps it looking shiny.