Mondays with Mindy: Secrets of a Hairstylist

The end of summer is depressing in so many ways. Shorter days, colder nights, giving up your boyfriend to FOUR fantasy football leagues!  But the thing I can help you with is dried-out, thirsty hair. Summer can take a major toll on your hair. So here are 5 tricks to quench your locks.

1. Use a moisturizing or hydrating shampoo and conditioner. If you think this will weigh down your hair, try using them a couple times a week to start. I am always a big fan of switching up shampoos and conditioners. Variety is the spice of life, why leave your hair out of the all the fun?
2. Remember, conditioners alone will not cure your hair of damage. The only way to rid your hair of damage is to literally cut the damage off. That’s not to say conditioners aren’t worth the expense. Conditioner minimizes the damage done, restores shine and manageability to dry brittle hair, and adds strength to hair until damaged hair grows long enough to be cut off. So in other words, it's not a cure, but rather a preventative way to help protect the damaged hair from any further damage.
3. In the shower, shampoo your hair and rinse completely.  Wring out the excess water from your hair. If its extra dry, you can even hold your head out of the shower and towel dry your hair. It’s really important to get the surplus of water out of your hair. Think of your hair as a sponge. If water is filling the hair strand, there is less room for the conditioner to penetrate into the hair. Add a small palm full of conditioner to the strands of your hair. Using a wide-tooth comb, comb the conditioner through. Leave it in throughout the duration of your shower. I’ll usually do this before shaving and/or buffing the soles of my feet in the shower. Basically the longer you leave the conditioner in, the better.
4. For crazy dehydrated hair, follow the directions above but pile your hair on top of your head (do not clip) and put a shower cap on. Get out of the shower and leave the conditioner in your hair for a longer period of time. You can even vacuum, get the kids ready for school, do the dishes, or do a 30 minute light cardio routine. You don’t want to sweat, but if your internal temperature rises, so does your scalp inside the shower cap. Heat opens up the cuticle (think of shingles on a roof) and allows the ingredients of the conditioner to really get in there and do their job. Once ready, rinse out. 
5. Rinse your hair with cool water. Contrary to heat, the cool water closes the cuticle. When the cuticle is closed, light reflects off each strand giving the illusion of shiny hair.

Even though summer is over, at least you'll have beautiful, moisturized hair to help you through the Fall!

XOXO Mindy