Top stylists reveal the habits that might be sabotaging your summer hair
As the seasons change, so do our beauty routines. But while a skincare overhaul or a commitment to dry body brushing might not have lasting repercussions, a wrong snip when it comes to hair can leave you battling bad hair days for months. Celebrity stylist Larry King says, "Spring always makes everyone want to do something to their hair. Sometimes that's right, but other times, you're setting yourself up for frustration. Hair should feel effortless; if you're overworking it, it's not working."
To help you navigate the spring hair reset, we've enlisted the expertise of top stylists to identify the common 'don'ts' that might be sabotaging your seasonal glow-up.
Avoid the extremes
Hairstylist and founder of Arkive Headcare, Adam Reed, warns against trying to force your hair into a summer version of itself too early. "Healthy hair is maintained, not rescued. Waiting until June means you're starting summer with compromised hair."
King agrees, saying, "Everyone wants longer, looser summer hair, but if your ends are thin or dry, holding onto length isn't helping."
However, don't swing too far the other way. Reed advises, "Big changes don't always translate into real life. Shape, movement, and quiet polish are what elevate your hair."
Turn down the heat
Over-reliance on heat styling as the weather warms up is a common mistake. Reed explains, "Adding excessive heat can leave hair dry and less responsive."
Michael Douglas, another top stylist, recommends reducing heat styling. He suggests blow drying less often, using lower temperatures, and letting hair air-dry where possible. Luke Hersheson warns against leaving hair wrapped in a towel for too long, as this can lead to frizz. He advises letting hair breathe and not blow-drying until it's at least 80% dry.
Don't skip the scalp
Scalp care is often overlooked, especially in spring. Reed and King both emphasize the importance of protecting the scalp, especially in exposed areas like the parting, from sun damage. They recommend incorporating gentle exfoliation, hydration, and daily SPF into your routine.
Rethink your colour timing
When it comes to hair colour, patience is key. Michael explains that sunlight naturally lightens hair, acting as a slow bleaching process. He advises stretching out highlights, aiming for a refresh in May and leaving it until early autumn to avoid over-processing.
Another colour misstep is holding onto winter colour for too long. Deep, one-dimensional shades can look heavy and flat as the light changes. Hair colourist Francesco De Chiara suggests adding dimension with soft balayage or subtle tonal variation, transitioning gradually to keep hair in its best condition.
In conclusion, spring is about setting your hair up for success. By avoiding extremes, reducing heat styling, caring for your scalp, and being mindful of colour timing, you can ensure your summer hair is healthy and radiant. Remember, it's not about reinventing your hair, but making smarter, softer changes that will benefit your hair in the long run.
