Tips for a Head of Healthy Hair

Insider tips and advice on how to keep your strands silky

As summer winds down, it’s time to reverse the damage that the sun has caused and get back your head of healthy hair. But first, you have to know where your strands stand.
“It’s important to evaluate your hair—Is it dry? Is your scalp itchy? Are your ends damaged?” says Erin Richardson of Soda Salon in Roswell, GA. According to the celebrity hairstylist, most manes need purification, rejuvenation and moisture after time in warm weather. But it all starts at the scalp.

DIY SCALP TREATMENT

“You have to work on what’s underneath the hair to get healthy locks,” says Richardson, who turns to a natural remedy to boost scalp health. She recommends mixing organic apple cider vinegar with hot water in a spray bottle for a natural spritz that works as a purifier and detoxifier. “It’s like a facial for your scalp—the mix tightens up the hair cuticles and gets rid of impurities underneath the hair bulb,” she says. “By getting the chemicals and product buildup out, you’re giving your hair life from the root.”

HEALTH AND HYDRATION

Organic oils can also go a long way in soothing the scalp and replenishing lost moisture zapped away by the sun, according to stylist Linda Ndiaye of Rachel Joyce Organic Hair Salon in Washington, D.C. Both organic coconut and argan oil add moisture without buildup or chemicals, she says.
Once you’ve taken care of your scalp, examine how you’re treating your hair in the shower. Ndiaye recommends sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners for gentle but effective cleansing without any harsh chemicals. And just as important as the products you use is the way you use them. Try two tablespoons of product for shampoo and about two-to-three times as much for conditioner. “Put shampoo at the scalp and move towards the ends of hair, but keep conditioner away from the scalp completely to avoid buildup,” she says.

TIME TO SHINE

Also make sure to shampoo with lukewarm water to open up hair follicles and rinse with cold water to seal everything up and boost shine, says Lydia Halley McIntosh, a stylist at Curt Darling Salon in Los Angeles. Because hair is vulnerable when soaking wet, be sure to towel dry thoroughly before applying heat or product on hair. “Because your hair is so flexible when it’s wet, it’s even easier to damage it,” McIntosh explains. “You don’t want to cause any additional stress to the hair or scalp so that it overproduces oil.”
Regardless of your hair type, a trim between seasons is always recommended, says McIntosh. “Not only is it an easy way to get rid of split ends and sun-damaged hair, it’s also nice to have a new style for a new season,” she says.

NURTURING CHOICES

Try these natural products and your hair will thank you.
Topganic Treat Hair Mask

 
Made with vitamin A as well as soothing argan and jojoba oils, this nourishing mask gives dry and damaged hair essential vitamins and a lot of shine. topganic.com
Inner Sense Inner Reflection Finishing Polish

With certified organic olive, wheat germ and tamanu oils to strengthen hair and add shine—plus shea butter and sunflower seed extract to condition and protect—this is the finishing touch we all need. innersensebeauty.com
Surya Brasil Split End Repair

This new organic vegan spray, with wild-crafted ingredients from Brazil, will soften and help prevent split ends with nourishing argan, pracaxi, macadamia and buriti oils. suryabrasilproducts.com
Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Deep Treatment Masque

A beautiful hair mask that nourishes hair and scalp with moisturizing hemp and tamanu oils, and strengthens hair with bamboo extract. target.com
Groh Ergo Boost Hair & Scalp Conditioning Treatment

With ergothioneine, a nutrient found in mushrooms, this organic treatment also contains a blend of argan and pure essential oils to deliver micronutrients to nourish scalp and replenish hair. mygroh.com
Vineyard Hill Naturals Milk and Honey Shampoo and Conditioner

Plant-based and free of parabens or sulfates, this shampoo and conditioner set is made with coconut and honey to help hair retain moisture and promote tissue growth. At drugstores nationwide
Little Barn Apothecary Chamomile + Rosemary Hair Oil

Soothe scalp and strands with this organic blend of botanical oils and extracts. littlebarnapothecary.com
Like these hair products? Have some favorites of your own? Please share in the comments below.