Here at Mama’s A Rolling Stone, we wholeheartedly endorse a laidback summer hair routine. After all, the warmer months are about relaxing and letting loose, right? Not quite. While we love your easy, breezy attitude to summer, we do recommend – between dips in the ocean and sunset barbecues, of course – some minor hair maintenance to ensure your locks stay healthy and beach-perfect all season long. Because nothing is better than a carefree, unfussy hairstyle to match your mind-set!
To help guide the way, we decided to call in the experts for some essentials tips and tricks that will help you put together a low-key, uncomplicated hair routine for summer. Our experts? Paul Labrecque and Karuna Devi. Paul Labrecque is a celebrity hair stylist who has worked with Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, Tyra Banks and the Olsen twins, as well as styling models for Pamella Roland’s New York Fashion Week runway shows. Karuna Devi is a celebrity hair stylist who has worked with Helena Christensen and Chloe Sevigny. Her work has appeared in Vogue Italia, Vogue Nippon and T magazine. With that, we present our latest edition of Beauty Queen. Read on!
Getting Your Hair Into Great Summer-Ready Condition
Paul says, “The best way to prepare your hair and keep it looking healthy and fabulous all summer long is to condition, condition, condition! Try Paul Labrecque Repair Condition Restorative Protein Mask – it delivers immediate results using macadamia nut, Abyssinian and coconut oils to seal in moisture. This conditioner improves softness, shine and smoothes split ends. Use every day for one week and then one to two times per week afterwards.”
Karuna says, “Use organic coconut oil – my first choice – or organic olive oil. Right out of the shower, towel dry your hair until it is damp and then put a small amount you’re your hair – around 1/4 to 1/2 the size of a dollar coin. Emulsify it in your hands as if it were lotion and then work it in – from the ends up to an inch from the scalp. Comb it through and wear it loose or tie it up. You can then shampoo later on or the next day, as you normally would. It’s an amazing treatment. ”
The Best, Fuss-Free Cuts For Summer
Paul says, “People with fine hair will have the easiest time styling and working with a layered bob haircut. Keeping it in a bob will make the hair appear thicker instead of lying heavy and long. For wavy hair, keep the hair long with lots of long layers framed around the face. For thick, straight hair, I like to keep the hair long, with one even length and a clean, classic and even line at the ends. If the client has thick, wavy hair, I will always layer, layer, layer!”
Karuna says, “No matter what the cut, finish it off with a beach texturizing emollient. Wash, scrunch and then wear!”
Fighting Frizz
Paul says, “Before styling your hair – whether you air dry or get a blow out – you should be using a hydrating hair lotion. Take a dime or nickel-sized portion of the lotion and distribute evenly throughout your hair. Whether you blow dry your hair, diffuse, or air dry, your frizz will be toned down thanks to the aloe vera, seaweed extracts and lavender. If you have excessive frizz after your hair has been dried, you can finish and smooth with a serum like Paul Labrecque Color Finish Polish and Seal Droplets.”
Karuna says, “Brazil keratin! If you don’t want to go Brazilian, limit your time with the hair dryer.”
Treating Dryness
Paul says, “Again, condition, condition, condition!”
Karuna says, “First, wash your hair every two to three days, based upon how oily you are naturally. If you work out or are highly active, try and just rinse and recondition in between shampoos. Remember, when you work out your body releases natural salt onto the scalp and salt breaks up oil – so, if you do a thorough rinse that natural salt will cleanse the scalp. With a good rinse, you will be oil free and your ends will be richly hydrated with the natural oils that slide down the shaft during the rinse!”
Preventing Hair Color From Fading
Paul says, “Use shampoos and conditioners that stabilize color – normal shampoos and conditioners can be too harsh. When styling your hair, using a fade prevention foam such as Paul Labrecque Color Style will make your color last throughout the sunny summer months. Apricot oil is the key ingredient – it locks color into the cuticle and keeps it lasting longer. And of course, wearing a hat when having an extended stay out in the sun always helps!”
Karuna says, “Buy products specifically designed for exposure. I prefer all salon sold products for this. No pharmacy stuff, ladies!”
Achieving Low-Key, Unfussy Beach Hair
Paul says, “One of my favorite unfussy summer beach tricks is – after a long day at the beach – to go home and wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. When hair is damp, either braid or twist your hair and sleep with it that way, the next morning, undo the braid, add some styling foam or gel and head back to the beach with a carefree fabulous wave.”
Karuna adds, “Ladies, remember – rinse ASAP after a dip in the ocean or pool. The chemicals and salt should be removed right away. They are severely dehydrating!”
Special thanks to Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa, and Karuna Devi of Shampoo Ave B.
