Express.co.uk spoke to celebrity hairstylist Michael Douglas who worked alongside haircare brand OGX Beauty, on its Summer Hair Layering guide.
The six-step guide advises the best products – and order – to use to protect hair from the summer heat.
Michael explained what the most common signs of hair damage are:
- Fluffy and or frizzy texture when left to dry naturally.
- Lighter in colour than your natural colour.
- Rough to the touch, split ends, breakage.
As for how hair gets damaged, he revealed: “Two of the most common causes of damage are heat and sun – which is why it’s so important to know how to protect your hair in the summer.
“Other causes of damage include chemical treatment (especially lightening) and age of the hair, as the ends are older and more likely more damaged.”
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There are several ways someone can protect their hair, or reverse signs of damage. Michael said: “Restrict the amount of heat you put on it each week, and also keep your hair out of the sun.”
There are several ‘heatless’ styling tools now on the market, and Michael recommends using them because “if you can go heatless, your hair will be less damaged”.
Using silk hair ties, fabric scrunchies, or large hair clips can also help reduce hair damage. The hairstylist said: “Rubber bands and tight ponytail bands can put a lot of stress on the hair. Silk creates less friction and therefore stress equalling less damage.”
Fewer visits to the hairdresser to update your colour can also improve its condition. Michael said: “Not colouring or lightening your hair too often to limit the amount of moisture you’re removing from its natural state.”
As for what you can do at home, there are several products you can add to your haircare routine to protect it.
OGX’s Summer Hair Layering guide
1. The basics
Shampoo and condition your hair as normal, using the right products for your hair type, but add a touch more conditioner to help ensure hair is hydrated right from the get-go.
2. Moisture
Over the summer months, apply a hair mask every other hair wash. Leaving a mask on when in the sun is okay too as it helps prevent moisture from leaving your hair in the heat. OGX recommends using its Extra Strength Argan Oil of Morocco Mask.
3. Oil
Start any styling process using a hair oil – it’s a summer essential as it helps protect against UVA and UVB rays. You can also opt for an on-trend wet look, or simply apply the oil to damp hair before blow drying to act as a barrier, sealing in moisture and shine.
4. Tame and shine
OGX Tame & Shine cream does what it says on the bottle; helps reduce frizz in the heat, control flyaways, and help provide a silky smoothness and shine.
5. Protect
Before using any hot styling tools, prevent damage by applying a heat protecting cream as a fifth layer to your haircare routine.
6. Style
Finally, apply an oil to dry hair as a finisher to help protect, reduce frizz and add shine. Then, as headscarves make a comeback for 2023, why not add this as the final layer for added protection?
If you can’t add all six steps to your hair care routine, Michael recommends using the OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Heat Protection Spray for step five. He said: “It’s my personal favourite as it’s the most effective.”