How to Get Thicker Hair Naturally?

People have different types of hair depending on their genetic nature, the climate of the place they live in and according to the food they consume. There are many other factors which affect the thickness and thinning of hair. People suffer from hair loss at some stages in their life. Though thinning of hair is not fully avoidable you can use many home remedies to keep your hair appear thicker. The most important thing to do to keep the hair fuller is to avoid any use of chemical hair products which cause thinning. There are many natural remedies which will be able to prevent the loss of hair and which can revive the growth of the hair. There are a few important home remedies that will help you to increase the volume of your hair. They are safe and they are cheaper than other artificial methods for making the hair look fuller.

Here are the top home remedies that you can try out to get stronger and thicker hair naturally:

1. Aloe Vera

One of the most popular ingredients that will help in providing thicker hair is Aloe Vera. The Aloe Vera gel is a natural ingredient that has a lot of health benefits and is an effective gel to improve the thickness of the hair.

• Take two or three Aloe Vera leaves and cut each one into two halves. Extract the gel from these leaves and apply it on to the scalp.
• Allow this gel to work on your hair and scalp for about half an hour.
• Rinse it off with well with lukewarm water thoroughly.
• You can also make another mix of Aloe Vera gel, a little amount of brandy and an egg. Mix well and then apply on your scalp evenly.
• Leave it on your scalp for fifteen to twenty minutes, then wash it off with water and then shampoo your hair with a mild shampoo.
• Try this remedy once or twice a week to enjoy healthier and thicker hair.
• Consuming a tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice every day on an empty stomach will also help in improving hair growth.

2. Orange Juice

Orange has citric acid properties which will help in easily getting rid of dandruff on the scalp. It will also help in improving the thickness of the hair and promotes hair growth.

• Take the orange peel and mash it in a beater to make a pulp.
• Apply this pulp on your hair as a hair pack once a week. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off.
• Use this at least once a week to enjoy good hair growth.
• Mix equal portions of orange juice as well as apple puree and then apply it on to your scalp and hair.
• Leave it there for 30 minutes and then wash it off with plain water.
• Try this remedy once a week to soon enjoy longer and thicker hair.
• You can also mix equal amount of orange juice and olive oil and apply it on your hair after warming it slightly.
• Leave it there for half an hour and then wash it off with plain water.

3.    Egg

The egg is the best ingredient that you can think of when it comes to providing the necessary proteins for your hair. It is important for you to give regular protein treatment for your hair in order to make it thicker and stronger and there is no better home remedy that is available than eggs.

• Break 2 medium sized eggs in a bowl and beat the eggs well so that they mix well.
• Apply the beaten egg on your wet hair and allow it to rest on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Wash your hair in lukewarm water and also use a mild shampoo on your hair so that the smell of the egg disappears from your hair.
• If you would like to enjoy stronger and thicker hair, then you need to try this home remedy at least three to four times a week.
• You can also mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of regular hair oil as ell as two tablespoons of water. This has to be mixed properly.
• Now massage your scalp thoroughly with this mixture for about ten minutes,.
• Leave it on your scalp for another 10 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Try this remedy once a week to enjoy thicker hair after a few weeks.

4. Avocado

Avocado is another natural ingredient that you can use on your scalp and hair to enjoy thicker and stronger hair.

• Mash the avocado fruit and the banana and mix them well.
• Now apply this mixture on your scalp evenly and massage it gently.
• Leave it there on your scalp for about half an hour so that all the nutrients present in the mixture are completely absorbed by the scalp.
• Wash your hair thoroughly with plain water after 15 minutes and then shampoo your hair with a mild shampoo. You can also use a conditioner on your hair.
• Your hair will look thicker and healthier once it gets dry.
• Try this treatment two to three times a week to get thicker hair.
• You can also prepare a natural hair mask at home by mixing two tablespoons of olive oil with half a ripe mashed avocado.
• You need to apply this home made mask on freshly shampooed hair and allow it to rest on the scalp for about 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with water and then apply some conditioner on your hair to enjoy thicker hair.

5. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is another excellent natural home remedy that you can try out on your hair to prevent hair loss as well as to strengthen the volume of your hair.

• Take two to three tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak them in plain water for about 10 hours. You can soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight so that you can use it in the morning.
• Make a fine paste of the soaked fenugreek seeds by adding a little bit of water in a blender or mixer.
• Apply this mixture on your scalp and allow it to react with your scalp for about half an hour.
• Now, you can wash it off with lukewarm water.
• You can use this mixture on your scalp regularly to get rid of the dry scalp and to improve the volume of your hair.
• You can also try rinsing your hair with the water in which you had soaked the fenugreek seeds for about 10 hours.
• This will also help in getting rid of the dandruff and to boost hair growth on your scalp.

6.Gooseberry

The Indian gooseberry is a very important and natural ingredient that you can think of using on your hair and scalp in order to improve the growth of your hair and to maintain a healthy scalp. The Indian gooseberry is loaded with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating as well as antioxidant properties that will help in hair growth.

• Take a tablespoon of dried gooseberry and put it in two tablespoons of coconut oil.
• Boil this oil for about few minutes and then strain this oil.
• Use this oil on your scalp and massage your scalp gently for a few minutes. It would be better for you to use this oil on your scalp before going to bed.
• Shampoo your hair the next day in the morning and repeat this remedy four times a week to see hair growth.
• Boil dried gooseberry or powdered Indian gooseberry in water for a few minutes and leave it in the water overnight.
• Use this water to rinse your hair the next day. This will help in thickening your hair on regular use.
• You can also take in gooseberry fruit or its extract everyday as a dietary supplement to enjoy thicker hair.

7.    Coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for promoting hair growth. Massaging the scalp with pure heated coconut oil is very effective in achieving thick hair.  The proteins present in virgin coconut oil provide the nourishment for hair growth. Massaging the scalp with hot coconut oil will improve the blood circulation to the scalp and in better absorption of the nutrients by the hair follicles.

• Heat the coconut oil and  massage the oil to the scalp using the fingertips.
• Always massage in circular motion, do not apply too much pressure.
• After applying the oil cover your head with a thick towel  dipped in hot water.
• Leave the oil on hair for half an hour and wash it off with mild shampoo.
• Repeat this remedy at least once a week to get strong, thick and long hair.

8.Olive oil

Olive oil contains omega three fatty acids which help in proper growth of the hair. Using olive oil to massage the scalp as well as including virgin olive oil in your diet can prevent hair loss and promote thicker hair growth.

• Before going to bath, apply olive oil on your hair and massage using the fingertips.
• Leave the oil on hair for about half an hour and rinse away oil using mild shampoo.
• You can also apply olive oil on your hair before going to bed at night and can wash it off in the next day morning.
• You can also mix olive oil with honey and apply this mixture on the hair and wash it off after half an hour to get soft and strong hair.

9.    Flax Seed

Flax seed is not just a natural ingredient that has lots of health boosters but it also helps in increasing hair thickness. The fatty acids that are present in the flaxseed will help in thickening the hair naturally.

• Mix three tablespoons of flax seeds in a bowl of water and keep it in water for about five days.
• Dip a cotton ball in this flaxseed solution and then apply it directly on your scalp.
• Leave it there for ten minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
• Repeat this process daily and this will help in providing thicker hair on your scalp after a few days.
• You can also eat a teaspoon of flax seed oil or ground flaxseeds every day to enjoy thick and shiny hair.

10.    Henna Leaves

Henna powder and henna leaves extract is a very common ingredient that Indian women use on their hair once every week to improve the thickness of their hair. It is an age old remedy that women use to give natural color to their hair as well as to make it look softer and thicker.

• Take a few fresh henna leaves and grind them in a mixer with a little bit of water.
• Make it into a fine paste and leave it for a couple of hours.
• Then apply this paste on your scalp and cover the hair with a shower cap.
• Leave it there on your hair for about three hours and wash it off well with water. You can also use a conditioner on  your hair after washing off the henna extract.
• Another remedy is to soak the henna powder in a bowl of water overnight.
• Add a raw egg to this henna paste and also add one or two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. Mix this well and then apply this paste on your hair.
• Leave this paste on your hair for about half an hour and wash it off with lukewarm water.
• You need to repeat this process twice a week to see effective hair growth.

Are you not satisfied with the volume of hair you have on your head? Do you want to improve the thickness of the hair as well as improve the strength and length of your hair? If you are looking for the right natural and effective home remedies that will help in improving hair growth, then you can try out some of the above mentioned working home remedies that will help to improve hair volume naturally. All you need to do is to follow these home remedies religiously and you will be able to see a visible difference in the thickness of your hair as well as the texture of your hair in just a matter of few weeks.

Easy Tips to Increase Hair Volume Naturally

Celebrity hair stylist Rod Anker gives you crucial tips on how you can choose the hair product that suits your hair best.

With the onset of winter, you are surely getting worried seeing all those additional strands of hair in your comb. Well, it is natural to lose up to 100 strands of hair in a day, but, excessive hair loss is definitely something that you need to worry about.

But how can you tell what products are good for you, especially since all hair types are not the same. While some have a dry scalp, some have split ends and some have frizzy hair.

Celebrity hair stylist Rod Anker gives you crucial tips on how you can choose the hair product that suits your hair best.

Your lustrous locks need as much care as your face. So now that you know what hair products to buy from the market,  here are some simple ways to increase your hair volume naturally and at home.

Oil massage

Massaging your scalp is very important as it improves the blood circulation and makes your roots healthy. Use warm oil to massage your hair and scalp. Always massage your scalp in circular motion. It is best to use either coconut or jojoba oil. Use rosemary oil to combat dandruff. After the massage, wrap your hair in a warm towel for a few minutes, to provide extra conditioning to your hair. It is important to keep scalp clean. Shampooing three or four times a week is plenty.

Balanced diet

A healthy and balanced diet is very important to enhance the volume of your hair naturally. Include necessary vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, C, zinc, iron and copper in your diet. They will promote hair growth by strengthening your hair follicles. Also, drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday to keep your body and hair hydrated.

Conditioning

Conditioning your hair with good a conditioner, after shampoo is a must. A conditioner makes your hair more manageable and easier to untangle. It also helps to return the moisture that your hair strands would have lost during shampooing. But always remember to apply the conditioner at least 1-2 inches away from your scalp.

Use Aloe Vera

It can work wonders if used sensibly. Aloe vera is a natural remedy to bring hair fall under control. It provides essential moisture and nutrients to your scalp; thus, boosting hair growth. Apply aloe vera gel directly to scalp and let it stay for one hour. Then shampoo your hair to rinse it out. Regular use of this will definitely reduce hair fall.

No chemicals

It is best to avoid unnecessary hair procedures, like perming, straightening, and colouring. Such processes leave your hair dull and dry. Not only this, they also make your hair fragile and weaken your roots, thus leaving you more prone to hair loss.

Beneficial Amla

Alma is an important natural ingredient, which is used in many hair products as well. Amla helps to cure hair loss and lustre to dull and dry hair. It is important to include Amla in your diet. For best results eat at least one amla everyday, on an empty stomach. It is best to go for an amla hair oil massage. This will strenthen your hair roots and also enrich your natural hair colour as well.

De-stress

Stress is seen as a major culprit behind hair loss. Excess stress can lead to hair thinning and hair greying as well. Some of the good ways to distress is to include yoga or exercise in your daily routine. This would not only help you to de-stress but also boost the flow of oxygen and blood to your scalp.

Haircare becomes a multi billion dollar industry in Africa

With all the skill of a master weaver at a loom, Esther Ogble stands under a parasol in the sprawling Wuse market in Nigeria's capital and spins synthetic fibre into women's hair.

Nearby, three customers - one in a hijab - wait for a turn to spend several hours and $40 to have their hair done, a hefty sum in a country where many live on less than $2 a day.

While still largely based in the informal economy, the African haircare business has become a multi-billion dollar industry that stretches to China and India and has drawn global giants such as L'Oreal and Unilever.

Hairdressers such as Ogble are a fixture of markets and taxi ranks across Africa, reflecting both the continent's rising incomes and demand from hair-conscious women.

"I need to braid my hair so that I will look beautiful," said 25-year-old Blessing James, wincing as Ogble combed and tugged at the back of her head before weaving in a plait that fell well past the shoulder.

While reliable Africa-wide figures are hard to come by, market research firm Euromonitor International estimates $1.1 billion of shampoos, relaxers and hair lotions were sold in South Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon alone last year.

It sees the liquid haircare market growing by about 5 percent from 2013 to 2018 in Nigeria and Cameroon, with a slight decline for the more mature South African market.

This does not include sales from more than 40 other sub-Saharan countries, or the huge "dry hair" market of weaves, extensions and wigs crafted from everything from synthetic fibre to human or yak hair.

Some estimates put Africa's dry hair industry at as much as $6 billion a year; Nigerian singer Muma Gee recently boasted that she spends 500,000 naira ($3,100) on a single hair piece made of 11 sets of human hair.

INFORMAL ECONOMY

Haircare is a vital source of jobs for women, who make up a large slice of the informal economy on the poorest continent.

But business in Wuse market has slowed recently, said 37-year-old Josephine Agwa, because women were avoiding public places due to concerns about attacks by Islamic militant group Boko Haram.

The capital has been targeted three times since April, including a bomb blast on a crowded shopping district in June that killed more than 20 people.

"The ones that don't want to come, they call us for home service," she said as she put the finishing touches on a six-hour, $40 style called "pick and dropped with coils" - impossibly small braids that cascade into lustrous curls.

Nigerians are not alone in their pursuit of fancy locks.

"I get bored if I have one style for too long," said Buli Dhlomo, a 20 year-old South African student who sports long red and blonde braids. Her next plan is to cut her hair short and dye it "copper gold".

"It looks really cool. My mum had it and I also had it at the beginning of the year and it looked really good," said Dhlomo, who can spend up to 4,000 rand ($370) on a weave.

DARING STYLES

While South Africans change their hairstyle often, West Africans do so even more, said Bertrand de Laleu, managing director of L'Oreal South Africa.

"African women are probably the most daring when it comes to hair styles," he said, noting that dry hair - almost unheard of a decade ago - was a growing trend across sub-Saharan Africa.

"Suddenly you can play with new tools that didn't exist or were unaffordable."

The French cosmetics giant this year opened what it billed as South Africa's first multi-ethnic styling school, training students of all races on all kinds of hair, something that would have been unthinkable before the end of apartheid in 1994.

While the South African hair market remains divided, salons are looking to boost revenues by drawing in customers across ethnic groups, meaning hairdressers who once catered only for whites will need stylists who can also work on African hair.

L'Oreal is looking to build on its "Dark and Lovely" line of relaxers and other products with more research into African hair and skin and has factories in South Africa and Kenya producing almost half the products it distributes on the continent.

HAIR FROM INDIA, VIA CHINA

Nor is it alone. Anglo-Dutch group Unilever has a salon in downtown Johannesburg promoting its "Motions" line of black haircare products, and niche operators are springing up in the booming dry hair market.

"We supply anything to do with dry hair, across the board," said Kabir Mohamed, managing director of South Africa's Buhle Braids, rattling off a product line of braids, weaves and extensions that use tape, rings or keratin bonds.

Today there are more than 100 brands of hair in South Africa, making the market worth about $600 million, he said, roughly four times more than in 2005.

Much of the hair sold is the cheaper synthetic type and comes from Asia. Pricier natural hair is prized because it lasts longer, retains moisture and can be dyed.

India's Godrej Consumer Products acquired South African firm Kinky in 2008 and sells synthetic and natural hair, including extensions, braids and wigs.

Buhle Braids, like its rivals, sources much of its natural hair from India, which has a culture of hair collection, particularly from Hindu temples or village "hair collectors".

The hair is then sent to China where it is processed into extensions and shipped to Africa. Hair from yaks, to which some people are allergic, is now used less.

In one clue to the potential for Africa, market research firm Mintel put the size of the black haircare market in the United States at $684 million in 2013, estimating that it could be closer to $500 billion if weaves, extensions and sales from independent beauty stores or distributors are included.

What is certain is that Africa's demand for hair products, particularly those made from human hair, is only growing.

"It hurts, but you have to endure if you want to look nice," said Josephine Ezeh, who sat in Wuse market cradling a baby as a hairdresser tugged at her head. "Hair is very, very important."

How to choose the right hair spa treatment?

During our daily routine, our hair is often subjected to unfavourable environmental conditions and chemicals. Over exposure to the sun or humid weather, chlorinated water and unnecessary exposure to heated styling appliances cause excessive damage to the hair. This means, you need timely hair treatments for damage control and to help restore the lost nutrients. Here are hair spa treatments you could opt for each of your hair problems: 

Dry and frizzy hair - Power, protein dose hair spa

If you’ve had enough of dry and unmanageable frizzy hair, this type of hair spa treatment is ideal. It helps in healthy hair growth and helps regain its lost lustre. The number of sessions for this treatment depend on how damaged and dry your hair are. 

Keratin treatment

This treatment is often associated with straightening or rebonding. However it is meant to tame down unruly curls and soften them. Your hair is shampooed and blow-dried, after which the solution is applied with a brush and combed through the hair, and left for 20 minutes. Hair is then blow-dried once more and flat ironed. Says celebrity hairstylist Vikas Marwah says, ‘This hair treatment leaves the hair with a gloss effect and straightens it up to 50%. You will see your hair soft and smooth within one session, lasting you for at least 3-4 months. Also, you should use a sulfate free shampoo, so this treatment lasts you longer.’ Know how effective it is here. 

Moroccan Oil Treatment

This hair treatment is a favourite of many. Coming from argan oil, it is non-greasy and comes to the rescue for dry and damaged hair. You could also pick up a bottle of Moroccan oil and massage your hair and scalp at home. 

Hair Fall - Ozone, high frequency hair spa treatment 

This hair treatment helps eradicate dry skin cells from the scalp and increases the blood circulation. Hence, this helps in strengthening the hair follicles and  increases hair growth. This is a multi-functional hair treatment as it also curbs excessive dandruff. Vikas says, ‘If you are suffering from a severe hair fall problem, it is best to stick to a mild shampoo and keep away from chemical based ones. Or you could mix some water with your shampoo for a lighter consistency.’ 

Dandruff - Refining  hair spa

Having an itchy and flaky scalp is a very common hair problem and a regular hair spa treatment could definitely give you some relief from it. Vikas says, ‘This spa includes fusing in  an ‘m-fule’ pill to clear off the dandruff completely. The sessions, again depend on how dry and how severe your dandruff problem is.’ It helps your hair rejuvenate and relieves the scalp of the dryness and irritation caused.

The worst hair and skincare mistakes you may be making

When it comes to looking after your hair and skin, you know exactly what to do, but do you know what not to do? Here are some of the hair and skincare mistakes you may inadvertently be making.

You’ve bought the expensive make up, got a fancy hair cut and are all set to dazzle the world with your sleek look. But are there some things you may be doing wrong? Find out if you’re making these skin and hair care mistakes.

The worst hair and skincare mistakes you may be making

Sleeping with make up on – After a long night of partying, it’s so tempting to just take off your shoes and hit the bed. But sleeping with heavy make up on is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Not only are you clogging your pores, which can lead to acne; you’re also subjecting your skin to the free radicals from the environment that your make up clings on to. This can result in eeks! premature ageing and who needs that?

Washing your face with scalding hot water – Hold back on the super hot water for your face as that can damage your blood vessel. Instead, wash your face with lukewarm water and you’ll be fine.

Too much or too little exfoliation – Exfoliation is an important part of skincare as it removes the dead cells from your skin. However, be careful not to overdo it, or conversely, not exfoliate at all. Ideally, you should exfoliate your face once or twice a week (never on two successive days) and if you have dry or sensitive skin, try and stick to just once a week or once in 10 days.

Leaving oil in your hair all day – Ladies! Read carefully because this is important. When it comes to oiling hair, it’s the massage that’s really important. Do not leave oil in your hair all day as it will just attract dirt and clog your pores, leading to hair fall. Massage your scalp well, leave the oil in for an hour and then wash it off.

Not moisturising for fear of acne – There is a myth amongst those prone to acne that applying a moisturiser will aggravate the acne. This is untrue and can actually lead to excessive oil production from the skin, which may cause another acne breakout. Pick an oil-free moisturiser and ensure your skin is well-hydrated at all times.

Not getting enough sleep – This one’s a rookie mistake! The best care for your skin is a nice long restful sleep. So don’t be up watching movies all night if you have college or work the next day. Make sure you get your beauty sleep and keep your skin looking young and fresh.

Smoking – That’s right, guys! In addition to being bad for your lungs, heart and general health, smoking is one of the fastest ways you can age your skin. Smoking can cause bags under your eyes, darkening of lips and even increases your chances of getting psoriasis. Sigh! Still need a reason to quit?

Brittle hair - causes, treatment and home remedies

Does your hair break easily and looks dull, frizzy and dry? You probably have brittle hair which if ignored can lead to hair loss eventually. But there are tips and tricks which can help you manage this condition yourself. We asked renowned hair and skin expert Dr Jaishree Sharad to tell us more about brittle hair – its causes and ways to manage it.

Why does hair become brittle?

Your hair can turn brittle without you even realising it. Even people who have luscious locks can have brittle hair if they do not take good care of it. According to Dr Sharad, ‘Brittle hair is generally caused by various chemical and physical treatments done to the hair fibre such as excessive curling, dying, or the improper use of other hair straightening products, excessive sun exposure. Because so many environmental and cosmetic factors may be at once, it is difficult to pinpoint one factor as THE CAUSE of hair weathering.’

Tips to reverse this condition

A few dietary changes and DIY tips can help you tackle brittle hair with ease. Lack of certain essential vitamins such as vitamin C, B complex, iron too can result in weak and brittle hair. Since the hair is made of keratin which is a protein, it is vital to feed your hair that to increase its strength. Here’s what Dr Sharad advises:

• Eat a high-protein diet comprising chicken, eggs, fish, sprouts, soya, paneer, milk, yoghurt to make hair stronger from within.
• Use mild hair shampoos to wash your hair.
• Avoid blow drying and other heat treatments such as perming or straightening.
• Avoid sun exposure or cover hair with a hat or apply hair sunscreen to protect it from harmful rays.
• Check your hemoglobin level and if low, take supplements.

DIY hair packs for brittle hair

A simple hair pack which you can make at home is of aloe vera gel and honey. Mix the two in equal proportions and then apply the mixture on your roots and hair and let it stay for 15 minutes. Then rinse hair with plain water or a mild shampoo. Do this twice a week to see results. The gel will make your hair less frizzy and honey will provide the moisture it needs.

Another hair mask which you can make at home is using the yolk of an egg and adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with it. Apply it the same way and leave for 15-20 minutes before washing it off. This will not just strengthen your roots but add a shine too. 

Summer Beating Up Your Hair? Follow These Expert Tips

I just got back from a week at the beach to restore my mind and body: endless dips in the salty ocean, laps in the pool, snorkeling for hours on end. Ahhhh. But my blissful state was upended when I went to see my hair stylist. “So, let me see the damage,” she said. My carefully highlighted hair had lost its lustre - the blonde was brassy, the ends fried.

Note to stylist: I did hear you last time, when you warned me about chlorine after I spent a mere 30 minutes in the pool at that Orlando resort. Understandably, it was highly chlorinated to deal with dozens of children swimming around.

This time, my stylist cried out, “Oh my God! What happened?” I feebly explained I’d been down the waterslide just once or twice. I guess my hair got damp when I rocketed into the water at the bottom of the slide. Who knew that even a tiny bit of chlorine could wreak havoc?

Protect your hair from the elements with a great hat.

Kyle White

Lead hair colorist at Oscar Blandi, who counts Mariah Carey and Julianna Margulies among his clients

Hair advice: White says sun exposure is the equivalent of bleach and fades color: “You need to use a sunblock every time you wash, even in winter if your hair is going to be in direct sunlight.”

Salt water and chlorine will not only fry your hair, but it will turn your blonde locks into orange straw. White advises using an oil with SPF, like Phytoplage, that will fill the cuticle of your hair so it won’t absorb chlorinated water. Rinse your hair with fresh water when you get out, then reapply the oil and put back on your hat.

Rinse hair with fresh water after hitting the pool.

If you get chlorine on your hair, an easy at-home solution is to use an apple-cider vinegar rinse that will remove chlorine deposits, take out highlight-dulling product build-up, remove dead skin cells, and unclog hair follicles.

Just as your black or bright colored clothes fade in the hot clothes dryer, heat styling fades your hair color. So if you are using heat styling tools, be sure to use a thermal protector like “Its a 10,” which is also a leave-in treatment with protein and vitamins.

After sun exposure, frequent shampooing is the second biggest fader of hair color — so cut back and use a dry shampoo (Oscar Blandi has one called Pronto). “Your scalp’s natural oils are Mother Nature’s deep conditioner,” he says.

Oscar Blandi

Hair advice: Get a trim before you go on vacation. “Playing on the beach, in the chlorine water — the ends can become dry and brittle,” he says, especially if you are going out and using hot, damaging tools like hair dryers, straighteners, or curling irons.

Alonso Salguero

Hair advice: Products can make all the difference. A deep-conditioning treatment like Kerastase Elixir Ultime cream, and another product, Aqua-seal by Kerastase covers the hair cuticle and keeps moisture in.

The simplest and easiest advice is saturating hair with water before leaping into chlorinated or salt water because hair can only absorb so much water - says Salguero - and getting it wet prior to swimming keeps some of the chemicals out.

You can also apply a glaze like the Christine Hair Glaze from Van Thomas Concepts. This protective layer helps minimize the damage and gives your hair an extra bit of defense against the elements.