Spring is quickly approaching! With everything growing in fresh and new, it seems like the perfect time for rejuvenation. Maybe that’s why they call it spring cleaning! Have you neglected your hair over the winter? Now’s the time to get those coarse ends trimmed off. With the days getting longer and temperatures (slowly) rising, it’s finally time to start thinking about spring! And, just like your wardrobe, your hair is due for a seasonal change.
Spring’s influx of humid weather can leave hair flat and crush even the most zealous efforts at styling. No matter what texture your hair has naturally, this isn’t the time of year to force your tresses into an unnatural style.
If your hair is curly, find a hairdo that embraces your curls. If your hair is straight but tends to curl up in humid weather, incorporate loose, light curls into your style.
Don’t wash your hair every day. Your hair is supposed to have a reasonable amount of oil in it, so it shouldn’t be super clean. And don’t use just any old shampoo and conditioner — look for ones that also repair split ends, enhance shine, and tame unruly hair. If you’ve been using a moisturizing shampoo and/or conditioner, consider switching to a formula for normal hair.
A good hair mask can transform your locks after only one use. Post-shampoo, apply it to wet hair for three to five minutes starting at your ears (to avoid weighing down your roots). The rule of thumb with moisture is to listen to your hair. If you notice static, dry ends, a lot of tangles, or if your hair feels rough to the touch, you are lacking moisture and need to add a deep conditioning treatment or a moisturizing conditioner to your hair routine. If your hair is limp or oily, start cutting back on the moisture.
If you have wavy, curly, or natural hair, then opt for stronger, more intense masks and products. The ingredients in more balmy products will help fight frizz and dryness because they’re designed to penetrate more deeply into the hair folicle. Massage the product into your hair and scalp thoroughly, and make sure to rinse well to avoid product buildup.
While the sun’s natural lightening doesn’t cause significant damage to your hair, over exposure to the sun’s rays can cause dryness and unwanted lightening to colored and highlighted hair. To keep the sun’s effects at a minimum, try a UV protecting shampoo, conditioner, and styling products.
Did you know that if your hair is shoulder length or longer, it’s been sitting on your head for three to four years? No wonder your locks seem dull. Get them gleaming with a quick-acting gloss enhancer.
Although it is a whole lot easier to just wrap the hair turban-style in a towel when you get out of the shower, the twisting and pulling can also lead to frizz. If you can, get a microfiber towel as opposed to cotton, and blot the curls dry with your head upside-down. You won’t believe how much quicker the drying process is with microfiber!
The days are sunnier, so your hair color should be too! If you typically get highlights, ask your stylist for a technique called balayage: It involves painting the color onto individual strands in a random pattern, rather than the methodical placement of traditional foil highlights. It works for all hair colors; just keep the lighter pieces no more than one to two shades lighter than the base. The goal is to create a subtle sun-kissed look, not a drastic contrast. While this does require professional application, it grows out very naturally so you won’t have to hit the salon as frequently.
Fight the inevitable spring (and summer) frizz with an anti-frizz serum. Apply to damp strands before blow-drying to help seal and smooth the hair cuticle.
If you find that blowdrying makes your hair look frizzier, gently blot it dry with a towel instead – but don’t rub. Rubbing hair dry can cause further breakage on already weak strands, increasing your chances of frizz. After you’ve towel-blotted, apply an anti-frizz serum or hair gel to your damp hair and comb it through so the product is distributed evenly.
Never used an anti-humidity spray? It’s a game-changer during humid months. Mist the spray on dry hair post-styling, aiming toward the roots. You can even carry it in your purse and use as a mid- or end-of-day touch-up. Just don’t overdo it, as too much can leave excess residue.
Your diet can directly affect the condition of your natural hair. Be sure to eat an array of fresh organic foods and drink plenty of water. You will find that your hair grows longer and stronger when you take care of your body both inside and out.
Prepare for April showers with wellies, an umbrella, and a go-to rainy day hairdo. A braided top knot is an effortless (yet chic) option: Put hair in a ponytail, braid, then twist around itself and pin. If your strands are shorter, use a bobby pin to pin the front section behind your ear; it adds polish to your look, keeps hair out of your face, and takes seconds.
April showers bring more than May flowers – they also add constantly changing moisture levels in the air. The problem? Frizz is caused by hair trying to soak in moisture from the air, so chances are you’ll end up with a frizz problem at some point during springtime shifts in the weather.
Hair accessories are always in style, and spring is the perfect time to try one of the floral options that are big this season. The trick to keeping your look age-appropriate is choosing accessories in colors that are simple and toned down.
Finally, consider keeping a little product on hand throughout the day to use for smoothing down any strands that may curl up.
