Summer Hair Care: Part II
6/10/13

Okay. So we've covered our summer hair care basics with shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning and repairative treatments. But now what? I don't know about you, but I'm not one of those girls who can go without product in my hair. Whether I wear it straight or wavy/curly, I need hair help. I want it sleek and humidity-proof when worn straight, and frizz-free and "natural" when it's wavy. And by natural I mean appearing effortlessly beachy and pretty.

If I'm using any heat-styling products like a hairdryer, flat-iron or hot rollers, I always protect my hair with Kérastase Nectar Thermique. It's my foundation for other styling products, and I swear by this stuff. Since it has a creamy consistency, it's easy to mix together with other products. One bottle lasts about four months, depending on hair length, thickness, and blowout frequency. More about this gem with product descriptions in a moment. 

One of my go-to products for many years has been Moroccan Oil. I need to get specific here, because there are tons of dupes on the market. The original brand is one word- Moroccanoil. As you can see in the photo, I purchased a travel size bottle many moons ago and have since reused it dozens of times. The travel size is a total ripoff, but I wouldn't trust a random container to hold this stuff, and I certainly don't take chances with oil getting all over my toiletries when traveling (a lesson you only have to learn once). Imagine for a moment attempting to clean up an entire toiletry bag that's been covered by a water-repelling oil. Not a good time. The large bottle with a convenient pump lasts at least 6 months on long, thick, naturally curly/wavy hair. If it's humid (hello, Jersey & NYC summers) I use a quarter of Nectar Thermique to protect my hair from the hairdryer, add three pumps of Moroccan Oil, mix together in my hands and run my fingers through my hair from roots to ends. If you like your hair extra straight and sleek, add another drop to your palm, rub between your hands, and apply to your dry hair. Follow by using a flat-iron, et voilà! Sleek, straight, frizz-proof summer hair. A word to the wise: don't overdo it with the oils. It's a fine line between sleek and lacquered. 

Another go-to heat and humidity fighting product is Kérastase Elixir Ultime. My stylist uses this on my hair at the salon along with Kérastase Nectar Thermique, but I always worried it would be too light (i.e. frizz!) for me to use at home. Hey, it's not easy using a round brush on the back of your own head! I always loved how light and sexy my hair looked when I'd get a blowout at the salon, so I decided to give it a whirl at home on my own. I put the Nectar Thermique in the palm of my hand, use about 2-3 pumps of the Elixer Ultime, mix together and run through my hair with my fingers from roots to ends. While the process is pretty much the same as Moroccan Oil, the outcome is quite different. This definitely isn't for the 95+ degree humid NYC summer days, but works perfectly for Portland summers which are hot, but generally not humid. The scent is amazing, and it makes my hair smooth and bouncy. Definitely sexy, movie star hair. 

Now I'm going to talk about those summer days when you're sweating two minutes after walking outside. I'm talking to you, Northeast dwellers. The type of day where you just want to throw your hair up in a ponytail and forget about it. Davines No. 14 Sea Salt Primer is fantastic for taming waves and air drying on those days you just want to give up. I've had great success towel drying my hair, running a few pumps of either Moroccan Oil or Elixer Ultime, then liberally spritzing my locks all over with this Sea Salt Primer. It manages to give me beachy waves without being crunchy or stiff. I definitely advise "guiding" your waves with your fingers as it dries. If you see any (gasp) errant frizz, simply use a single pump of Elixer Ultime once your hair has dried. This will be my summer hair lifesaver this year. The Sea Salt Primer can also be used on dry hair, making it a perfect product post-swim or for touch-ups anytime. 

My verdict? All four products are fantastic, and all four serve different purposes depending on your preferences. They last so long that the prices are reasonable. I recommend mixing and matching and having fun with it. And don't forget cute headbands! They've become my summer hair crutch, and actually look really cute. Much more chic than a sloppy updo. Check out the hair accessories boutique at Henri Bendel for a massive selection with prices from $25. Something for everyone. 

- Moroccanoil is $43 for 3.4 fl. oz. and $16.60 for 0.85 fl. oz. 

- Kérastase Nectar Thermique is $42 for 5 fl. oz.

- Kérastase Elixie Ultime is $54 for 4.2 fl. oz.

- Davines N°14 Sea Salt Primer is available through salons only. I think I paid around $40 for an 8.45 fl. oz. bottle

Available at Moroccanoil, Kérastase, & Davines through salons click link for salon locator).