Why is it that your hair always looks great on the beach? All it takes is a quick dip in the ocean to bring out the best in it – tousled with plenty of volume and waves worthy of the sea itself. It’s no wonder that hair brands have tried to bottle this mysterious power, so you can have Bondi hair even if you’re going no further than Birmingham.

Bumble and bumble launched the first ever salt spray and Bb. Surf Spray has since achieved iconic status in the beauty world, bringing beachy style to dressing tables all around the world. Most haircare brands now have a salt spray of their own and it’s not hard to see why these products are so popular: “Salt spray will give you tousled, super textured, beachy waves without stepping a foot on sand or in the sea,” says Hayley Gibson-Forbes, co-director at SJ Forbes salons. “Our clients love the look, feel, and smell of a good salt spray, along with the added bonus that it is super easy to use as part of their at-home or holiday haircare regime.”

So, how do you use it?  “It is normally used as a styling tool once the hair has been cleansed and conditioned, giving the hair a gritty,  look,” explains says Gorka Arraras, creative manager at Charles Worthington Salons. “Salt spray is great for fine hair, adding volume and texture as long as the amount applied is not overpowering.” And you can use it in different ways, depending how strong an effect you want – “It is best applied to the mid-length and ends of the hair. You can simply spritz onto dry hair and scrunch into locks for messed up texture, or spray onto wet hair and blow-dry for a more subtle, voluminous look,” says Hayley.

However, as anyone who’s ever overindulged during a holiday will be able to tell you, you can have too much of a good thing. “Overuse of salt spray can lead to the hair feeling dry or matted,” warns Gorka. “To resolve this I would recommend weekly treatments or using a primer when blow drying. This will leave the hair nourished and in good condition without compromising on the styling. It will let you achieve the look that a salt spray gives without drying it out.” So, make sure that you treat your hair as nicely as you would after a day at the beach and top it up with plenty of hydration.

If you find salt spray too drying on your hair, Robert Eaton, creative director at Russell Eaton salons, has some advice. “Clients often strive for that perfect beach look hair full of texture, however finding then perfect product can be difficult,” he says. “For me, it is all about creating the texture but in a non-abrasive way – there are some amazing products out there that do this but if you can’t find the right salt spray, have a play with some different dry shampoos.” Sugar sprays are also a good alternative – Paul Mitchell’s Neon Sugar Spray maintains softness and hydration, while Kérastase Aura Botanica Eau du Vagues has protective properties and is made of 98% natural ingredients. Or you can always go for a twist on the original – Bumble and bumbleoffers a whole range of sea-inspired products including a the Surf Foam Wash shampoo and conditioner, to build texture as you cleanse, and the Surf Infusion which is a salt spray infused with oil. Race you to the beach!
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This article first appeared on Layered

Chlorine, at least as far as your hair is concerned, is a chemical disinfectant added to the water in many swimming pools. If pool owners didn't use chlorine, you likely wouldn't want to swim in the slime-infested water, to begin with. Short, occasional exposure to chlorinated water really won't damage your hair. It may make it feel dry for a day or so, however.

Regular exposure to chlorinated swimming pools can cause significant damage to your hair.

Disinfectants, in general, are used to break down and remove dirt, oil, and bacteria. Our scalps naturally produce oil to protect hair from damage and daily wear. Stripping the oil from your hair in a pool on a regular basis can cause over drying, increased porosity, and in some cases pretty significant damage if you don't take steps to prevent and treat your hair for chlorine exposure.

Can Chlorine Turn My Hair Green?

While it's true that chlorine gas is a greenish yellow color, chlorine does not turn your hair green, Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., explains in this article that it's actually oxidized metals (copper) in the water that bind to the protein in the hair shaft and deposit a green color.

Now, before you go feeling bad for chlorine for getting a bad rap all these years, chlorine isn't completely innocent. As explained above, regular exposure to chlorine can cause dry, porous hair.

Dry, porous hair (especially hair that has been chemically lightened or highlighted and is more likely to be damaged by chlorine exposure) is more likely to absorb chemicals and discoloration.

Who Is at Risk for Chlorine Damage?

Everyone that regularly exposes their hair to chlorinated water risks damage, but some hair types will damage faster or more severely.

If your hair meets the following criteria, you will want to take extra care to prevent and treat chlorine damage:

• Color Treated Hair: especially if your hair is chemically lightened or highlighted.
• Chemically Treated Hair: permed or relaxed
• Dry Hair
• Thin or Fine Hair
• Previously Damaged Hair

How to Prevent Chlorine Damage

You can do a few things immediately before and after you hit the pool to prevent chlorine from damaging your beautiful locks.

• Saturate Your Hair with Water. Before you enter the pool, rinse your hair with clean tap water to saturate your hair. Have you ever noticed that a sponge will only absorb so much water, and once it's full the water just runs off? Your hair is similar to a sponge. If you saturate your hair with clean tap water, your hair will be less likely to absorb as much of the chlorinated water in the pool.
• Use a Swim Cap. If you're doing a lot of swimming or are concerned about damage, a swim cap can make a world of difference. Try out a silicone swim cap as it is lightweight, breathable, and won’t snag your hair. Speedo makes a great one that comes in a variety of colors. Buy on Amazon.com.
• Rinse, rinse, rinse. After you exit the pool, a good clean rinse in the shower will start the process of removing the chlorine from your hair. In fact, it's a good idea to rinse your hair often with clean water while swimming to keep flushing the chlorine and chemicals out.
• Shampoo. Shampooing your hair immediately after chlorine exposure is the best way to remove the bulk of the chlorine and stop the damage it may be causing to your hair. Some shampoos are specially made to help remove chlorine and are a great idea for regular swimmers. UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo is a great option for everyday use. Buy on Amazon.com.
• For kids, the Fairy Tales Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo is recommended as it is gentle enough to use daily. It’s also a great option for adults with color treated hair. Buy on Amazon.com. 
• Moisture/Protein Balance. Just as important as removing the chlorine, you have to replace the moisture and protein that the chlorine strips from your hair as soon as possible. It's important to condition your hair well after shampooing, and I highly recommend a leave-in protein conditioner to soothe dry, frazzled hair and prevent split ends. Chi Keratin Mist is one of my favorite leave-in protein conditioners because it strengthens damaged hair and leaves it looking healthy and shiny. Buy on Amazon.com.

How to Repair Chlorine Damage

If chlorine has damaged your hair, you'll know it. Chlorine damaged hair is very dry, frizzy (especially at the ends), bleached out, and often feels a little like straw. It tangles and mats up easily. These tips can help you revive your chlorine damaged hair:
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• Talk to your hairstylist. If you already have severe chlorine damage, go to a pro. Have her assess your hair's damage and recommend products or treatments to help and, at the very least, get a haircut to remove the ends that are likely suffering from the most damage. Once your hair is over damaged, repair is out of the question and a haircut is your only hope for soft, shiny hair again.
• Clarify your hair. If chlorine has damaged your hair, it's likely that it's also building up in your hair and causing it to feel worse than it is. Try a clarifying shampoo, or try super-clarifying your hair with this quick at-home baking soda trick. An apple cider vinegar rinse is also a great option for removing the chlorine buildup.
• Check your scalp. Chlorine is not only drying to your hair shaft but can also cause drying to your scalp. If your scalp is severely dry and your hair is damaged, I highly recommend giving Nioxin products a try to repair damage, replenish moisture, and to return your scalp to its healthiest condition (even if your hair isn't thinning).
• Use a regular protein treatment. Replenishing the protein in your hair that's been stripped by the chlorine will help repair and rebuild your hair's strength.
• Deep condition your hair. While a regular daily conditioner is a must, if your hair is damaged by chlorine you'll need a weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioning treatment to seal in moisture and smooth the frizzy split ends. Coconut oil is another godsend for repairing damaged hair caused by chlorine.
• Be very patient. While you're working to repair your damaged hair, be patient. It takes time for your damaged hair to bounce back to life. In the meantime, try these tricks for healthier looking hair, right now.

​This article first appeared on Live About

Thin hair can do the most terrible things to a man’s confidence. Even the best-dressed, or the fittest of them all. Thing is, most of us will face the thinning truth at some point as we age, which is why finding hairstyles for men with thin hair, isn’t just a ‘that’s his problem’ kinda thing, cause you could be next, Jason Statham.

The Thin Down

While you can spend loads on hair volumising products and anti-hair loss pills, there actually are tried and tested hairstyles for men with thin hair, which will make your hair look normal, luscious even, and it’s all in the way it’s cut. But first, here are some things to stop doing if your hair is thinning. First up, accept it.

“Understand that balding happens to 80% of men,” says Jules Tognini, senior stylist at Togninis and Philips Shaving and Grooming ambassador.

And as for prevention? “My number one tip is don’t wash hair too often”, adds Jules. “A lot of hair products are filled with substances that can strip moisture in your hair and cause hair damage. Smoking is also another cause of hair loss. In fact, I believe 65% of men that smoke have a greater risk of hair loss.”
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So, putting the thick back into thin hair again, here are the best hairstyles for men with thin hair, and you don’t have to shave it all off to get there, Bruce Willis.

#1 Swept Back Pompadour

Starting to develop a monk-like bald patch at the crown of your head? Go for the swept back pompadour. “Flip your hair back,” says Jules. “With this style try keeping your fringe long.”

This creates height at the front and sees the hair sweep back towards the crown of the head. The visual trick is using the longer hair at the front to sweep over the thinning area at the back.

Best for: men who are thinning at the crown or back of the head.

How to get it: Product and styling adds volume to this look. Use a hair dryer to help guide your hair into place, especially if you’ve got an awkward hairline. Plus, the air builds height that makes hair appear fuller.
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“Then use a generous amount of a styling paste to control the style and keep your bare spots secret. My tip is to avoid a wax and use a dry product instead, as greasy hair can make your balding spot look worse,” adds Jules.

#2 Short & Textured

Short and textured or messy, is another hairstyle for men with thin hair. The dishevelled nature makes it look like you have more hair on top, due to the extra volume. “The shortness will make your hair feel thicker,” adds Jules. “Sometimes if you try too hard to cover your balding spot it can make it look worse.”

Best for: men who have front head baldness, beyond a receding hairline.
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How to get it: Use a texturising product like water-based pomade, rubbing a dab of product between palms, before working through the hair with fingers, messily of course, and you’re done. If you’ve got straight hair, then try spiking it a little, but go easy on the product, and avoid looking like a porcupine.

#3 Fringe Or Parted

Inspired by the Don Draper do, grow your hair longer on top and keep the sides and back short. The whole idea is to wear your hair forward.

“Any haircut that consists of hair swept forward or to the sides work perfectly well for men with thinning hair,” says Jules.

Best for: a receding hairline, and men seeking a more refined option with their thin hair.
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How to get it:  Use a lightweight, medium hold product that won’t weight hair down, like a matte-finish, water-based pomade. Oil-based ones are, yes, oily looking, and are hard to wash out.

#4 Fade It

An undercut and/or fade makes hair on top look more prominent and thicker, thanks to the contrasting short sides and back, so it’s perfect for gents starting to thin.

Best for: men who have still have some hair at the front, and who’s job means they can indulge in a more fashion-y hairstyle.
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How to get it: grow your hair to a medium length on top and comb it across to the opposite side for maximum fullness. Add some volumising powder at the roots to add thickness and fullness making the hair follicles sit up near the scalp.

Ultimate Thin Hair Sin

As tempting as it is, there is one major thin hair sin to avoid. “Don’t do the comb over,” says Jules. “This is when the hair is grown long and combed over the bald area to minimise the evidence, obviously.”

And, think quick. As soon as you notice that you are balding, take action to prevent it from getting worse.

“For instance, try switching shampoos to an organic product that makes your hair look thicker,” concludes Jules.
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This article first appeared on D'Marge

Summer is right around the corner, but if you’re here reading this, then you’re already pretty aware of that. There is a difference between winter hair and summer hair, and you probably want to make sure that yours stays protected under this cruel, unforgiving heat that we’re about to have. Sometimes that can be a bit easier said than done, but with the right products, and with the right techniques you can keep your hair looking just as healthy and shiny as ever. Argan oil in your hair, for example, is a great start, but so is paying attention to the elements that we introduce.

The Three Elements of Summer
There seem to be three elements that summer brings with it,
some natural, some not:

    Sun
    Chlorine
    Water

You don’t need us to explain how these are going to introduce themselves to you – you’ve been down this road before. What you might not realize, however, is how much damage they can actually cause. Our hair takes serious beating, especially during the summer months, and with that being the case, you need to find a way to keep your hair as healthy as possible. Don’t worry, we have a few tips, including those that involve Argan for hair.

Step 1: Protect Your Hair by Locking in the Moisture

The elements of summer that we mentioned above can do a great job of tearing the moisture right from your hair, and it won’t be long before you start experiencing breakage. There are a lot of different methods you can use to protect yourself from this, the first being to wear a wide brimmed hat – though not everyone is in favor of adding a hat to their wardrobe. Your other option, will be to use a product that moisturizes and shields your hair – make sure you always use such a product after a shower to keep your hair in good condition every single day.

Step 2: Shield Your Hair

The summertime sees us putting our hair through a lot of ‘torture’, as it were. We’re more prone to taking a dip in the pool, or baking in the hot sun, and so, before you do any of those things, we strongly recommend applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair. By doing this, you will ensure that your hair absorbs the conditioner rather than chlorine from a pool or salt from the ocean.

Step 3: The Defense Against Frizz

Humidity is rampant in the summer, and if you don’t protect your hair properly, then there is a good chance that you’re going to end up dealing with frizzy hair. Anyone who is already prone to frizzy hair knows the dal: keep your hair defended against it. One of the most common methods for doing so is the use of Argan oil, which you will find plenty of in our online store.

Step 4: Protect it from Heat

We’re not talking about the heat from the sun, we’re talking about the heat you inflict on yourself – heat that you would find right inside your very own bathroom. The heat from your flat iron can be a serious problem for you, and you may not have even been aware. Flat irons can take a toll on your hair, which is why we strongly recommend using our heat protectant product.

Using Argan for hair, this product really is light years ahead of most others on the market, so strongly consider it when you’re getting ready for the rigors of summer. 

As you can see, there’s a lot you need to do to make sure that your hair is ready for summer, and it’s not necessarily going to be the easiest thing in the world.
Now would be a great time to start stocking up on products that will keep your hair in top shape, and ensure that it stay safe whether you’re soaking up the sun, swimming, or straightening.  Summer is harsh, so prepare yourself with the right products!
 This article first appeared on HSI Professional