Summer Hair Tips from Missy Ewart

Spring is finally upon us and that means an additional set of problems for any hair type – winter’s harsh leftovers, wind, humidity and heat. Missy Ewart, Miami’s most sought after hairstylist and co-owner of South Beach’s swankiest salon Primp Salon & Hair Extension Boutique shares her tips on how she gets her celeb clientele’s locks prepped and ready for Spring.

Tackling brittle, dry hair as a result of winter’s harsh months:

- As the weather starts to warm up and the humidity in the air increases, it’s time to change your conditioning habits. I recommend using a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture back into your strands. Moroccan Oil has a great deep conditioning treatment.


Preparing frizzy hair for oncoming humidity:

- At Primp we use keratin treatments like Keratin Complex to eliminate frizz. Infusing your hair with protein keratin eliminates unwanted frizz and smoothes the cuticle so the hair lays flat. Specifically, at the beach I would recommend a smoothing serum such as Catwalk’s Sleek Mystique by TIGI.

Managing the sun’s effects:

- 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 these effects to a minimum try UV protecting products. If your hair has already lightening, I suggest using a toner to change the color of the hair shaft and shine to your ‘do. Wear a hat or bandana at the beach to prevent the sun’s rays from reaching your hair.

Eliminating winter impurities and dullness:

- Brutal winter conditions like cold and wind strip the cuticle, making it rough and susceptible to dryness, dullness and static. I recommend using a non-sulfate shampoo or a clarifying treatment. Apply a light serum to your strands before you blow dry to help your tresses shine in the spring sunlight.

René Furterer Sun Care

After spending the entire day frolicking in the pool with friends this weekend just as if it was simply destiny a package of René Furterer Sun Care was waiting for me at my front door. Whenever I get samples for editorial review here on The Anti Hair Slave, I get all excited and it's like Christmas for me! Anyway, I immediately headed to my shower to tend to my tresses. Now since I had just shampooed a day or so prior the plan was to co-wash and then deep condition.

Before I get started on the product reviews, I will give you some background on the René Furterer Sun Care Collection and why it caught my eye. As you all know, my hair is chemically treated with a relaxer. A chemical relaxer changes the protein bonds in the hair resulting in a change in the appearance and texture of the hair, those protein bonds are called Keratin. The goal with a relaxer is to change the appearance and texture without doing too much damage to layer of Keratin because if you damage the layer of keratin your hair will look and be damaged and unhealthy. The folks over at René Furterer have created a system called KPF (Keratin Protection Factor) that is scientifically proven to measure the amount of Keratin it protects. The keratin protecting agents and keratin rebuilding structure in the products protect the Keratin you already have and also help preserve the longevity of Brazilian keratin straightening (sodium chloride free and sulfate free).

Now on to the product reviews (in order from my favorite to least favorite):

Repairing After Sun Mask ($42, Beauty.com)

Claims: Strengthen and nourish sun exposed strands with René Furterer Repairing after sun mask. Palm butter moisturizes while a complex of phytosterols, ceramides and essential fatty acids rebuild the keratin structure, providing deep hydration that leaves hair detangled, soft and supple.

Thoughts: The sunny yellow color of this product was enough to make me smile and the light creamy almost buttery scent is also a plus. Since I had company over it was also a great benefit that you only need to leave this conditioner in for 3-5 minutes. So I left if on for about 4 minutes while I tended to my other needs in the shower and when I rinsed my hair was soft and super easy to detangle.

No Rinse Moisturizing Spray ($23, Beauty.com)

Claims: After soaking in the rays, let your hair soak in moisture with René Furterer No rinse moisturizing spray. The conditioning spray rehydrates, detangles and repairs parched strands and can be used on wet or dry hair.

Thoughts: This product came in a close second place almost beating out the conditioner. To use this product you make sure you shake it up very well to get all the ingredients mixed properly before proceeding to spray your entire head. This product also has a great scent that reminds me of summer time on the beach with a buttery hint of something that must be the Palm Butter. After using this spray and sleeping overnight without a head scarf my edges and nape are still soft, which never happens. My only issue is that the bottle is on the small side at 5 fl. oz.

Protective summer oil KPF 90 ($23, Beauty.com)

Claims: Without even dipping a toe, look freshly emerged from the ocean with the “wet look” effect of René Furterer Waterproof nutritive oil KPF 90. This spray provides all day protection against the sun, blocking 90% of UV rays, while preventing the buildup of salt and chlorine. Hair is left shiny and smooth for a day outdoors. Ideal after keratin straightening service to maintain the results.

Thoughts: This product took a few minutes to grow on me. After I was done styling my hair I spritzed a little of this product onto my 'do thinking it was going to add some shine. I went to smooth it in and noticed that my hair felt a little bit hard like I'd applied hair spray, I checked the ingredients and realized the first ingredient is alcohol. This put me off a little because it's called Protective Summer Oil. I did noticed however, that it you don't touch your hair for a few seconds and then smooth it in your hair feels like it's been spritzed with a sheen spray instead of hair spray.

As previously stated, products in this review were submitted for consideration by PR company, read full disclosure.

Lotus Shield by Avon

(Lotus Shield, $9.99 *sale Avon.com)

I'm always on the hunt for a great anti-frizz product. Even when I don't wear my hair super sleek and straight that doesn't mean I'm not still trying to ward off frizz. Since my hair is tex-laxed instead of relaxed bone straight any hint of moisture in the air and my hair is dying to curl/wavy/crinkly itself up. With the super rainy weather we've been having in the tri-state area, I knew it would be a perfect time to try out Advance Techniques Lotus Shield, Avon's first anti-frizz product.

Advance Techniques Lotus Shield is inspired by the lotus leaf plant, which has an extremely high water repellancy. Not to get all technical on you guys but the term is superhydrophobicity, which is also seen on the wings of insects but I guess the Lotus plant is more elegant. Anywho, Lotus Shield adds a "waterproof" layer to the hair, actually repelling moisture, and Avon claims it performs in upwards to 97% humidity. Tippi Shorter, Avon Global Stylist Advisor says, "I have tried Lotus Shield on myself. I used it before traveling and my hair stayed straight and smooth through 4 flights and 3 countries – all in 2 days. I really like it a lot, not to mention it smells good.”

Unlike Tippi, I wasn't jet-setting and dashing between countries, instead I was just trying to enjoy a nice night on the town with my boyfriend complete with a romantic dinner at Mr. Chow's in Tribeca but the rain was plotting to turn my simple yet pretty down do featuring a side braid and low bun into a hot frizzy mess with a low bun. Luckily, Lotus Shield performed, it minimized (actually eliminated) frizz and put a stop to those pesky fly-a-aways (that are really my 'new' bangs that don't make it all the way back into my low buns). I was completely satisfied with this product and I plan to keep on using it and yup, it does have a nice scent to it.

**disclosure**

Chlorine and Black Hair

Chlorine and relaxed hair are not friends. Relaxed hair has already been chemically treated which leaves hair more vulnerable to damage. When the hair is exposed to chlorine to long periods of time the chlorine beings to eat away at the cuticle. The result is damaged hair, split ends, and a decrease in shine. Avoid this by taking simple precautions.


1. Always rinse your hair out as soon as you hop out the pool. Luckily, my pool has an adjacent shower so I hop out and head to the shower. You'll also notice that your skin feels better when you do this too because chlorine also dries out the skin.


2. Some people wet hair and apply conditioner before even going in the water. I use to do this, but I didn't notice any difference from when I did and didn't so it's a waste of conditioner for me. Instead I like to coat my dry hair with coconut oil before heading in the pool.


3. Deep condition! Even if I plan on swimming again the next day, I will deep condition my hair after a day at the pool. There is a rule I never ever break and I think it's the most important!


Happy Swimming!

Summer Hair Essentials

(Hair Therapy Wrap, $18.00 Amazon.com)

Deep conditioning during summer months is essential but using a plug in bonnet dryer is torture. My Heat Therapy Wrap is a MUST have!

(Jilbere Pastel Shower Comb, $1.59 Amazon.com)

This is a year round must have, because I detangle my hair in the shower and this is super easy to use.

(VO5 Moisture Milk Strawberry Conditioner, pack of 5 $9.30 Amazon.com)

This is my absolute favorite co-washing conditioner. I love it because it makes my hair feel instantly softer. It's super thin which allows it to get right down to my scalp to wash away any build up without any issues. I love this stuff!

(Wave Nouveau Moisturizer Finishing Lotion 32 oz., $10.49 Amazon.com)

My favorite juice! Main ingredients are water and glycerin, which are perfect for moisturizing my hair. I need the large bottle because I use so much of it on a daily basis.

What are your Summer Hair Essentials?!?

Poolside Hair Favorites: Edition 1

I'm the girl by the pool with the huge sunglasses, killer caribbean like tan (if I must say so myself), and a bag full of hair products next to my lounger!  If you need a spray, lotion, or gel I have you covered.  I protect my skin and my hair at all times when I'm lounging by the pool, it might look like all fun and games but I'm serious about protecting myself.  Skin cancer is not just for white folks and damaged hair is never a good look.

Here are a few of my favorite hair items to keep on hand:

Amazon.com for $17.38

Redken Color Extend Sun - Even though my hair isn't exactly color treated, I love the fact that this product contains Mango Oil to help moisturize my hair.

Federic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beachcomber Leave-In, $22.95 Amazon.com

Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beachcomber Leave-in - I spritz this on when I'm planning on hitting the water again in a while.  It adds moisture to my hair and it feels renewed after using just a little bit.  You know how you're hair can feel dry after getting out of the water, even after rinsing?  Well this is the solution to that problem. 

Available from Amazon for $11.25

Biolage Thermal-Active Repair Cream - Even though this is a thermal product, meaning it's mean to be used with heat tools what's hotter than the sun?  This product gets a spot in my bag because it features Cera Heat Technology which is a restorative blend of ceramide and natural oils.  I save this product to use once I'm done with the pool and I'm just going to be laying out because it does provide a light hold.

Relaxed Hair + Swimming: Tips to avoid Breakage

Please don't think that since you have relaxed hair you cannot go swimming!  Swimming + Summer go hand and hand and while relaxed hair might not fit smoothly in with those two it certainly doesn't exclude you from having a good ol' time poolside and underwater this summer. 

I'm relaxed and during the summer months I spend a great deal of time underwater!  Over the years I've figured out how to keep my hair healthy despite all the exposure to chlorine and saltwater (but that's another blog post). 

Relaxed Hair + Swimming Rules:

#1. Always thoroughly rinse out any and all chlorine from your hair.  During my younger years I was forced to wear a swim cap to "protect" my hair from the water.  No matter what brand, how many caps, or how I positioned them on my head some of my hair always got wet.  Now did I always rinse it out?  Nope, because I didn't know any better and I figured since only a very small area got wet what's the point?  The point is that leaving chlorine on relaxed hair results in damage.  Point blank period.  It always did for me. 

#2. Don't always use shampoo.  Some of you might be confused, because Rule #1 clearly states you must rinse out any and all chlorine from you hair.  Please note I said RINSE, not wash.  If you swim as much as I do you would be shampooing every day or every other day at the least, now we all know that's a no no.  Instead - co wash!  Need a quick refresher on co-washing?  Read up on it here.   

#3. Condition like crazy.  I know my hair and I like to think you know your hair too.  During swimming season my hair craves conditoner, chlorine drys out my hair something terrible so to reverse that I deep condition my hair so much more during the summer.  Especially the edges and my ends. 

Side note: You gotta love Queen Bey with her red lips and drink in hand!  Super Fab!

Memorial Day Weekend Recap

I'm back from a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend Vaca in my head.  What's a vaca in ur head?  Well, I didn't go anywhere and I had to work but I allowed myself to spend my days (remember I work nights) relaxing.  I didn't allow myself to think about work, writing, planning, budgeting, or anything like that just pure relaxation on my off time.  The majority of my time was spent poolside and in the water.  

Where there is water, AHS will be.  I absolutely love swimming and playing in the water and I'll always choose that over whatever hair style I'm rocking.  When I'm in swim mode, I do NOT use direct heat on my hair, it's pointless.  Instead, I might use a hooded dryer if anything.  Over Memorial Day I tried the Curlformers again, sadly the experience was not much better than the first time.  After that, I wore a airdried bun and after that I did two strand twists.  Of all the styles the 2 strand twist is my favorite and it will likely be a Staple Summer Style for me. 

BTW, I LOVE Mel B's poolside 'do!

Sun Protection for your Hair and Scalp

With Summer right around the corner it's time to start protecting your hair and scalp.  Most people know that your hair be damaged by the sun, but you can't forget about your scalp.  Your scalp is made up of skin, so you can actually get burned on your scalp...talk about painful!  Here's the scoop: If hair and scalp are unprotected, UV rays can burn scalp skin and penetrate into the cortex and strip away the cuticle causing color to fade and hair to become dull, roughnd prone to frizz and flyaways.  

Although, some oils can protect your hair and scalp against UV rays the SPF levels are very low.  Macademia is up there at SPF 6 and my personal favorite, Coconut Oil is only SPF 2.  Since this is basically nothing, hair care companies all over are creating products with SPF to protect your hair and scalp.  

Redken introduces the NEW Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 to the Color Extend Sun haircare regimen, a multi-tasking leave-in that helps prevent sun burnt scalps while helping to strengthen, protect and replenish sun-stressed hair.  The UVA and UVB filters in Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 provide SPF 12 protection to exposed scalp to help prevent burning or peeling from the sun’s damaging rays.  Redken’s exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and the advanced Hydra-Shield Complex deliver strengthening Ceramide and moisture-rich Mango Oil to dry strands to resurface the cuticle, repair damaged areas and replenish lost moisture. 

Products available include: 

• Color Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo: Apply to wet hair, massage into a lather, and rinse.
• Color Extend Sun After-Sun Mask: After shampooing, apply to damp hair. Leave on 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse.
• Color Extend Sparkling Shield: Apply to damp or dry hair. Leave-in. Reapply throughout the day as needed.       

Frederic Fekkai has also hopped on the sun protection for your hair bandwagon, creating the Marine Summer Hair Collection.  Marine Summer Hair protects against the damaging effects of the sun, saltwater, and chlorine.  These products feature UV protection and AquaNutrients, an exclusive blend of Marine extracts with deep hydrating benefits. 

Product Available:

1. Marine Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control: Conquer frizz all day with this weightless, alcohol-free mist.
2. Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves:  Create a tousled, "beachy" look with this heat-activated UV shield and styling mist.
3. Marine Summer Hair Marine Clean Detox Shampoo:  A gentle daily purifying shampoo
4. Marine Summer Hair Beachcomber Leave-In Conditioner: A bi-phase, daily, leave-in conditioner.

Oscar Blandi Capri Sun-Shield Spray - Just as you would protect your skin with sunscreen, this spray uses UV inhibitors to protect your hair color from fading, while adding moisture, shine, and suppleness to counteract the drying effects of the sun and chlorine. 

              

Another great option is to get a big floppy hat!