POOLSIDE PERFECTION
Salon G’s Shelley Pullar shares her top tips to revive sun-soaked hair, keeping it glossy and effortlessly stylish well into autumn.
PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF
If you live in the Bay of Plenty, you already know the sun doesn’t pack up at the end of February. We keep swimming and pretending autumn isn’t creeping in. But while the long afternoons and poolside catch-ups feel great, your hair is probably telling a different story.
After months of UV, saltwater and chlorine, most people head into autumn with colour that looks a little tired and ends that feel a little crispier than they’d like to admit. This is the perfect moment to reset your routine so your hair survives the next round of outdoor fun, and looks better than it did in January.
First, let’s talk colour care. If your hair has been living its best sun-drenched life, the fastest way to bring it back is to switch to a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner. These formulas keep your colour from fading and help your hair hold onto moisture, something it’s usually desperate for at this time of year.
A new standout in this category is Wella’s Ultimate Colour line. It’s vegan, sulphate-free and has a built-in metal purifier. (Yes, metals in your tap water can actually distort your colour, especially blondes and redheads.) There’s also a leave-in mask with UV protection and a spray-in hair shine that will make your colours more luminous.
If your hair has also been battling frizz, dryness or general moodiness, add a lightweight oil serum into the mix. Wella’s Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil is a great option. It absorbs in about 30 seconds, keeps hair smooth for up to three days, and works as both a heat and UV protector. It’s the kind of product you throw in your bag and end up using for everything.
And because a seasonal reset should feel a little bit luxe, Salon G is running a limited giveaway. The first 20 readers who purchase any two products from the Ultimate Colour range, or book a colour service, will receive a complimentary Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil, worth $88. Consider it your reward for giving your hair the attention it deserves.
Autumn may be arriving, but the outdoor lifestyle isn’t going anywhere. With a refreshed routine, neither is your shine.