English Version | Glossy hair, in summer? It's possible

Let anyone who has never committed one of these deadly sins cast the first stone: being too tired to wash your hair after the beach and following one of two options — putting it up in a suffocating ponytail or resorting to a blow-dryer + straightening board combo to control the frizz; exchanging the (apparently) perfect curls from the salt water for waves made with the help of styling products after an (obvious) rinse with running water; not cutting the ends, not even two centimeters, because "then it won't grow back in time for the rentrée”; ignoring the use of masks, conditioners and even sun protection tools, which can be sprays and oils with an SPF factor as well as hats or scarves. If we were honest, we'd have enough stones to build a castle... Because although summer is our favorite season, it's also the most challenging for our hair — and our skin, but fortunately it seems that this is already a given. We've already internalized that "the best anti-wrinkle treatment is sun protection" or that "the midday sun is the most damaging to the skin". 

However, we still don't take the same precautions with our hair. And if we add salt water, chlorine, air conditioning and the typical summer excesses to UV rays, the result is dry, brittle and weakened hair. The best thing to do is to adopt a series of simple but effective measures that will help us maintain healthy hair and prevent long-term damage. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants is one of the first steps to take. They are our best allies in the fight against free radicals, unstable molecules that damage the hair fiber, follicle and scalp and are caused by solar radiation. But getting the necessary intake of antioxidants through food is no easy task, which is why it's crucial to supplement our diet with nutraceuticals such as Olistic, which contains 12 powerful antioxidants, including vitamin E, resveratrol and astaxanthin. This highly absorbable and drinkable formula was developed by dermatologists and pharmacists and, with its more than 30 natural ingredients, protects and revitalizes hair from the inside out. To prevent sun damage, prioritize foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants, such as berries, spinach, nuts and green tea.

In addition, it is recommended to consume foods that contain plenty of water, as well as vitamin C, vitamin A and zinc. These nutrients are important because they support the health of the scalp and help in the production of collagen, which is essential for keeping hair strong and healthy. There's more: use sun protection products for your hair and reapply them frequently, just like you do with your face cream — and don't forget your hats for extra protection. After a day in the sun, sea or pool, it's essential to wash your hair with fresh water and regularly apply moisturizing masks. This will prevent excessive dryness and brittleness. Reducing the use of heat tools and drying your hair outdoors, as well as trimming the ends, will help keep it healthy. Blonde hair, as you know, requires extra care — melanin has a photoprotective function and protects the hair fiber from oxidative damage caused by the sun. As blonde hair fibers have less melanin, they are more susceptible to damage. 

UV radiation is known to cause color changes in all types of hair. The lighter, brighter color you see during the summer, popularly known as sunkissed, is nothing more than the result of UV radiation, which damages the hair's melanin. Exposure to the sun causes a gradual fading, resulting in the luminous look that is very popular during the hot season. However, it's important to note that this process can weaken the strands, making them more prone to breakage and dryness. That's why it's important to nourish your hair from the inside out, so that the shine never fades. Not even after the summer.

Translated from the original in the "Winners Never Quit" issue, published July 2024. Full stories and credits in the print version.