Let the Sunshine in

By Lotus Abrams Jun 1, 2009 1:00am

June 2009 Hair

As summer quickly approaches, your clients are anxiously awaiting days spent enjoying the sun, sand and sea, but exposure to these summer elements can take a tremendous toll on the hair. It also causes haircolor to fade, a frustrating experience for cost-conscious clients who are concerned about making haircolor services last as long as possible. Fortunately, haircare manufacturers are gearing up for summer, too, with a host of new sun care releases.

Redken has just launched the Color Extend Sun line, designed for color-treated hair, which consists of After-Sun Shampoo, After-Sun Mask and Sparkling Shield, a water-resistant leave-in smoother that protects hair from UVA and UVB rays and the absorption of chlorine and minerals. The products are powered by the Hydra-Shield Complex that contains UV filters Benzophenone-4 and Soplexyl— which provides progressive protection with every application—plus moisturizing mango oil and reparative ceramide.

The new Sun Sublime collection from the Keune Haircosmetics Care Line contains minerals, UV protectors and protein to repair the hair and prevent color fade. The line consists of Shampoo, which removes chlorine and salt water; Conditioner, formulated with shea butter for deep conditioning; Oil, an SPF 8 protective spray oil; and Serum, which deactivates oxidative radicals generated by UV exposure and protects haircolor.

TIGI has just released the Bed Head Some Like It Hot line designed to fight UV damage and humidity. The range comprises Heat & Humidity Resistant Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner, featuring a refreshing blend of avocado, grape, aloe and cucumber that leaves hair smooth and guards against humidity, UV rays and thermal damage, and Heat & Humidity Resistant Serum, which protects haircolor, smoothes hair, adds shine and fights humidity.

For those clients looking for an environmentally friendly approach to sun protection products, Aveda and Barex Italiana have launched new lines. The botanical-rich Aveda Sun Care collection features UV protection and cleanses and restores hair after exposure to sun, salt and chlorine without harsh chemicals. When used together, the Protective Hair Veil, Hair and Body Cleanser and After-Sun Hair Masque help defend hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours. Meanwhile, the new Barex Sun Essential collection is biodegradable and recyclable. It consists of Hair & Body Shampoo, with provitamin B5, carotene and meadowfoam oil to remove traces of chlorine, salt, sand and sunscreen; Conditioner, formulated with vitamin E, rice oil, carotene and UV filters; and Oil, with UV filters, rice and meadowfoam oils and monoi di tiare, which creates a lightweight shield to protect the hair cuticle and haircolor.

While it's important to remind clients to guard their hair from the sun's harmful rays, it's also critical to tell them they should protect the scalp. Nioxin's new Scalp Shield Sunblock SPF 20 is a nongreasy formula that can be sprayed directly on the scalp without clogging pores to shield against both UVA and UVB rays. ?—LOTUS ABRAMS