Feeling like your hair, skin and nails could use a little TLC? With summer coming into its prime, they probably could! Here are nine easy ways to make sure your radiance doesn't waver this summer.
Hair
1. Update Your Conditioner
What works in the other three seasons probably isn't going to be the best option for the summer. When it comes to humidity, you either need to go with it or fight it. Conditioner will give you the biggest bang for your buck. To go with humidity, look for moisture, curl and texture conditioners. If you want to fight humidity look for frizz and humidity fighters—sleek and high humidity options are available.
2. Find Two Styling-Tool Options
You'll need one product that goes in wet, giving you an air-dry option, and a second product that can be applied to dry hair. With leave-in conditioners, sea salt spray, styling pastes, mousse, serums and more to choose from, keep it simple with two basic products that will simplify your summer routine.
3. Protect your hair
Make sure you have sun protection in your hair products if the summer makes your color worse. You can find SPF in so many beauty products today, so check your products or ask your stylist. The alternative is to add a product with sun protection and anti-oxidants to help keep your color looking great. Read my tips for repairing your hair in time for summer here.
Skin
1. Amp Up the Glow
A highlighter can be another way to get big bang for your buck. With a little healthy summer glow, a little highlighter on the cheek bone or in the corner of the eyes or even on the brow bone might be all you need to update your look for summer.
2. Buy Products With Built-In SPF
If you are not already using one, it's time to find a moisturizer that has skin protection and a hint of color. With oil-free options ranging from traditional moisturizers to BB Creams and more, protecting your skin gives you lots of options. Don't forget to stock up on sunscreen.
3. Better the Brow
Eyebrows are hot than ever, and eyebrow brushes and pencils can redefine their shape for summer. Whether they're square, defined edges and arches or full, bold brows, make sure your eyebrows are creating a frame your face.
Nails
1. Make ‘Em Pop
Bright is the theme for nails this season. Pull out your primary colors, along with some other fun, poppy colors, and instead of painting the entire nail, go for geometric shapes, triangles and bold bands. Also, ditch the glitter and go for metallics. Golds, bronze and pewters are a great change and will look great on next to summer skin.
2. Pamper the Toes
When it comes to your toes, leave them to the pros—at least once at the beginning of the season to get them into shape. Do your research and make sure the salon's tools are properly cared for and sterilized, and then let them work their magic.
3. Change the Finish
To keep your polish looking great longer, change up your nail color's finish. Adding one bottle of either a matte or high-shine topcoat will not only change your nail polish's finish, but it will give you that little extra to keep nails looking longer.
Don't forget to score the perfect swimsuit and cover-up for summer while you're at it.
About the Author
Patrick McIvor is an International Haircolor Educator,
Blogger, and owner of 101 E. Center Salon/Education/Creative Center. As one of the most respected colorists in the industry, McIvor was the founding Color Director for Nick Arrojo and Rodney Cutler at Arrojo Cutler Salon on 57th Street in NYC and has now rejoined Nick Arrojo as Brand Strategist & Techni-Color Director of ARROJO. McIvor is a cultural junkie inspired by international cosmopolitan influences from fashion and global trends to technology. The team at 101 E. Center Salon creates beautiful, sexy, believable hair in an intimate studio environment utilizing technology to make guests the center of a TechniCulture Salon Experience. McIvor is featured in the book “50 Hairstylists” and was named one of the best colorists in the USA by Allure Magazine.
