Warm Weather Hair Care

Going to the beach, hanging out in the garden--all the things we love to do while it's warm--can mean trouble for your hair, especially if it's color-treated. "Your bathing suit is a good analogy," says Mikael Padilla, a colorist for Wella Professional. "After repeatedly sitting in the sun and swimming in chlorinated water, the material of your bathing suit starts to thin, the elastic gives a bit, and the color fades. Sun has that same effect on hair fibers, resulting in weakened, straw-like, bleached strands."

The Solution: Look for color-extending shampoos, conditioners, or styling products containing a filter to protect hair fibers from UVA and UVB rays. And resist the urge to let nature bleach your hair for you.

Prevention: Wear a hat.

Wash Smart: Avoid protein-based shampoos and conditioners, which can leave hair brittle, advises Josh, a creative consultant for the John Frieda Collection. And lay off the heat appliances and allow hair to air dry.