Sun-drenched days, swimming pools and saltwater can wreak havoc on your hair, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. Your previously lustrous lengths can be prone to frizz, colour fade and flatness, says hairstylist Barney Martin. But there’s no need to hide under a hat constantly.

Here’s a round-up of six common hair concerns, plus a glossy hair strategy to take those strands from dull and damaged to shiny and fabulous! Whether it’s a damage-preventing hairstyle or an essential haircare product, you’ll have healthier hair in no time:
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When the humidity soars, moisture penetrates the hair cuticle causing strands to swell, resulting in a flyaway effect. Opt for sprays or serums containing argan oil (to soften and shield from environmental aggressors) and antioxidants (to restore shine). Spritz to damp hair before styling for best results. “Scrape wet lengths into a low chignon, high topknot or bun,” says Barney. “This look is perfect for frizzy, hard-to-tame hair.”
READ MORE: 10 Frizz-Fighting Hair Products To Beat The Humidity With
Lock down unruly flyaways with the portable OUAI Anti-Frizz Sheets that contain coconut oil and shea butter to leave hair shiny and smooth.
Repel humidity, tame frizz and enhance shine with John Frieda Frizz Ease Original 6 Effects Serum’s expert blend of silicones and silk protein.
This heavenly oil is lightweight, fragrant and utterly nourishing to both hair and body.
Air pollutants, heat styling and sun damage can cause your fresh new hue to look lacklustre. Fortunately, coddling your hair with colour-specific products can restore your strands to their salon-worthy state. “If your colour is a bit flat or faded, use purple shampoo and conditioners to tone and bring it back to life,” advises Barney. Stick to sulphate-free shampoo and conditioners – sulphates contain salt, which can sap moisture and strip colour.
Formulated without silicones or parabens, this shampoo helps hydrate and restore shine to dull, coloured hair.
Available in brown, ash and pink variants, the Liese Hair Color Supplement is specially designed to lock colour in for longer and banish brassiness.
Wash your hair with this targeted shampoo designed to prevent colour from fading while enhancing radiance.
Fun in the sun, exposure to wind and waves, hot tools, over-colouring and under-treating can result in thirsty locks, says Barney. Restore rough hair back to its glossy glory with products containing coconut oil to enhance shine and soften texture. A hydrating leave-in conditioner or serum will also help maintain moisture levels. Suffering from split ends? Schedule frequent trims and avoid lots of layers.
This formula contains Mongongo oil that protects hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays without weighing strands down.
Gives tresses a moisture boost with this hair treatment that contains hydrolised silk which is known to repair UV damage.
Made with virgin coconut oil from Bali, each koqo VCO face.body.hair spray is rich in antioxidants and ultra-hydrating. The best part? It’s organic, and can even be drunk!
When the mercury rises, your sebaceous (sweat) glands go into overdrive. Swap your regular shampoo for a lighter, clarifying formula that removes product build-up and excess oil without stripping strands. “Don’t over-wash your hair as this encourages over production of natural oils,” says Barney. And hit refresh between washes with a dry shampoo.
Packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins from prickly pear cactus, the new HASK Cactus Water Weightless Moisture Shampoo cleanses and hydrates oily hair weightlessly.
The silicone-free Moist Diane Extra Fresh Shampoo helps purify scalp of sebum and dirt and contains active ingredients to soothe irritation, without stripping hair of essential moisture.
Bid greasy hair goodbye as this dry shampoo is formulated with an extra-absorbent blend of bamboo and rice powder to give your hair volume and texture.
Love lounging in the pool? Chlorine exposure can cause your mane to lose moisture and become porous. Occasionally but not always, your lengths may also sport a subtle shade of green. Prevent damage by rinsing hair first and using a protective anti-UV spray. “This will stop your locks from absorbing chlorinated water,” says Barney. Immediately afterwards, wash with a clarifying shampoo, then treat with a protein-rich deep conditioning mask to seal in moisture and soothe strands.
Block out humidity and harmful UV rays with Rita Hazan Lock + Block Protective Spray, which also protects coloured hair from fading.
It’s formulated with 10 hydrating actives to deeply nourish dehydrated and brittle hair, leaving it softer and easier to manage.
Infused with olive oil, this nourishing mask helps protect against external aggressors and restore post-swim hair to a soft, supple and silky state.
Does the humidity cause your bouncy blow-dry fall flat by lunch? First things first: Limit your use of conditioner. “Using too much conditioner can weigh hair down,” says Barney. Pump up the volume with colour – this will swell the hair shaft, making it look fuller. And stick to layered, textured styles when going for the chop. “These give the illusion of body,” explains Barney. At home, opt for root-lifting products and lightweight mousses.
Boost volume right from the roots with IGK 30,000 Feet Volume Powder Spray, which coats strands with bentonite clay to add density and grip.
Build body and fullness with this hair mousse that will take your hairstyle to new heights.
Pump up lifeless hair from the roots with this spray that doubles up as heat and colour protection.
READ MORE:
10 of the Best Foundations With SPF For Added Sun Protection
10 Frizz-Fighting Hair Products To Beat The Humidity With
30 Best Sunscreens For Singapore’s Weather
Text: Bauer / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew
Gifs from GIPHY
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- hair care
- hair tips
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