Visions of flirty, tousled hair that shines with summer glam remain pretty much relegated to the pages of magazines when one has to contend with all the grime and heat in the city. And no, in this case, you definitely won’t be able to undo the damage with just a wash-and-go routine. Rapunzelesque locks demand so much more. With a bit of effort, the route to hair heaven is not that hard to come by.

Cool Mane
“During summer, hair starts looking dull and can get pretty greasy. I’d suggest washing hair every alternate day, depending on the texture and applying a conditioner that can be left on overnight,” explains Savio Fernandes, Kérastase Ambassador for the Jean-Claude Biguine – House of Beauty. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and water, proper sleep and exercise goes a long way in maintaining healthy hair. Spinach and broccoli help improve hair growth and should be part of your diet. Vitamin E is good for hair, too, says Shailesh Moolya, salon director, Juice Hair and Beauty.

Dermatologist, Dr Apratim Geol suggests switching over to an ultra-mild shampoo and using an anti-dandruff shampoo at least once a week. Dr Preeti Savardekar, dermatologist, Kaya Skin Clinic recommends the very mild Kaya Nourishing shampoo, while Hyacinth Dsouza, Friseur Service Manager, Wella India says Wella’s SP Regulate shampoo can help soothe greasy scalps. In addition, use a leave-in conditioner that can be sprayed on before you leave the house to protect against sun damage. Tigi’s Fast Fix works as both a conditioner and sun-protection product, advises Moolya. Dsouza cautions against swimming without using a leave-in conditioner as the chlorine present in water depletes hair of moisture leaving it lifeless.

A Cut Above
Fernandes recommends getting an asymmetrical bob that is stylish yet easy to manage. “This cut is very trendy; it can fit any kind of style and outfit whether sporty, casual, funky, classy or retro. It crosses boundaries of time and age and can be adapted to any kind of face, except maybe big, round ones,” he says. But if short hair isn’t an option then ensure you get regular trims, advises Goel. Updos work well for this weather but use elastic bands that are covered with fabric to avoid damage when tying up long hair.

Tress Treats
Savardekar warns against trying out perming or straightening treatments which might not give you the desired results when attempted during this season on account of the high humidity levels in the air. Placid Braganza, director, Nalini’s Salon and Academy says using a light serum is essential to help maintain and hold your style. Try Wella’s High Hair range which comprises styling products with UV filters for added protection. Moolya recommends going in for smoothening treatments that add neatness to hair. Alternatively, he suggests Treat Me Right, a spa pack from Tigi that can be used at home as well as Tigi Moisture Manic conditioner to tame tresses. Curly-locked beauties can head to the Jean-Claude Biguine — House of Beauty and opt for the Kérastase Oléo-Curl range for frizzy, unmanageable hair to define and sculpt curls. Their new Noctogenist range helps dull, tired hair while the Bain Mirror range adds softness and shine to coloured hair. Bain Clarifiant and Bain Divalent work for oily scalps. And the Kérastase Ritual works wonders on normal hair after a session of personalised diagnosis.

Colour Coded
A bit of colour is by far the easiest way to turn your look around — and if you look after your hair well, you minimise the risks of any harm caused by chemicals. Dusky skins should try dark or reddish brown tones, chestnut or violet, while wheatish ones can pull off burgundy, plum, red or cinnamon. Fair skins work best with champagne blonde, ash violet, caramel or honey hues.