Summery French-Girl Hair—for Bastille Day and Beyond
Summery French-Girl Hair—for Bastille Day and Beyond
In partnership with our friends at Christophe Robin
The chic no-style hairstyle you see all over Paris (not to mention under the beach umbrellas at Cap Ferrat) depends on healthy, well-cared-for hair, says world-famous hair guru and Paris salon owner Christophe Robin. This is especially true in the summer, when nourishing hair becomes even more important, whether your concern is frizz, dryness, damage, or excess oil. Here, Robin shares all his (easy) expert tips for coaxing any hair type into full-blown summer gorgeousness.
1
Any Hair Type Can Be Beachy
Spritz hair that is fine or lacks body with volumizing mist or salt spray at the roots. Besides giving you that Bardot-ish lift, it also works as an instant second-, third-, or fourth-day hair refresh. If your hair is thicker, work curl cream throughout to define and revive curls. Applying curl cream to damp hair, when the cuticle is open and can better absorb product, is a great way to intensify the lustrous effects, whether you’re blow-drying or air-drying.
2
Use Hair Oils and Hats in the Summer
To protect hair from the shine- and color-leaching effects of sun, salt water, and chlorine, Robin relies on plant oils. “These are especially important for curly textures because those tend to be more fragile and lack moisture on the lengths,” he says. “I like sweet almond oil, which is fine enough to get deep into the hair. Another good one is lavender, which helps protect hair color from turning brassy. And wear a hat! It’s essential to protect hair and skin from sun damage.”
3
Shampoo a Little Less Often
Less is more for best results with shampoo. “Wash one or two times a week with a detergent-free shampoo,” says Robin. “Even if you have oily hair, washing it less often helps your scalp regulate excess sebum,” advises Robin. “You need only a small amount of shampoo—we always use way too much. Apply a small amount, add a bit of water, and emulsify.”
4
Think of Leave-In Conditioner as a Styler
Whether you’re air-drying your hair or using a blow-dryer, leave-ins can protect against both heat damage and frizz. “Conditioner locks in moisture, which curly hair often lacks,” Robin says. “That’s why curly hair is often more sensitive to heat, humidity, and other environmental factors.”
If your hair is very fine or if you have oily roots, Robin says to skip conditioner—in the shower and leave-ins. “If it’s weighing the hair down, you don’t need it,” he says.
5
Blow-Dry to Fight Frizz
“If you must use a blow-dryer, hold it at a distance to avoid burning the hair,” Robin says. “Heat damage inevitably creates frizz in the long term.”
6
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Hydrating products help protect against heat damage and boost shine. “Do a mask once a week so that your hair is set and nourished for the next seven days,” says Robin. “Whatever styling, sun, chlorine, or saltwater damage you do, it’ll bounce back better.” If you are heat-styling, stay on the defensive. “Work in curl cream or oil before blow-drying or going over your hair with a diffuser so that the lengths stay hydrated,” he says. “But whenever possible, avoid the blow-dryer and let your hair air-dry with just a little bit of hair cream for hydration—and don’t touch your hair while it dries.” (Brushing and combing increase frizz.)
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Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioning Milk
Christophe Robin
Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk with Shea Butter
goop, $35SHOP NOW -
Shine-Boosting Hair Oil
Balmyard Beauty
Siren Luster Hair Oil
goop, $64SHOP NOW -
Super Moisturizing Hair Mask
Rahua
Omega 9 Hair Mask
goop, $42SHOP NOW
Pro tip: You can also use a blow-dryer to help deep-condition your hair; heat helps open the cuticle so that nourishing ingredients can easily penetrate. Smooth a mask or oil into hair, then hover the blow-dryer over your entire head at a reasonable distance so you don’t singe your hair, making sure the heat hits every area so that the product sinks in. Rinse. Delight in how soft, shiny, and luscious your hair is the next day and throughout the week.
7
Scalp Health Is Hair Health
“It’s important to take very good care of your scalp by supporting circulation with breathing exercises, yoga, and scalp massage,” says Robin. “I’ve always believed scalp health is the route to healthy hair, and it’s something I’ve always talked about.”