It’s probably fair to say that many Irish women’s hair is overprocessed, heat-styled to within an inch of its life, dyed to smithereens and highlighted beyond recognition. And even if it is still in a relatively natural state, Irish hair tends to be quite coarse in texture – compare it, for example, to the silky manes of our Asian sisters.
Then there is the endless rain, which is a recipe for frizz.
Humidity increases in June and July, and you could spend the summer months looking like you have just stuck your finger in a electrical socket.
So we’re tackling a heap of problems to prevent our hair looking like something Mick Wallace would hanker after. Moisture is the key: keep your hair nourished with a good shampoo and conditioner, and use hair masks or deep conditioner at least once a week. You will really notice the difference, especially if you have dry or coloured hair.
I know some people don’t like silicone because they feel it weighs their hair down, but I’m a huge fan. Silicone in hair products is the saviour of many people, as it smoothes and makes hair sleeker – brands that do silicone-based hair products well are Pantene (try the Aqua range) and Kérastase.
Leave-in serums such as Moroccanoil or L’Oréal Exquisite Oil work so well because they are primarily composed of silicone and they work to keep hair smooth and frizz-free.
Look out for silicone on ingredients lists – they will have names ending with -cone or -xane – and try them out. They could make a huge difference to your frizz woes.
Aisling is on Twitter @aismcdermott
THE PRODUCTS
Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Oil (€21.50)
A daily leave-in treatment that moisturises dry ends instantly. Contains 41 per cent all-natural Buriti oil.
Ojon Rare Blend Oil (€34)
Shake to blend the all-natural oils and apply sparingly. It’s so rich that you need only a couple of drops at most – don’t overdo it or you’ll be a grease monkey.
Redken All Soft Argan-6 Hair Oil (€25)
Sometimes a leave-in, silicone-based, pre-blow-dry serum is the only thing to damp down coarse hair that is prone to frizz. This is one of the best. It even works on my hair, and that’s saying something.
Rich Pure Luxury De-Frizz & Shine Mist (€9.99)
This silicone-based spray is ideal for very dry and damaged hair that doesn’t need to be combed or smoothed through; perfect if you have curly hair and don’t want to disturb the wave.
AISLING LOVES . . . Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste (€20)
I love the stern, no-nonsense attitude of this new anti-frizz range. It is for “unruly, rebellious hair” that is just going to have to calm down right now or risk detention.
