Summer is coming. And with it comes hair-raising humidity, which causes some of us without a naturally straight mane to suffer tresses that resemble an ungroomed poodle.
As celebrity Italian hairstylist Rossano Ferretti puts it: “The heat, humidity and sea can wreak havoc on our hair during the summertime holidays. Realistically speaking, no one wants to lose the frizz battle when it’s time to unwind and look fabulous doing so.”
But why does hair frizz? Ferretti says: “When it’s humid, there are a lot of water molecules in the air. The excess moisture looks for areas where it can ‘fit’. Hair that’s dry entices moisture to enter through its shaft, where it binds to the proteins. This process causes the hair to lift and look out of place, instead of maintaining the smooth sleekness that took you all morning to attain. The result? Frizz!”
Ferretti and other haircare experts say it takes a bit of dedication to fight frizz.
Here are some top tips and tricks to overcome this hairy situation.
Avoid hot water
Given that hydration is key to combating frizz, Myriam Keramane, founder of Parisian haircare brand Myriam K Paris, advises against washing hair with hot water. “Hot water dries and strips the hair of the nutrients necessary for a healthy scalp and follicles. A dry scalp, in turn, will lead to frizziness and even dandruff, so use lukewarm water instead.”
Keramane also recommends moisturising the hair as soon as you get out of the shower. “Use a leave-in conditioner while your hair is still wet, as this will moisturise the follicles most effectively. You can use a bit of hairspray to fix the hair while it’s wet to ensure it stays tame through the heat and humidity.”
Use sulfate-free products
Ferretti is not a fan of over-styling and unnecessarily complex techniques, and says sulfates are the nemesis of all things natural. “The saving grace for frizzy hair starts with a sulfate-free, anti-frizz shampoo and nourishing conditioner. Sulfates have a habit of stripping your hair of its natural moisturising and nourishing oils with each wash, leaving your locks more vulnerable to humidity.
“A sulfate-free, de-frizz shampoo and conditioner is the best solution to keeping hair soft and hydrated. This will create healthy locks that will react better to other luxury anti-frizz hair products. In the summers, use a little more conditioner than you usually do, bringing it up from the tips to manage frizz.”
Work with your natural curls
Sacha Mitic, founder of minimalist haircare brand Sachajuan, is another proponent of being as natural as possible, something he says is especially crucial for curly-haired girls who often fall prey to the temptation of heat-heavy, dryness-inducing straightening gadgets and treatments.
“Don’t try to fight your curls and natural texture as this can lead to long-term damage. Instead, enhance them through products such as hair oil, shine serum and styling cream, and make sure to let your hair air-dry without any added heat. This helps ensure your curls come out looking shiny and healthy,” explains Mitic.
The Curly Girl Method, which involves cutting out any products that contain harsh sulfates, drying alcohol, mineral oils and waxes, is another option.
On the other hand, treatments that change the texture or the nature of the hair use chemicals that harm the scalp and hair, and make it more prone to dryness, breakage, frizz and split ends, says French entrepreneur Rym Yessad, who founded Curlshops.com in Dubai to provide clean and natural products for women with curly hair. “The issue with these treatments is they begin a vicious cycle, as the hair is never really repaired after that,” she says.
Minimise sun exposure
Mitic compares exposing the hair to direct sunlight as being “as damaging as applying bleach”. Harsh sun rays both ruin unprotected hair and cause it to frizz uncontrollably.
Just as you would slather on SPF to save your skin from sunburns in the summer, “covering your locks with a protective spray that creates a barrier between the moisture in your strands and harsh elements such as the sun and air pollution” is crucial, too, says Ferretti.
He also recommends covering the hair with a hat to avoid prolonged exposure, while Kermane says salt water and chlorinated water can also dry out the hair.
At-home styling tips
“Use the summer holidays to air-dry your hair, ditching hot styling tools as often as possible,” says Ferretti. "This will keep your hair more hydrated and less prone to frizz and breakage.
“Invest in a professional detangling brush, one that will glide through the tangles with ease, without snagging at them, and use a hair mask at least once a week.”
If you would still rather style your tresses, Mitic advises using a thermal protective spray to create a barrier against the heat of a blow-dryer or straightening iron. “Finish the look by using large Velcro rollers in your freshly dried hair and leave them in for 15 to 20 minutes to create long-lasting volume. Use a light and flexible hairspray to maintain the volume throughout the day,” he says.
In-salon styling tips
Ferretti recommends getting a trim at the start of the summer (or soon before your holiday), to get rid of split ends. “This automatically gives you a smoother look overall.”
If you’re comfortable investing in a professional chemical procedure, Kermane recommends an in-salon keratin treatment. “Not only will this reduce frizz, but you also won’t have to blow-dry or use hot tools to style your hair," she says. "You can wash your hair after visiting the pool or beach and simply air-dry.
“Keratin treatments usually last for about three months and summer is the perfect time to do one."
Copper hair colour trend: how to choose and maintain the style of 2022 — in pictures
Tips for entertaining with ease
· Set the table the night before. It’s a small job but it will make you feel more organised once done.
· As the host, your mood sets the tone. If people arrive to find you red-faced and harried, they’re not going to relax until you do. Take a deep breath and try to exude calm energy.
· Guests tend to turn up thirsty. Fill a big jug with iced water and lemon or lime slices and encourage people to help themselves.
· Have some background music on to help create a bit of ambience and fill any initial lulls in conversations.
· The meal certainly doesn’t need to be ready the moment your guests step through the door, but if there’s a nibble or two that can be passed around it will ward off hunger pangs and buy you a bit more time in the kitchen.
· You absolutely don’t have to make every element of the brunch from scratch. Take inspiration from our ideas for ready-made extras and by all means pick up a store-bought dessert.
Key developments in maritime dispute
2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.
2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus
2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.
2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.
2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Pari
Produced by: Clean Slate Films (Anushka Sharma, Karnesh Sharma) & KriArj Entertainment
Director: Prosit Roy
Starring: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Ritabhari Chakraborty, Rajat Kapoor, Mansi Multani
Three stars
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E660hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C100Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E488km-560km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh850%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOctober%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Alita: Battle Angel
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Keean Johnson
Four stars
The five pillars of Islam
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Match info
Manchester City 3 (Jesus 22', 50', Sterling 69')
Everton 1 (Calvert-Lewin 65')
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Results
5pm: Al Maha Stables – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Reem Baynounah, Fernando Jara (jockey), Mohamed Daggash (trainer)
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Afham, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ghallieah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Yas Xmnsor, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi
7pm: The President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Adrie de Vries, Jean de Roualle
7.30pm: The President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Haqeeqy, Dane O’Neill, John Hyde.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars
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The lowdown
Badla
Rating: 2.5/5
Produced by: Red Chillies, Azure Entertainment
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Amrita Singh, Tony Luke
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
If you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Chicago from Dh5,215 return including taxes.
The hotels
Recommended hotels include the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, located in an iconic skyscraper complete with a 1929 Olympic-size swimming pool from US$299 (Dh1,100) per night including taxes, and the Omni Chicago Hotel, an excellent value downtown address with elegant art deco furnishings and an excellent in-house restaurant. Rooms from US$239 (Dh877) per night including taxes.
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
