Hair Recovery Solutions For Summer & Color Fried Hair

My hair has recently become a hot mess! I thought it was just rebelling against my harsh 6-8 weeks hair color treatments, so I begrudgingly cut 3 inches off. Well it wasn’t just summer and color damage (I wear a hat in the direct sun, even in the pool by the way), but baby hair. Say what? Yes, it turns out under my regular hair I have about 4 inches of baby fine baby hair growing all over my head. Apparently this can happen if you have had a significant life event like having a baby, menopause or in my case, a major surgery. So all those hairs sticking up were not breakage, but baby hairs! Mind you, my ends still looked like hell, but they are gone now.

So I asked my stylist, what should I do? I normally loathe using hair products and leave-in-conditioners, but when I was told they would really help as well as taking Biotin vitamins, I decided to heed the advice. So I took it upon myself to try A LOT of products (mostly leave-in-conditioners, deep conditioners and finishing oils). Keep in mind my hair is fairly thick and wavy with some curl. It straightens beautifully in the winter and frizzes not so beautifully in the summer, so I just leave it alone less a braid or two until the temps drop.

Here is what I found, use and love:

Alterna Caviar CC Cream Alterna 10-in-1 Formula, $25

I adore this all-in-one formula which I have used in the past, but apparently forgot about. Caviar CC Cream (or “Complete Correction” Cream) is a miracle leave-in product that delivers 10 benefits (like moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, UV protection, manageability, strength, anti-breakage, heat protection, and medium hold) in one easy step. This 10-in-1 formula can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products, but I find a little oil after my hair dries with this is enough. I use a little when it’s wet and then use a little more as a finishing touch. My hair then looks perfectly polished.

Evo Happy Campers Hard-Working Moisturiser, $18.10

This leave-in conditioner has UV sun filters and is so lightweight it won’t weigh down your hair. It’s a MUST if you are headed to the beach or pool and works on all types of hair but especially dry, chemically-treated brittle hair.

Mineral Fusion All-in-One Curl Care Beauty Balm, $12.99

If you hair has some natural curl you will love Mineral Fusion Curl Care Beauty Balm. It’s a leave-in conditioning treatment that hydrates and protects your hair in one simple step and can be used on wet or dry hair. Applied to dry hair it helps tame tame flyaways and hydrates ends.

Unwash Hydrating Masque, $30

OK, so you have to rinse this one out, but I love it so much I had to share! It does so much to help damaged hair! This ultra-hydrating and nourishing formula restores natural oils and extracts and all you have to do is leave it on for 3-5 minutes (that’s time to shave your legs or whatever else you do in the shower). It basically replenishes hair vitality from the inside out. Your hair will immediately feel softer, smoother and healthier and have more body, beauty and shine.

Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat-Activated Reconstructor Milk for Weakened Hair, $31.50

Yes, we all know Kerestase is the Holy Grail of hair products and it does cost more (a lot more) but YOU are so worth it! Ciment Thermique gets to the root or core of the problem. Harsh chemical treatments and frequent brushing are all traumatizing factors that weaken the structure of the hair. The hair scales become detached and the core of the hair fiber is more vulnerable: porous, brittle and it loses strength. Using Ciment Thermique with heat (like blow dryers) increases the attachment of the reconstructing active ingredients to the hair fiber. I use a bit on my damp hair and let it air dry. But trust me, come fall, I will be using it for styling too.

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Fortifier, $18

Rene Furterer ABSOLUE KÉRATINE Sublime Renewal Leave-In Cream, $41

Suave Professionals Biotin Infusion Anti-Breakage Serum, $5.13

If your hair is prone to breakage here is a wonderful product you can find at the drugstore! Infused with B7 Biotin (a vitamin known for its superior hair strengthening benefits) Suave Professionals Biotin Infusion Anti-Breakage Serum wraps each strand in a protective seal for advanced hair fall defense. It instantly gives your dry hair shine.

Evo End Doctor Smoothing Sealant (For All Hair Types Especially Curly Wavy Hair, $24.50

If your ends are looking BAD and you are about to run and chop off 3 inches (like I did), try this product first (I wish I had known this first)! It’s a strand-strengthening creamy gel for curly, wavy, color-treated hair that not only reduces frizz and tames flyaways, it helps seal the cuticle and binds split ends. It’s lightweight and not greasy, too, so hair is smooth and manageable. It’s a lifesaver!

Rene Furterer Okara Active Light Activating Leave-In Fluid, $28

My hair is (ahem) blond so this Okara Active Light – Light Activating Leave-In Fluid is a godsend. It enhances and protects blond hair with active botanical extracts. Soybean-derived okara extract restructures over colored hair from the inside out and resurfaces the broken cuticle layers to lock in color. Honey extract nourishes and UV filters prevent fading and yellowing and works with Vitamin E to neutralize free radicals. Yeah!

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Versatile Beautifying Oil, $41.40

I don’t think I want to live a world that doesn’t have this product! If you are going to buy ONE Kerastase product, spend the money on this one. Especially if your hair sometimes resembles hay. This versatile beautifying oil has Kerastase’s Oleo-Complexe which is a combination of corn germ, camellia and argan oils with the added pracaxi oil. Your hair will feel nourished and have visible shine. It also has high heat protection so style away! Your frizz is under control. (P.S. I use what is left on my hands as hand oil/lotion).

ALTERNA Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist, $28

If you are about to blow dry and style your damaged hair – STOP! – until you use this! You will need this multitasking styler that provides instant and long-lasting root-to-tip volume, providing flexible hold and leaving hair touchably soft. And it only gets better after continued use. The secret is a “Marine Plumping Complex” which contains omega-3 and Seasilk to strengthen and restore hair’s natural thickness and reduce breakage. Color Hold, another proprietary technology, locks in hair color brightness. Better yet, this volume mist contains no icky stuff like parabens, sulfates and synthetic color. So obviously it’s good for color treated hair.

Evo Day of Grace Leave-In Conditioner, $16.96

You are supposed to use this leave-in conditioner before styling, but I just love it even when I’m NOT styling my hair. I have been using it like a detangler. It’s so lightweight and combs easily through my wet strands. It provides protection from UV and heat damage and is recommended for all hair types, but especially fine hair. Well my hair isn’t fine and I still love it!

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Disclosure; Some samples were provided for review, but opinions are completely my own.