By Hend Seif El Din
Can you please share with us some hair care tips for the summer?
For the summer, you have to apply some products before going out into the sun, some oil for example or certain creams, to avoid sun damage as well as the damage caused by the sea. Also, after the beach, you have to use a protective “solaria” shampoo, like the Kérastase solaire range, and of course after that a conditioning mask.
Should the hair mask be used every day?
Yes. It’s best to apply a conditioning mask on a daily basis.
Are there any new hairstyles that are “in” for the summer?
I think that, yes, new hairstyles are always natural for the summer. Nothing that is too stiff. Also headbands are very much in this year. Nothing tight or uncomfortable. Of course, buns are also in. It’s the holiday season, so you need to feel relaxed.
I’ve heard that conditioners, when used repeatedly, weaken your hair. Is there any truth to that statement?
It depends how you use the conditioner. It’s the equivalent of a daily moisturizer for your face. Every week you use a facial mask, and the same applies to your hair. Nevertheless, every time you wash your hair you definitely need to use a conditioner. If you have dry hair it’s a must, of course! Most of the time, people just apply the conditioner and rinse it right away. You need to leave it on for two, three minutes–that’s for a regular conditioner, not a mask of course. Also, after you apply it, you need to massage it into your hair, to make sure that your hair soaks it up.
What about washing hair every day? I ask this because I do this and I’m almost sure it’s bad for my hair.
I’m not sure it’s bad for you; if you use a soft shampoo you’ll be fine. Always make sure you use the right shampoo for you. That’s all.
Hair extensions are also big in Cairo, so how much damage do they really do?
Again, it depends on the type of extensions. Sometimes women only think the extensions damage their hair, because when they take out the extensions they see a lot of hair falling off, which is normal though, because everyone looses a lot of hair every day! Again, it depends on what type of products the extensions are made of.
Tell me about the hottest colors this summer?
Blonde. It’s always blonde for the summer, at least in my country.
Well, Egyptians are big fans of blonde tones as well! So we won’t be seeing any redheads this season?
No, not really. Women now are really busy, and they want to be comfortable. They don’t have the time for touchups all the time, so blonde is the easiest to handle and not as high maintenance as other hues.
Is there any new color trend that’s coming in?
Not really. As I said, women during the summer prefer something that looks natural, so there are no real “trends” that are coming in. Just whatever looks and feels comfortable and summer-y.
In Egypt it gets very humid during the summer, by the beach at least, so what can women do to make their lives less miserable?
Couture Styling products of course (laughs)! I will explain that during the show. In Couture Styling, the new Kérastase range, you’ll find some products which will help you control frizz, such as Forme Fatale , which is a blow-dry gel, for really structured hair, and also manages frizz. As for Touche Finale, which is a serum, it will help you control frizz as well. The whole range is truly revolutionary, and very interesting!
Which is worse? Blowdrying or using a straightener? Here’s the dilemma, I know that blowdrying my hair every day will damage it, so sometimes I say I’ll do one instead of the other…trying to minimize the damage. So, again, which is less damaging?
In my opinion, I really think for daily use, it’s best to not use any! (laugh) Seriously though, blowdrying is less damaging than the straightener or curler, especially if you use it every day! The straightener applies direct heat to your hair, and when you use it, it truly depletes your hair of its elasticity and nutrients.
I’m also aware that taking care of your hair cannot just be an external process…it starts internally. So which foods promote healthy hair?
That’s an interesting question. Any foods rich in vitamin B are good for your hair.
When it comes to choosing the right hair mask…it sometimes gets to be a very confusing process. Any suggestions?
Yes! If you have frizzy hair, you should use the Oléo-Relax hair mask from Kérastase. If you have really damaged hair you could use the Masqueintense cream. Just make sure you use the right hair mask for your hair…same goes for shampoos and conditioners as I previously mentioned.
In your opinion, which Kérastase product should every woman have? Which item is essential?
I would say the right shampoo is the most important item every woman should own. I cannot tell you which item you shouldn’t be able to live without, because it really differs from one person to another. It’s really difficult to limit it like that, because each product is very specific.