Tips for Defeating Summer Dryness

Here in Oakland, we don't have much to complain about in terms of the weather. Despite a few rainstorms here and there, we pretty much have a sweet deal going for us. But while it doesn't get hella hot in the summer, there is a high degree of dryness that can wear on your hair and skin. Dryness is not only uncomfortable, but can also lead to split ends and oily skin. If you've been having difficulties staying moisturized this summer, here are a few tips you can take with you to combat the discomfort and irritation of dry hair or skin:

1. Aveda Products. Taking care of your dry hair starts with using the right products. At Manifesta, we recommend Aveda's Dry Remedy line. The line contains a shampoo and conditioner, as well as a once-a-week hair masque. Senior stylist Lindsay specifically recommends the Aveda Dry Remedy moisturizing oil, because you can get more bang for your buck by using it as a leave-in conditioner and a styling product all in one. The key ingredient in all of these products that really make them work is the luscious, lightweight Buriti Oil, a fruit-based ingredient that is grown from Brazil's "Tree of Life," otherwise known as the Moriche Palm Tree. (Tip: Curly hair is coarser and tends to be dryer, so we recommend using the masque or another heavier form of moisturizing.)

As for Aveda skin products, Lindsay recommends the Aveda Relief, which works really nicely with the dried and chapped skin on your hands or feet. You can buy any of these products at the salon or through your local Aveda retailer.

2. Coconut Oil. You may have noticed that coconut oil is really trending with skincare lately. But did you also know that you can use it in your hair? Coconut oil masques are really great for your dry hair. We recommend that you warm it up ahead of time, and make sure to wear an old t-shirt because it tends to get drippy. You can also use a hair cap as you leave the oil in to help trap the moisture. As for your skin, coconut oil is great for your eyes, lips, and any dry patches you might have around your body. Apply copiously, you really can't go wrong with the stuff!

3. Do Less. There are some natural, easy ways to keep your hair more moisturized without spending any money. One of these ways is to wash your hair less often. Washing your hair every day might seem like the right choice for personal hygiene, but it can actually make it harder for your hair to stay moisturized as you repeatedly strip the hair of its natural oils. If you simply must wash your hair, we recommend you try just rinsing your hair without shampoo and then conditioning the ends.

4. Get Regular Haircuts. If you feel like your ends are drying out, and it has been more than 2 and a half months since your last haircut, it's time to schedule another one. Consider the term "dead end," meaning having nowhere to exit. When your hair gets too dry at its ends, it becomes more brittle and as a result will split off into two directions, creating split-ends. Once your hair begins splitting, it'll do so faster and faster. Getting a regular haircut removes dry, brittle, and splitting ends, restoring your hair to a more moisturized state. Even if you get your hair cut every 3 months when there is more moisture in the air, you might find that you need to get them more often in the summer when the air is much dryer.

5. Drink More Water. This might not seem like a big "Aha!" moment, but often when we're trying to treat dryness, we forget to nip it at its source. While products and frequent haircuts can help treat dryness, drinking plenty of water will prevent it from happening in the first place. Drinking water helps both your skin and your hair - and every other part of your body as well!

Do you have any tips or products you recommend for keeping your hair and skin moisturized? Let us know in the comments!