It’s the dead of winter (for those of us living in a colder climate). And we’re waiting for that moment when we can soak in that summer sun. But, with the talk of summer, come our admired beauty editors’ caveat about the usual summertime beauty/skincare protocol: the importance of sunscreen; articles describing the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, etc. It seems all too much and overplayed, but, let’s be prepared for the summer as I add one more vital, but often overlooked, piece of information to the seasonal lecture: protect your hair from the sun!

Thinking about protecting our hair from the sun is probably the last thing on our list, but there are certain advantages to protecting our hair. One is, yes, the obvious of that statement, that it will protect your hair from damage. Overzealous usage of heating tools are not the only enemies to healthy hair.  The environment and especially the sun can cause damage deep down at the root. David Evangelista, resident beauty expert on CBS’s The Early Show, says its important to create “a barrier from your hair to the sun.” He states the sun, “does damage to [the] cuticle and texture.”

The sun actually opens the cuticle and allows all the moisture to leave the strand causing dry, brittle, weak hair, not to mention it can also affect the color.  Not only does it affect color-treated hair but the American Academy of Dermatology has found that it can dull and alter the color for what we call “virgin”,  untreated hair as well.

There are many products on the market that can protect our hair from sun damage.  These products range from specifically engineered sunscreen for hair to shampoos and conditioners that contain an SPF like the Frédéric Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Collection – ranging from leave-in spray conditioners to shampoos. But my absolute favorite method to shielding your hair from the sun is a more natural approach, the scarf.  Every summer I embark on an epic journey for the perfect hat but always seem to come back to the same conclusion: a hat just does not work for me. Instead I choose to use a scarf.  It is true that a hat can protect your hair and the skin around your face and neck, but for those of us who somehow can’t quite pull off a hat, a scarf is a great alternative.

The scarf has been around for years and never seems to lose its luster or fashion appeal.  Style icons for decades have used it to disguise themselves, their dirty hair or just protect their hair from the effects of a relaxing day at the beach.  Some great ladies that often donned a stylish scarf were Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren. But even these days the newest generation of style setters, from Nicole Richie and Katie Holmes to the Olsen Twins, always have a scarf at their disposal. Whether on the beach or just out for a day of shopping, they seem to incorporate protection with  style.

So, the moral of the story is take a lesson from these ladies, mix style with versatility and protect yourself.  Beauty is definitely more than skin deep, but it helps to have a healthy head of hair and the style to let that beauty shine through! Have you tried the scarf look? Let us know, post a comment below!

- Yiannoula Choros

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QUESTION:

Can I use the same self-tanner I bought last year?

ANSWER:

“As long as you store your self-tanner at room temperature, it should have a 12 month life span.” says cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.com, Ron Robinson.  While DHA (the ingredient in self-tanners that darkens the skin) isn’t harmful after that time, it definitely becomes less effective, upping the chance for it to leave streaks or cast an unnatural, orangish skin tone. If it’s been less than a year but your self-tanner has a strange smell or different color than when you bought it, toss it.

See our review here of the Best Self-Tanning Products for Spring/Summer 2011.

And see more of our recent press coverage here.

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Below is Cosmopolitan Magazines May 2011 issue with actress, Hayley Williams on the cover.

In this amazingly techno-beauty age where sunscreens now come in the form of soaps and spritzers, leaving the house without some form of UVA/UVB protection is no longer acceptable. Especially if you’re freckled with skin a la Julianne Moore or even the lassie Lindsay — and even if you have skin as dark and mocha pretty as Halle Berry’s, don’t leave home without that SPF.

Especially for your hair.

Which brings me to a very timely and laudable launch by REDKEN called “Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12.” It’s a lightweight, leave-in serum that strengthens and protects sun damaged and flustered hair. It’s particularly recommended for people who have side/middle and fringe parts.

This Redken Sun Solar Screen with SPF is a great lightweight oil that you apply to your exposed scalp and hair to prevent burning and peeling. When you apply it, the hair becomes coated with UV filters, and the company’s exclusive Interbond Conditioning System deliver nutrients like Ceramide (that strengthen), and Mango Oil (that hydrates).

How do you use this marvelous orange bottle? Spray onto damp hair or dry hair a half hour before you skip out into the sun. $16 at Redken.com or Redken salons.

1. Essie Nail Polish in “Need a Vacation“ (a bubble gum pink), $8

Set off your perfect pedi this season with a bright polish in a floral hue like this one from Essie. The name alone takes your mind to a place with white sandy beaches and bronzed cabana boys. *Sigh*

2. Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF, $3.69 (drugstore.com; beauty insiders choice finalist)

Don’t forget to pucker up with some SPF love. This lip conditioner is made with oatmeal, jojoba and shea butter and will keep your lips ready for that inevitable summer fling.

3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock $9.99

Waterproof, sweatproof and dermatologist tested, this sunblock delivers unbeatable UVA protection thanks to Helioplex. We love how it absorbs into skin leaving a light and clean feeling instead of that often greasy feel often left by sunblock.

4. Ulta Tinted Self-Tanning Sunscreen Lotion, $8.99

This tinted self-tanning lotion contains sunscreen and is meant to reveal a natural healthy glow-Oompa Loompas begone! Now if only Lindsay Lohan could read the memo.

5. Almay Smart Shade bronzer, $8.99 at Walgreens

Finally, a bronzer with a Mensa level IQ. This one gives your face that perfect sunkissed look no matter what your skintone.

6. Cover Girl Professional All in One Waterproof mascara, $4.89

Smudge proof, waterproof and under $5? It really doesn’t get any better than that.

7. Jergens Ultra Healing daily moisturizing lotion, $6

This lotion will take care of that parched, “I’m dryer than an Arizona cactus” skin.

8. Cover Girl Smoothers tinted moisturizer, $7

Nothing is worse than seeing someone wearing way too much makeup when the temperature starts skyrocketing. For those who don’t take to going sans makeup, tinted moisturizer is here to rescue you. Lightweight coverage plus SPF leaves your skin flawless and ready to go from brunch to beach.

9. Ms. Pedicure Pedicure 101 9 piece set, $4.60 drugstore.com

Start summer off on the right foot by giving yourself a pedicure. We all know that no matter how rockin your bod looks in that bikini, it will seem like such a waste if at the end of those gorgeous gams are a pair of dry, cracked and callused feet. This 9 piece set from Ms. Pedicure gives you all the tools you need to put your best foot forward.

10. Tresemme Hot Oil treatment, $7.99

Sun damage happens to hair too. Try this hot oil treatment enriched with aloe weekly to add shine and softness all while giving your hair the UV protection it needs.