Taking care of your hair can be a challenge during Carnival days. The long hours spent having fun on blocks, the sweat, the high exposure to the sun and the lack of structure to dedicate to hair care end up having an impact on hair health. After all, the party is synonymous with joy, lots of glitter, colored spray and hairstyles to compose the costume.
However, the secret to maintaining hair health may lie in preparation. Investing in some care before embarking on the festive marathon can minimize damage to your locks.
For the hair stylist Romeo Felipeinvesting in practical and affordable products can be an option for those who will face long hours of work.
“I would say that three products are essential: a leave-in with thermal and UV protection, a shampoo for frequent use and a quick treatment mask. For those who go to the beach or pool, a light oil also helps a lot with protection and shine. These are products that don’t weigh down your makeup bag, but make a big difference in the health of your hair”, he says.
“The objective is to balance cleansing and replacement of water and lipids (popularly known as fats and oils)”, adds the trichologist and specialist in hair medicine, Alexandra Lopes.
High temperatures are a major villain during the season and can cause damage and some damage. “The intense sun degrades hair protein (keratin) and oxidizes melanin, which causes dryness, loss of shine and color changes, especially in dyed hair”, explains Alexandra.
While having fun, it’s important to protect your hair, whether with products designed for this type of situation or even with accessories.
“The sun is one of the main agents of wear on hair fiber, especially when combined with sweat, wind and pollution. During Carnival, I always recommend treating your hair as we treat our skin: with daily protection. Products with a UV filter are essential, especially in leave-ins and light finishers, which create a protective barrier without weighing it down. Hats, scarves and caps are also elegant and functional allies. Furthermore, keeping your hair nourished before leaving the house makes all the difference, because healthy strands resist better against external aggression”, says Romeu.
Hairstyles are not the villains of the party
Adornments and hairstyles end up composing the look to complete the Carnival costume. They are stylish allies, but when done too tightly or kept on for long periods, they can break the strands and even cause hair loss.
Decorating with some products, such as glitter, can also cause . Therefore, the key is moderation.
“These products, when used punctually and conscientiously, are not villains. The problem lies in excess and, mainly, in inadequate removal. Colored sprays and glitters can dry out or leave residue on the fiber. My advice is to always apply on dry hair that is already protected with a , avoiding the scalp. When removing, do not rub: the ideal is to start with a thorough rinse and follow with a gentle cleansing, preferably with a moisturizing shampoo. Careful removal is as important as the application”, teaches the Romeo Felipe.
Alexandra Lopes also suggests hairstyles that can reduce hair damage during the festivities. “Hairstyles that keep strands more organized reduce breakage and frizz. Some options are: tangles (especially embedded), low buns, ponytails that are not too tight, hairstyles with scarves. Avoid tying them too tightly to avoid causing traction on the scalp.”
Carnival beyond blocks
Some revelers end up taking advantage of the long holiday to escape the hustle and bustle and end up choosing to enjoy the beach or even a place where they can enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool. Despite the less accelerated routine on these occasions, it is still necessary to maintain hair care. After all, the hair is still exposed to some aggressions resulting from chlorine and salt in the water.
In these cases, the hairdresser recommends prevention: before and after exposure to maintain hair health and avoid damage.
“Wetting your hair with fresh water before going into the sea or swimming pool reduces the absorption of salt and chlorine. Applying a leave-in cream or light oil creates a protective film. After exposure, rinsing as soon as possible is essential. I always emphasize that the secret is in consistency: small actions repeated throughout the days prevent greater damage in the end”, he highlights.
Carnival is over, now what?
The time has come to pay more attention to your hair and remove all the glitter, salt and chlorine used to keep your hair in place. Now is the time to invest in the right treatment for your locks and invest in products that can recover from all the damage caused during the four days of revelry.
“If there is excess dryness, a keratin reconstruction protocol may be indicated, always with professional guidance”, says trichologist and specialist in hair medicine, Alexandra Lopes.
“Now is the time to rebuild and rebalance. I usually guide an assessment of the hair’s needs: if it is simply dry, I invest in nutrition; if it is more fragile, reconstruction with proteins may be recommended, always with caution. A strategic cut to remove damaged ends also instantly revitalizes the look. More than recovering, it is an opportunity to renew — taking care of your hair is a gesture of self-esteem and respect for your own image”, concludes hair stylist Romeu Felipe.
