TLC for End-of-Summer Hair

It may seem that no matter how well you take care of your hair all summer (with SPF, hats, conditioners, you name it), by the time fall rolls around, you're always dealing with some serious dry, damaged strands thanks to all that time spent in the sun. How do you bring your hair back to life? Follow the advice I got from two top experts and watch your locks magically return to its pre-summer glory.

Find clarity
Saltwater and sunscreens in summer hair products can build up on the hair, making for a layer of gook that zaps your shine, fades your color and makes your strands unruly. Beverly Hills-based hair stylist Billy Lowe says to stop the problem in its tracks by washing with a clarifying shampoo once a week or by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your regular bottle (just make sure to leave on for 3-5 minutes under a warm wet towel to allow the baking soda to break up the build up).

Treat your scalp
While your hair itself does need love, it's easy to forget about showing your head a little love, too. In fact, Ouidad, author of Curl Talk and owner of the Ouidad Salon, says the most important thing to do to bring your hair back from the land of the dull is treat your scalp with a hair mask or treatment that contains omega-3 acids to increase circulation, making for healthier roots.

Do a conditioning treatment
When you have a few minutes, you can turn any conditioner into a deep hair mask by slathering it on damp hair, then slipping a shower cap over top and blasting with the heat of a hairdryer for a bit. Lowe says the heat helps bond the moisture into the hair shaft for better saturation.

Go for a leave-in
Dry, moisture-starved ends will benefit from an all-day cream packed with moisturizers like chamomile and jojoba. Lowe's own Gloss & Toss serum also contains licorice root, a natural lubricant that gives hair a lightweight polish.

Hyrdate, hydrate, hydrate
Quidad says the best solution for moisture-starved tips is to go for her favorite ingredients (found in her Moisture Lock Leave In Conditioner): Natural arnica and prickly pear cactus, which helps hair hold in hydration by providing a protective barrier. She also recommends looking for strengthening ingredients like green tea and pro-vitamin B5 to give your locks an added boost of moisture-holding power.

Book a glossing treatment
Just like a shiny topcoat for your nails, a professional glossing treatment can give you an unbelievable luster, says Lowe. These semi-permanent clear treatments don't change your color-they just add shine for 3-5 weeks (depending on how often you wash). All you have to do is book an appointment with your stylist.