After being cooped up for the past few months, people are rushing to get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and the summer sun - nothing is more relaxing than laying on a beach with a good book and a fruity cocktail. These days, we pretty much all understand how important it is to lather on the sunscreen before an all day BBQ, but sometimes we forget that our hair needs some protection too! UVA and UVB rays will damage those beachy waves worse than nearly anything else in our environment (short of literal hot lava) so we’re going to break it all down for you and save your summer style!

To start, it’s important that we understand what UV rays are and how the different types will affect your hair. A UV ray is a band of the electromagnetic spectrum within a specific wavelength (10nm to 400nm) - UVA rays have a wavelength of 400-320nm and UVB rays have a wavelength of 320-290nm. Each of these types of rays affect your hair in different ways - UVA radiation causes the protein in your hair to breakdown, and UVB radiation causes hair discoloration. Both will ultimately change the appearance/structure of your hair strands based on the amount of exposure. 

As with any radiation poisoning, the breakdown of cells begins on the inside - in this case your hair’s protein and melanin. That’s why it’s super important to give your hair its own sunscreen - usually in the form of a UV absorber (such as ::big word alert:: Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride - contained in both LOCK IT IN Color Protecting Shampoo AND Conditioner) or as a protective shield (a natural property of sunflower seed extract - found in INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment). 

Hair that is particularly dry and/or damaged by bleach treatments is especially susceptible to protein breakdown due to its already weakened state. So keep your hair as hydrated as possible no matter how much saltwater you absorb (but it does make for the nicest curls!) with leave in treatments or conditioners and color-treated hair products before you hit the beach. 

Better safe than sorry though.. The best shield between your hair and the sun is a physical barrier such as a tight bun that keeps most of your strands tucked away, a light headscarf you can wrap around, or a cute floppy summer hat. Your hair (and your hair stylist) will be forever grateful! 

Sources: https://www.thehairfuel.com/science-behind-sun-damage-to-hair/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19138021/

Humidity can wreak havoc on your smooth, fresh locks mere seconds after you finish styling. Up here in the Northeast, it’s something we’re very familiar with - every summer we deal with suffocating levels of moisture in the air. That’s why we at Paul Joseph Professional focused so much on frizz prevention, and we’ve got some insider tips on how to keep that mane tamed in even the most humid climates! 

First and foremost, it’s important to understand WHY our hair frizzes in humidity. Of course we all know the chemical makeup of water is 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen - therefore on a particularly muggy day, there are high levels of hydrogen in the air. The chemical makeup of our hair is sensitive to these airborne hydrogen molecules and they quickly bond to the protein and water molecules already present in our hair. And the drier the hair, the more likely it is to absorb outside moisture (which is why those with brittle, chemically damaged, dry hair are more susceptible to frizz). When these bonds form they cause the hair strand to swell up - disrupting the smooth outer layer of the cuticle. This gives you a coarse, “fried” appearance, commonly known as frizz. 

Now that we got the science out of the way, here are some tips and tricks for shiny, sleek hair all year round!

1. MOISTURIZE! I know it seems counterproductive to ADD moisture when fighting the humidity - but as we already know, hydrogen bonds are more likely to form in dry hair. So that means if you get chemical treatments or use a lot of heat for styling, you need to make sure you’re replacing that moisture lost in the process.

For the ultimate re-hydrator for colored or chemically treated hair, we recommend LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner.

2. PROTECT! Create a shield of defense against the elements with conditioning treatments. Products with high levels of nourishing extracts can create a protective shield around the hair strand, helping to prevent the disruptive hydrogen bonds which cause frizz.

For the best line of defense, we recommend INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment & UPGRADE Quick Blow-Dry Spray. Both which contain multiple extracts proven to help prevent frizz such as sunflower seed, lemon zest, and sugar cane.

3. REPLENISH! Depending on how humid the air is,  how long you are exposed to it, or the overall condition of your hair, moisturizing and protecting alone may not be enough. If this is the case, make sure to have a smoothing serum or oil on-hand to re-stabilize the moisture in your hair. A small amount run through your fly-aways and ends should be enough to keep you frizz free until your next hair wash. It’s important to not overdue this step though or you’ll end up with greasy, heavy hair.

To smooth and shine your locks, we recommend ENHANCE Shine Serum - a unique blend of carrot and Argan oils light enough to use throughout the day but strong enough to condition and moisturize even the most damaged/dry hair. 

Now you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need to enjoy a frizz-free summer, no matter where you live! So get out there and enjoy yourself! :) 

Spring is right around the corner (finally!) and that means many people are freshening up their color or adding sunny highlights for the new season. But it’s not cheap to get your hair colored – the popular balayage technique can run you hundreds of dollars depending on where you go. Most don’t realize how important it is to secure your investment by using color-protecting hair products. Your color lasts longer when you take care of it, resulting in less salon visits for touch ups, saving a lot of money in the long run! Here at Paul Joseph Professional we understand that, so we use cutting edge and natural ingredients in our specialized products to keep your color sparkling.

The first and most common line of defense is shampoo and conditioner. Our sulfate free LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting system uses a specialized UV absorber (with a long scientific name), to prevent color fade caused by UVA and UVB rays. Dyed hair can also become brittle, weak and dull so it’s important to stay hydrated. LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Shampoo contains extracts such as garlic, sage, lemon and echinacea which help to add and retain moisture, increase shine, and even boost healthy hair growth. The keratin, protein, and vitamins contained in the LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting conditioner aid in repairing hair damaged by the coloring process, giving your hair a healthier, more vibrant appearance.

Next, the blow out process. By using a combination of INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment and UPGRADE Quick Blow-Dry Spray (or either one on their own) you can keep your hair hydrated and protected from color fade even on the sunniest of spring days. The sunflower seed extract in INTENSITY keeps the color sealed in, the strands hydrated and repaired, and protects against damage caused by UVA/UVB rays. UPGRADE adds to that protection with lemon zest extract which has antioxidant properties, shielding your hair against the elements. The sugar cane extract, also in UPGRADE, contributes to retaining moisture and conditioning each strand for a manageable texture.

And lastly, styling. In the past decade, it has been discovered that the “superfood” quinoa was found to help retain color when the extract is used in hair products. That’s why we included that, as well as kiwi, mango and aloe extracts in our ELEVATE Color-Protecting Hairspray. The flexible hold is never crunchy and won’t dull your beautiful (and expensive) color – in fact it will add shine (something hairsprays typically don’t do!) On top of looking nice, your scalp and strands will absorb nutrients rather than harmful build-up, improving the condition of your hair and color with every use.

So after your next expensive trip to the salon, think about the long-term effects of color-treating your hair and how to keep it as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Stylists have a fountain of knowledge when it comes to this, so don’t be afraid to ask which product is best for you and your hair type. And don’t forget to mention Paul Joseph Professional – our complete color-protecting system will change your life (and your wallet!)

TWO SIZES AVAILABLE - CHECK THEM OUT HERE! 

During these long-awaited summer months, our hair can really take a beating - mostly because of how much time we spend outdoors (as we should!) Those sunny beach days and outdoor picnics can do a number on your skin, your body and of course, your hair. The main culprits are the UVA rays (which can discolor/fade your hair) and the UVB rays (which alter the protein/keratin structure of your hair - leaving you with fragile, dry, and brittle strands.) 

And what about everything else in the environment you encounter outdoors? Chlorine from the pool, smoke from the bonfire, or even just regular pollution can all effect how your hair looks and feels. Chlorine is the easiest to spot - blondes know all too well about the dreaded greenish hue. 

But summertime isn't for worrying about things like this. We're supposed to be enjoying the scenery, the beach, the mountains, the company of friends and family - who has time to contemplate what the sun is doing to your precious hair? That's where we come in. INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment is a game-changer when it comes to protection. Infused with natural sunflower seed extract, the harmful rays, chlorine, and smoke are all absorbed into the oil of the extract - not your hair! Furthermore, it will balance out the moisture levels of your scalp and follicles, meaning no frizziness on even the most humid of days. So invest in a little protection this summer - the concentrated formula will last you months, and your hair will thank you. :) 

Proteins are great for a pre-workout boost of energy, but they’re also highly beneficial for your hair – and in some cases necessary! In fact, your hair naturally contains protein which maintains its structure and elasticity. But sometimes these native proteins can be stripped away (due to chemical treatments, heat damage, or just wear and tear) leaving you with brittle, dull, strands.

Thankfully, there are ways to replenish your hair of much needed protein to get your bouncy, shiny locks back. That’s where vegetable protein comes in (used in our LOCK IT IN Conditioner.) For decades, chemists have used different types of proteins in hair products, but we went with vegetable for a few different reasons. First and foremost, it is highly absorbable (more so than animal protein) which makes it super effective and long-lasting. Secondly, it is very similar in chemical structure to the protein that naturally occurs in our hair so it is able to lock it self in and rebuild the hair cortex, which is why it’s highly recommended color-treated hair.  And finally it is incredibly hydrating – and hydrated hair is healthy, flexible and less prone to breakage – it also gives you that shine we all strive for.

The main culprit for stripping your natural protein are actually heat treatments (straightening, curling, even blow-drying.) When the protein is stripped, it leaves your hair porous (little tiny holes) compromising the strength of the strand, leaving it susceptible to breakage, split ends, frizz, and a dull appearance. The vegetable protein in our product will fill in those holes and form a protective film around the strands. This film acts as a protectant against heat treatments, leaving your actual hair intact– without leaving harmful buildup. Not only that, it will protect your color from fading, drastically increasing the time between touch-ups. (And for a second line of defense against heat damage, try our Quick Blow-Dry Spray UPGRADE!)

As I already said, vegetable protein is very hydrating, but beyond that it works to balance your moisture levels. If there’s TOO much moisture, the cortex will swell, opening up the strand and creating a dull appearance. Too little, and the strand becomes brittle and prone to breakage or split ends. That is another reason why we put vegetable protein in our LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Conditioner. Chemical treatments (especially bleach) can severely dehydrate your hair. Also, when used BEFORE a chemical service, it can help to reduce the damage.

So how do you know if your hair is lacking protein? There are a few different ways to tell. If you’re experiencing a lot of breakage, that is the most common sign. If your hair feels too light or even “mushy” when you get it wet, that could mean your hair is lacking structure and thickness caused by a protein deficiency. Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, using products with protein periodically can help to maintain the structure and strength, proactively preventing damage. So for these reasons and more, there are many benefits to using products such as LOCK IT IN – save your money and save your hair, it’s worth it!

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Hair & Photo by Kayce Babinski @beautybybabinski