Photo: StyleTips101

I went for a run this morning and it was very apparent summer is here! Well, at least in Miami anyway. Humidity is in full force, there is no doubt about that. On the topic of summer, we had the chance to talk with Marcy Cona, Clairol’s Global Creative Director for Color and Style. She gave us some great tips on how to maintain your hair color in the summer. Read on!

PGH: What are some tips/products to help make color last?

MC: The key to long lasting beautiful hair color is first to start with the right hair color product, if you desire a lighter shade with beautiful dimensional results, I would recommend a Nice ‘n Easy shade because it is permanent. If you would like to stay close to your natural hair color with a hint of shimmer or tone I would recommend Natural Instincts.

Another tip for keeping your hair color fresh is to promise to use weekly the in box conditioners found in each of the Clairol kits. These conditioners are designed to condition, refresh and renew your shade until you are ready to color again!

PGH: Is it still a trend or more so a “beauty rule” to go light in the summer, dark in the winter?

MC: Going “Lighter” is always on trend for summer; the new trend for this summer is the combination of going lighter and mixing it up with a new tone and dimension.

PGH: What are some hot colors/shades for this Summer?

MC: My favorite shades for Blondes:

Nice ‘n Easy 102G – Natural Light Golden Blonde

Natural Instincts 03G- Rich Light Golden Blonde

My favorite shades for Brunettes:

Nice ‘n Easy 116 Natural Light Caramel Brown

Natural Instincts 21 Rich Medium Brown

My favorite shades for Redheads:

Nice ‘n Easy 107 Natural Strawberry Blonde

Natural Instincts 22 Medium Auburn Brown

PGH: After dying, how many days should you wait before getting in the pool/going to the beach?

MC: I recommend that if possible you wait 24 hours, and if you need to be out in the sun right away, keep your hair covered with a great looking hat or scarf.

PGH: What are you recommendations to get rid of the freshly-dyed scent? Sometimes it can be very overbearing!

MC: Rinse, Rinse, Rinse, and condition! The reason for lingering odor of color is due to the porosity in your hair, the best way to get rid or minimize the odor is to rinse, use your ColorSeal Conditioner and Rinse again!

PGH: Any other tips related to color in the Summer?

MC: Tip 1#- Enjoy the Summer, but remember your hair needs some attention! The summer rules are the three C’s- Color, Cut, and Condition every 8 weeks!

Tip 2#- For your beach and outside activities, make sure you have a few hair accessories to keep your looking good, while adding protection. Hat, headband, ponytails, fun hair clip, mini water bottle to mist your hair while keeping it protected.

Tip 3#- Use your ColorSeal Conditioner in and out of the shower, take your conditioner to the beach or pool for an additional layer of protection- add a small amount (dime size) to your dry hair, next use a wide tooth comb remove tangles, place in a ponytail, headband or leave natural.

Peter Lamas’ Naturals Collection may just have your recipe to solve all your hair woes. Avocado, rice, soy, and pumpkin are just some of the nourishing ingredients found in his products. Here’s a look inside his new line, which by the way is paraben-free and sulphate-free.

Soy Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner ($18.00 each): Restore and strengthen chemically treated, dry, weak or damaged hair from root to end with this set. This nourishing, ultra-hydrating formula, enriched with Amino Acids, Panthenol, Aloe and Dynsonyl detangles and prevents split ends and fly-aways. Hair will appear more lustrous and healthy after a single treatment!

Rice Protein Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner ($18.00 each): Naturally thicken and volumize hair by strengthening and expanding the diameter of the hair shaft with peptides, proteins and amino acids. Thin, weak, lifeless hair becomes noticeably more luxurious—bringing back volume, lift and bounce.

Wheatgrass Purifying Shampoo ($18.00): Detoxify and cleanse your hair without stripping hair of necessary moistures. The unique combination of Wheatgrass, Chlorella Vulgarus Extract and Phytic Acid removes excess oil, chlorine and mineral deposits from hair and scalp while Moringa Seed Extract shields your gorgeous tresses from environmental stress.

Peter Lamas Naturals’ Collection is available at Planet Blue, Studio BeautyMix at Fred Segal, Pharmaca, select Whole Foods locations or by visiting www.peterlamas.com