Tresses in Distress

Lovely as it is, summer can be brutal on hair. Come September, the effects of chlorine and UV rays may have your locks looking fried. Thinking “a head,” our summer interns sampled several products that promise to restore stressed tresses.
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Tresses
Photograph by David Lewinski

1. E ENERGY WATER SYSTEM, by iTech, contains an ingredient that’s as innovative as the futuristic look of the product packaging. A filtering system transforms tap water into a life-enhancing elixir for hair. You can’t ignore the unusual scent. $60/personal size; beauty.com.

2. MOROCCANOIL TREATMENT is made for all hair types. It seeps into the hair’s roots to repair hair from the inside out. Rich in vitamins E and F, as well as essential fatty acids and antioxidants, the treatment won’t leave behind any oily residue. $45. Todd’s Room, 239 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-594-0003, moroccanoil.com.

3. PROTEIN Rx REPARATIVE LINE, by Frederic Fekkai, is a good system to use if your thick hair needs some help. The combination of shampoo, conditioner, masque, and leave-in strengthening spray will fight frizz and leave hair feeling silky. Those with thinner hair may find the results are a bit greasy, though. Shampoo $22, conditioner $22, masque $28.50, and spray $19.50, at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom; fredericfekkai.com.

4. H2O SPA SEA MARINE COLLAGEN CONDITIONER is a marine-inspired product that can be left in your hair for up to five minutes. We found locks were noticeably softer and tangle-free after only two minutes. Use it with the matching shampoo for additional manageability. $22; h2oplus.com.

5. BLOW DAMAGE CONTROL RESTORATIVE HAIR MASQUE is produced exclusively by the Blow Dry Bar in New York. The five-minute treatment repairs damaged cuticles, restores softness, and smells fabulous. Fortified with 100-percent organic shea butter, it helps soothe frizzies, too. $20; blowstylingsalon.com.