Words: Gentleman's Journal
If you’ve spent much time in the UK of late, you’ve likely seen a hinterland of Birkenstocks slap their way past you, smelled the creamy fragrance of SPF drift through your local green space, and gone through a basketload of linen shirts following a few weeks of high-level perspiration. With such fine-weather hallmarks in full swing, it’s safe to say that we have lift-off when it comes to summer, a much-welcome shift of the seasons given the seemingly never-ending black hole that was winter and spring.
Recently, to help you prep for this period of clear skies, we’ve highlighted the minimalist sneakers you should be buying; the loafers to slip on if you wish to dress things up a little; which barbecues to fire up, in case a last-minute do were to appear in your calendar; the sunglasses you won’t be able to take your eyes off; and – if you’re setting off for new adventures – what to pack for a long-haul flight. In the grooming department, specifically, there are also suggestions on how to nourish your skin following a long-day under the rays and there’s a spa guide for when you need a mid-year reset – but, today, our attention turns fully towards your barnet.
With heat and humidity being the plays of the day, the current conditions may have you considering that lockdown buzzcut all over again. Indeed, we’re not averse to having a No.1 clip all over, but, of course, we still remain champions of locks that flow and are well sculpted. So, before you go all military-grade on us, your friends and your family, here are a few bathroom essentials that’ll keep your hair in a fine, easygoing and, most importantly, healthy condition for the next few months.
The Rehydrating Product
Weekends spent under the oppressive blaze of the sun won’t only leave your skin looking fairly parched, but it can do much to dry out your hair and turn it into a straw-like state. To pump moisture back into it, we turn to Malin+Goetz’s ‘Gentle Hydrating Shampoo’, a light, delicate formula that brings together coconut-derived surfactants (which acts as a wetting agent) and amino acids to nourish scalp and strand. Marine algae extract and panthenol are also incorporated for further strength, and the scent of orange blossom and mandarin enhances the revitalising feel.
The Conditioning Product
We’ve long been championing the good work of grooming god Aesop, not just for the label’s design-focused packaging, but also for its elegant elixirs that feel both luxe and fast-acting when applied to the skin or hair. This conditioner makes a fine foil to the previous product, as it, too, is thick with amino acids that’ll hydrate and soften all it touches. With the viscosity of a lightweight cream, and a smell that is earthy, woody and citrus-heavy all at once, it makes for a spa-like experience.
The Sunday Night Product
A shampoo and conditioner may suffice as your main hair restoration products for most of the year – but, with summer’s aggressive weather, extra measures do need to be taken. The mask we’ve suggested here doesn’t need to be used religiously – once a week will do, perhaps as a way to wind-down at the end of the week – but it does go a long way in keeping moisture levels in check, thanks to a medley of spirulina extract and coconut oil. Not only practical, but the hinoki perfume with which it is laced adds a calming quality.
The Always-Reliable Styling Product
Though it appears like an old-school, viscous styler, Salt Grooming’s ‘Hybrid Hair’ is named so because of its pitch-perfect mix of the best features often associated with wax and clay: it distributes itself easily; offers a lightweight hold and finish; and can be reworked throughout the day without adding weight and grease, which is ideal for balmier days. Although it’s aimed for those with longer hair, having tested it several times, we can safely say it works just as well for shorter, choppier styles.
The Lightweight Product
If, however, you’re still after something with a featherweight touch to softly work between your fingers and hair, Patricks ‘M1’ has long been the go-to item in this department. It is said that once it’s been applied, the hair shaft is swelled without being weighed down, a notion that helps give volume that lasts for hours. The smooth texture also makes it feel as though you’re not wearing product at all.
The Beach-Hair Product
Then, of course, an article on summer grooming wouldn’t be totally rounded off without the mention of something that’ll help secure a beach-worthy flop. For best results with this cult-hit creation, pump a few sprays into your hands, scrunch through the hair (it’s suitable for clean, wet or dry hair) and leave to air dry; for those with longer hair types, use the product then twist everything into a low bun for approximately one hour. The result is an effortless, messy look that’s replete with texture and movement.
Want more seasonal advice? Here are four ways to wear a linen shirt…
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