I grew up near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, so I like to think of myself as a bit of a beach expert. I have my packing routine down to a science (beach chair, straw hat, sunglasses, towel, etc.), but beyond sunscreen, I've never considered the beauty products I should have on hand—embarrassing for a beauty director, I know.
In fact, it wasn't until I was introduced to Kérastase's Blond Absolu line that I realized how many elements can affect our hair, especially lightened, bleached, or naturally blonde shades. Thankfully, Kérastase invented a product, aptly named the Blonde Guard, to help blondes protect their hue as they enjoy the summer weather. I wanted to know if this product was necessary, so I asked blonde editor and Kérastase fan Natalie Gray Herder to explain why she finds the product so beneficial. Here's what she said.
What summer aggressors can affect blonde hair?
"Your blonde hair faces a lot during the warmer months," Natalie tells me. "Hot tools, UV rays, chlorine, and salt water can all chip away at your color and cause your strands to feel dry and lackluster."
She credits the Blonde Guard leave-in spray for finally ridding her blonde hair of its brassiness. It's designed to act as a protective barrier for your blonde hair. You'll want to spritz it in your hair before you head outside, and it will shield your hair from any element that could damage or fade your shade.
Blonde hair is prone to breakage year-round. How does this spray help?
"I love that the lightweight formula instantly smooths out my hair and makes it feel more hydrated," she tells me. I may not be blonde now, but I did have previous stints with bleached hair, which means I understand all too well how dry, damaged, and brittle your strands can get. Natalie appreciates that this spray also contains vitamins C + E to brighten your color and hyaluronic acid to help strengthen your strands.
Is this only for natural blondes, or does it work on all lightened shades?
Natalie assures me this product is designed for all blonde shades, whether they're natural or bleached. In fact, it's specifically designed to keep all blonde hair types brighter and healthier for up to eight weeks between salon appointments.
"Whether your color is natural or dyed, your strands will feel stronger and softer, and your color will look brighter the more you remember to use the Blonde Guard," she tells me.
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