Repair your hair with tips from celebrity stylist Gavin Harwin.

By Marisa Walker

Summer’s over, and after all your months of fun in the sun, chances are your hair is paying the price. Sun, sweat, chlorine and salt water can leave your locks dry, brittle and dull. Breathe new life into your tresses with these expert tips from Gavin Harwin, an NYC–based stylist who’s worked with renowned fashion designers like Reem Acra, Cythia Rowley, Fendi and Costume National, as well as celebrity clients like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.

AC: After a summer of sun, chlorine and salt water, how can we repair the damage done to our hair?

Gavin: Everyday things such as styling and the sun can take a toll on your hair. Be sure to use a nourishing leave-in treatment daily, as this will help protect hair throughout the day.  Look for a leave-in treatment that best suits your hair type.

AC: With football season starting, how can cheerleaders protect their hair on the sidelines?

Gavin: First of all, don’t forget sun protection. I like the Infusium 23 Color Protector Leave-In Treatment because it has UV filters.

When it’s really hot and you just want to keep your hair out of the way, experiment with braids, buns and ponytails. Try a messy ballerina topknot by putting your hair in a ponytail on top of your head and tease gently. Then twist it into a knot and secure with a few bobby bins.

Also, try a loose side braid. After blow-drying a leave-in treatment into your hair, tease roots gently. With your fingers, push hair back off your face and pull down beneath one ear. Divide into three equal sections and braid loosely, securing the ends with a band, then rough up the braid with your fingers. And be sure to apply sunscreen to your exposed scalp!

AC: Is there any way to prevent breakage from frequent ponytails?

Gavin: When wearing ponytails, it’s important to always buy fabric hair bands. Try to vary the position of the ponytail, so you’re not always tying the same section of the hair—sometimes slightly higher or slightly lower.

If you like a higher ponytail, try flat-ironing it so it’s super straight. If you prefer to keep it low, try putting two or three large rollers in your ponytail. Then give it a blast of hot air with a dryer and let it cool down. Run your brush through to give your ponytail a nice bounce.

AC: Cheerleaders are constantly heat-styling their hair, then using super-hold hairspray to hold those ponies or curls in place. How can they protect their hair from heat damage, and how can they treat/repair over-styled hair?

Gavin: If you’re spending time styling your hair with hair dryers and irons, make sure you’re also using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. If your hair is bleached or highlighted, try a repairing shampoo and conditioner, or a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner if your hair is naturally dry.

Right now one of my favorite styling products for healthy shine is Infusium 23 Repair and Renew Leave-In Treatment.

AC: Do you have any hair trend predictions for fall in the way of color and style?

Gavin: Long rock ‘n’ roll bangs are great for this fall. Also make a ponytail look cool and sexy, or try something short and playful.

For more celeb-inspired hair how-tos, check out the October issue of AC!

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