Summer shine in summer months

Apart from the harsh heat and humidity, the summer months unleash havoc on your hair and skin, resulting in break-outs, messy hair and even make-up running down your face. After Hrs tells you how to keep away from raccoon eyes and limp hair, to emerge looking fresh and fabulous.Make-up and hair expert, Dorris Godambe, admits that the summer months are exceptionally harsh on hair and skin, and a challenge to deal with. She says, “As the weather starts to warm up and the humidity in the air increases, it’s time to change your conditioning habits. It  doesn’t mean that you need to stop conditioning, just make a few adjustments. If you deep condition once a week, change it to every other week. If you use a heavy daily conditioner, try changing to a lighter moisture conditioner of any good hair care brand.”Raaj Gupta, senior hairstylist and manager at a salon, points out that it is an Indian stereotype where women root for long tresses. He says, “Even longer hairstyles can be styled to let you breathe. The mermaid (poker straight) mane looks good with long hair and some waves. You can get the hair style by wearing your hair down and putting some light mousse into your hair with just your fingertips after a shower. Also, you could add some layers or bangs to any long hair because they can produce a fashionable style that can frame your face or get pulled back easily.” He also says that pony tail, buns, rolls and plates continue to be hot looks with simple accessories for long hair.Make-up expert Clint Fernendes points out that it is extremely important to protect your skin and hair during summer. The trick to maintain good hair is to put the right amount of conditioner. He explains, “Use a 25 paisa size amount of leave-in conditioner. Do not forget to apply sunscreen. Also, carry a compact that mattes the skin for a longer time as compared to regular foundation.” Clint also suggests using a lighter shade of eye shadow and stay away from cream-based products.Make-up, Dorris says, is a tricky business during the months where everything seems to give way to excessive sweat. The trick she says is in using primers before doing foundation or an eye make-up or filling up your lips. She points out, “Primer helps in smoothing fine lines on parts of the face that are susceptible, such as around the mouth. A make-up primer prepares the ‘canvas’ of the face for cosmetics.” Actor Hansika Motwani swears by the formulae given to her by her mother, who is a skin specialist. She says, “Our sebaceous glands are very active during summer which results in acne on our faces. Stay away from oil-based makeup. I also wash my hair every alternate day to keep my mane squeaky clean.”