No doubt, summer can take its toll on hair. Sun, heat, chlorine, salt water. You've probably already noticed a difference in the texture of your hair, with many months to go. However, a little preparation and TLC will help protect those beautiful locks, creating a better hair day, every day.


Here are some tips to abide by this season for fabulous hair:

Trim It Up
Keeping hair healthy is even more important during the summer months. Start off the season with a trim and end the season with a trim. And perhaps, one in between.

Cold Rinse
Rinse hair with cool water before you hop out of the shower. Cold water closes the scales, known as the cuticle, that the hair shaft has on its surface. You can also hit the cold button for a minute on your blow dryer once your hair is all the way dry.

Air Dry vs. Blow Dry
Blow dyring can be a mute point in 90+ degree temps. Celebrity colorist Nelson Chan of Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills offers these tips for a styled air dry look: apply a light hold gel, comb through hair and twist it with your fingertips to get a soft curl. For short hair, comb a texturizing paste through wet hair to give body, texture and hold. To get curlier tresses, braid sections of hair, let air dry, then remove the braids. Larger braids produce bigger waves.

Take Cover
Ultraviolet light breaks down the pigment in hair. Cover it with a hat, scarf or umbrella. With slicked back hair being big this season, put a little conditioner on dry hair and comb it back or pull it up. For scalp burners (like me), apply sunscreen along your part line with fingertips or a Q-tip. Dry sunscreens works well, too.

Treat Treat Treat
There are many treatment options for sun-abused hair — from sprays to balms to masks to oils. Many of which can be left on hair overnight for added hydration. Consider pampering your hair at least once a month during the summer.

Photo from Janko Williams

It's been six months and I'm still a redhead.

While it took me way longer than anticipated to get used to my crazy red hair (seven weeks), I seriously love it and can't imagine going back.

In the beginning of my journey, I thought I'd give red a whirl for a couple months, or at least six. Well, that timeframe has come and gone. And I want nothing to do with my naturally tawny hair.

Red is vibrant. Bold. And as I have been told, matches my personality. My hair color brightens my eyes. It brightens my skin. It's down right fun. Yes, it fades. Faster than any other color. However, I can honestly say I've enjoyed every stage of red.

Contrary to some opinions, I haven't had to make a single adjustment to my wardrobe. Everything in my closet still looks great with red hair. And I haven't shied away from oranges or reds.

I take more pride in my hair. Everyday is a great hair day. With red, you're kind of forced to spend the time to ensure goodness. Before, I waited five months between cut/highlights. What was I thinking? Oh yes, I thought no one noticed. I am certain they noticed. And that will never happen again. Especially while I'm red. Because you can't have frizzy, unshaped, unstyled red hair.

For someone who never changed their hair color, in a drastic fashion, this has been life changing. In such a good way.

I encourage you to take risks. Even if it scares you. Especially if it scares you.

I've never been one to shy away from color. Especially on lips.

With matte, bold lips taking over the season, I felt the need to play around a bit with one of my besties, Jeffre Scott.

If you haven't visited Jeffre, you must. You are seriously missing out. Not only will you find the highest quality brands in skin care and cosmetics, but you will also experience the best customer service.

After swiping several bright colors across my lips, I landed on my most adventurous yet — Rio by Susan Posnick! It's more pink than I've ever done. I have at least 4 shades of ColorEssential lipsticks. They are that good. I gravitate toward berry shades, and this spin on it screams fantastical fun!

How daring do you feel these days? Go ahead, be fierce.

Please consider helping the Oklahoma tornado victims by sending a $10 donation to the Disaster Relief fund by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. The donation will show up on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your balance if you have a prepaid phone. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. If you change your mind, text the word STOP to 90999.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been testing a fun, new product that whitens teeth on the go. Thank goodness for the 'on the go' factor, as I don't stand still for more than a minute.

Britenz is an all natural brush-on teeth whitener that is easy to use and fits right into your purse. It's safe and effective. I can attest that it absolutely brightens your smile for the short term, in addition to the long term with continual use. 

Britenz, containing 100% natural xylitol, organic Aloe Vera, CoQ10 and natural peppermint extract, was developed to whiten your smile in just a few hours. Formulated by dentists, Britenz protects and helps with oral care while delivering fast results. The ingredients are safe, so you don't have to worry about trying not to swallow. And you can see the product working right away, as it fizzes.

It's no surprise that a bright smile brings confidence. Smiling releases endorphins and adjusts your body chemistry. It's proven to lower blood pressure. So why wouldn't you want a phenomenal smile that delivers all of that?

I say, spring is the perfect time to whiten! 

Who wants to give Britenz a whirl with me? Britenz would love to give away a few whitening pens to those looking for whiter teeth and fresher breath in an easy application. Simply leave a comment below and you'll be entered to win Britenz Brush-On Teeth Whitener. Enter now!