Category Fashion

Enjoying the mountains to the fullest extent requires knowing how to dress. With the right clothes, an afternoon alpine thunderstorm can make for a surreal and magical experience in the backcountry. But, unprepared, that same storm might leave you recalling a shivering, wicked-cold, misery tour (or worse).

This three-part article is designed to share expert advice and know-how for staying warm in the mountains. We’ll give you an overview of how layering systems work to keep you warm and dry, why you get cold, and our favorite layering systems for different activities and conditions.Here’s an overview of the three articles in this series:

• How to Layer Clothing to Keep Warm – (this article you are reading) Covers how modern technical clothing is designed to work as a layered system and explains each layer from base to outer shell.
• Why You Get Cold in the Mountains – Provides background information on exactly how and why you lose (and gain) heat during outdoor activities, and how a layered system addresses those thermodynamics.
• How to Layer Clothing for Each Season – The part of the series where the rubber meets the road and we provide recommended layered clothing combinations for practical situations ranging from an all-day hike in the mountains to extreme mountaineering.

In this section you are reading we’ll focus on how modern technical clothing is designed to be used as a layered system: each layer serving a purpose in keeping you warm, allowing you to combine different layers to tackle different conditions with grace and style. While layers play a less critical role when car camping, when you engage in athletic exercise, whether it’s hiking, skiing, or climbing, a layered system provides you to the tools to avoid overheating when you are working hard, and yet stay warm when you stop.

Types of Layers

Below we list the different types of layers, which can be used in combination with each other to reach the ideal effect for the season, environment, and activity you are pursuing. These layers work together to achieve the four goals of wicking moisture, trapping in heat, insulating from cold, and blocking wind and weather.

Today, increasing numbers of outdoor-savvy people choose wool over synthetics for their base layer. Why? Many feel that wool insulates better than synthetic base layers when it’s cold, and stays more comfortable over a larger temperature gradient when its hot. Although wool takes longer to dry than synthetics, it continues to insulate well even when wet. Today, wool base layers are made primarily out of merino wool, which is thin and lightweight, less itchy than traditional wool, and does not retain stench. Here at OutdoorGearLab, the Editors prefer wool base layers for most activities. However, we do notice that wool tears and abrades much more easily when rubbed against a rough surface, a key advantage of synthetics for activities such as rock climbing. For activities such as hiking, wool base layers work wonders.

Base layers come in different weights, so depending on the conditions you expect to be in you may select a thicker, more insulating base layer. However, you may be surprised to learn that most mountaineers prefer thin base layers. The reason is that when performing strenuous activities, even in cold environments, overheating can be as big a problem as keeping warm. If you plan on being in cold conditions but also plan on aerobic activity, such as in mountaineering or nordic skiing, typically a thinner base layer is the wisest choice because it helps wick the sweat the best when you are working hard. Rely on the layers above your base layer for insulation. Your base layer’s key function is to manage the conditions right next to your skin.

Lastly, we prefer a zip-neck base layer, which gives you another tool to conveniently regulate body temperature. Alpine activities such as hiking, climbing, or backcountry skiing can seem like an endless cycle of putting on and taking off clothing. A zippered neck can often save you the time required to stop and shed an outer layer. The additional cooling of an open neck is substantial when you are working hard, and easy to zip up when you take a rest.

Spring is already drawing to a close (that was fast!), which means the summer season is about to settle in for another round of sweltering weather. With sunny days and warmer temps come an influx of invitations that will have you venturing away from your A.C. and you’ll need to dress the part for the weather and the occasion.

But summer heat doesn’t mean you have to break a sweat figuring out what to wear. Designers delivered a fabulous array of fashion trends to choose from that will make dressing up for all your summer soireés, like graduations, birthdays, and traveling abroad, a breeze.

From hot pants to capris and polos layered like a Miu Miu girl, there’s a summer fashion trend that will have you looking stylish all season long.

10 Summer Fashion Trends

1. Hot, Hot, Hot Pants

Whether you’re out and about exploring the city or heading to the nearest beach to nourish your tan, hot pants are the cool-girl bottoms to try this summer. If you’re worried about showing too much skin, balance those high hemlines with tailored button-downs from Max Mara, fitted cardigans, as seen at Fendi, and maybe even a chunky Ralph Lauren sweater like the viral American flag design.

2. Chic Capris

If hot pants are just a tad too showy for your liking, then go for the semi-controversial capri pant trend, instead. Yes, this style is polarizing—not everyone loves an above-the-ankle crop—but if you ask us, there’s something undeniably chic about mid-calf pants in the summer. After all, if it’s good enough for Audrey Hepburn, it’s good enough for us.

3. Spectacular Silks

Making a stylish statement this summer is as easy as putting on the right piece and walking out the door. And there’s nothing better than scarf prints to cause a stir. Ranging from funky florals to geometric marvels, scarf-inspired tops are a flowy, silky take on a classic. Make sure to look out for daring dresses, like the ones at Bottega Veneta, and pieces with tons of pigment. It’s impossible not to turn heads in these prints.

4. Laid-Back Lace

Languidly lounging in lace during the sweltering summer is the epitome of laid-back luxury. The best way to incorporate the ladylike fabric into your wardrobe is by way of smart separates. As seen at Chloé and Michael Kors, this sporty take on the textile feels and looks fresher than a traditional dress. If you want a bit of edge, pair your lace look with leather knee-high boots or a cropped vest to release your inner rocker.

5. Posh Polos

Whether you like to layer yours like a Miu Miu girl or go the sheer route, the polos of today have gotten a major style upgrade since the Y2K era. Wearing this preppy style in the summer is a no-fuss option for those looking to add a bit of varsity flair and jaunty personality to their wardrobe. Pick polos in poppy colors to keep them from straying too far into school uniform territory.

6. Striking Shirtdresses

Wearing a shirtdress in the summertime is a chic choice for those on the go—just ask Dior, Fendi, and Tommy Hilfiger. This all-in-one style can easily be styled for any occasion—all you need are the right accessories. For a stroll around the city or your commute to the office, try a low-heeled mule and vintage-style sneaker. For a more beach-ready ensemble, just throw on a sun hat and espadrilles.

7. Short Suited

Just because temperatures are on the rise doesn’t mean you can’t slip into a suit during the summer months. To solve your summer style woes, simply choose a matching set like the crochet ones from Chanel and Ralph Lauren with a skirt or shorts. Long-sleeved jackets maintain an air of elegance, whereas the high hems of the bottoms keep things playfully sweet.

8. Swimsuits as Going Out Tops

Swim attire isn’t just for the beach anymore. Designers from Chloé to Zimmerman and Miu Miu have turned bikinis and maillots into the hottest going-out tops, lending a sexy athletic vibe to any outfit. Think of this trend as the cheeky cousins to bandeau tops and bodysuits.

9. Sheer Delight

Sheer separates are a sharp way to upgrade your summer style. Layer transparent pieces over solid bandeaus, tank tops, and hot pants à la Hermés for a look that stands out for all the right reasons. For the boldest of the bold, the colorful hues at Prada and the flashy embellishments at Brandon Maxwell add an extra oomph.

10. Wonder Wraps

Wrap skirts are getting a soft, supple upgrade this season. Lambskin and suede have replaced lighter-weight fabrics for summer, as evidenced by Ferragamo, Miu Miu, and Ulla Johnson.

We know what you’re thinking: Leather in the summer? Trust us. It’s a risk worth taking. The visual juxtaposition of fine leather and light cotton creates the ultimate cool-girl look.

While we always prioritize our skin-care routines, we sometimes forget about our scalps. They need hydration just like the rest of the skin.

“Think about your scalp as an extension of your face,” says Gretchen Friese, MD, a trichologist at BosleyMD. “We need to keep the scalp moisturized to keep it healthy—and [keep] the follicles healthy for hair growth.”

Your individual needs will depend on the state of your scalp, but here’s everything you need to know about moisturizing the scalp and how you can maintain its health as part of your hair-care routine. 

The Importance of Scalp Moisturization

“It’s important to cleanse and moisturize the scalp, because you need to get rid of product buildup and keep the area from getting dry,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon. “Dryness leads to flaky skin and irritation in the area.”

Throughout the day, you can accumulate buildup in your scalp. This can be everything from dirt to the products you put in your hair, and even your own oils and sweat. The scalp produces sebum or oil to moisturize itself and hydrate the hair follicles, but the area needs to be cleaned, managed, and treated to help maintain its health. 

The dermatologists explain that a well-moisturized scalp can reduce and prevent dandruff, itching, and inflammation, promoting overall skin health. “Creating a healthy environment for hair to grow is essential for thick, healthy hair,” says trichologist Gretchen Friese. “Paying attention to your scalp health is as important as making sure your hair is healthy.”

How to Moisturize Your Scalp

There are many ways to take care of your scalp from the comfort of your own bathroom. You’re probably twirling a strand of hair, thinking about how to properly care for your locks. Here’s the 4-1-1.

Friese recommends using a scalp massager when you’re washing your hair. “Doing a scalp massage in the shower while your conditioner is on your head helps to moisturize the scalp as well as bring circulation to the hair follicles,” says Friese. “Just make sure to rinse out all of the conditioner before leaving the shower.”

If you want to take an extra step in your hair-care routine, you can use a hair serum or treatment to give your hair that extra moisture it needs. Friese also notes that you can use a hair serum or treatment right before you take a shower to open up your hair follicles. You can leave it on for around 20 to 30 minutes before shampooing the product out of your hair. 

Below there are some further steps to consider adding to your scalp routine.

Change Shampoo and Conditioner

“Shampoo’s main purpose is to cleanse your hair and scalp,” says Dr. Chacon. “Conditioners replenish and moisturize the hair and scalp.” While shampooing can clean your hair, you must also balance oil on your scalp using a conditioner, which can help you “avoid over-producing oil,” a phenomenon called “rebound oiliness.”  

Experts recommend avoiding shampoos and conditioners that have a strong scent or are formaldehyde-based and colored. “These products can actually cause more harm than good for those with scalp issues and may strip the skin of its natural oils,” Dr. Chacon says. “This would leave the scalp dry, irritated.” When shopping for shampoos and conditioners, find a product that has nourishing ingredients like keratin, vitamins, and oils that can clean, strengthen, and promote hair growth. 

Keep in mind that over-washing can cause the skin on the scalp to become dry and the hair to grow brittle. “Over-washing or using harsh hair-care products can remove the scalp’s natural oils, leading to dryness,” says Dr. Weksberg. “Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, can cause the scalp to become dry and flaky.” If you’re into clean beauty, make sure to find shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free, which can help weak, brittle strands. 

Add a Hair Oil and Serum to Your Routine

“A hair oil or hair serum is another great alternative that will keep the scalp nice and moisturized,” says Dr. Chacon. “You can apply it directly to the scalp.” If you’re investing in a high-quality hair oil, she recommends finding a product that has argan oil in it. “Argan oil is a great choice, especially oils that are fragrance-free, which is great for those that have sensitive skin in the area.” 

It’s extremely important to hydrate and moisturize the scalp to avoid breakage and damage to both hair and scalp. You can moisturize your scalp twice every two days if it’s oily, but if it’s dry, every two days. 

You should also always look at the ingredients for each product. “Product ingredients can be irritating or just not good for you,” says Dr. Chacon. “It’s important to read the labels and make informed decisions. How often you wash your hair and how often you apply products can also make an impact.” You might also have skin conditions that make yours more prone to irritation, such dandruff, eczema, or sensitive skin.

Use a Scalp Massager

When in doubt, give your hair that extra TLC with a scalp massager. This small hair brush will deeply clean away product buildup from the hair follicles, stimulate blood flow, and promote hair growth. Friese notes that you can do a scalp massage with conditioner, serum, or a hair treatment once a week to “keep the follicles healthy for hair growth.“

Weksberg recommends paying attention to how your scalp feels and adjusting how often you wash your hair. “If you experience persistent dryness or irritation, consult a dermatologist to tailor a scalp-care routine that meets your specific needs.”

The act of shaving the peach fuzz off your face is controversial. On one hand, it seems like everyone on TikTok is singing glowing praises of dermaplaning at home. On the other hand, some dermatologists and estheticians are begging skincare newbies to leave dermaplaning to the experts. But let’s be honest: you’re going to do what you want to do. So, if you’re thinking about DIY dermaplaning, there are a few things you should know.

For instance, you’ll need to know what dermaplaning is and how it works. You’d also be wise to learn the benefits associated with it and how to care for your skin post-dermaplaning. Plus, since you’re doing this at home, you’ll likely need to familiarize yourself with the best products for dermaplaning. This’ll help ensure smooth sailing and smooth skin.

We asked three skincare experts about all of this and more. Read on for their recommended protocol for how to dermaplane at home safely.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning involves taking a small, razor-like tool and very carefully removing the top layers of your skin and superficial hair. “Dermaplaning helps to exfoliate the skin, as well as remove fine vellus hairs—a.k.a. peach fuzz,” says Catherine Chang, M.D., a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

The Benefits of Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a popular treatment used in both spa settings and a doctor’s office that has many benefits. By removing all the peach fuzz and the dead skin cells, your skin will look and feel especially smooth and soft in the weeks following the treatment. But there are even better long-term results.

“Dermaplaning can also help with fading the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation by removing those dead skin cells on top of the skin,” says esthetician Renée Rouleau. And without all the peach fuzz in the way, your skin can receive and absorb your skincare products even better. With consistent treatments, Dr. Chang says that your skin texture and brilliance will also improve. 

Risks of Dermaplaning at Home

Dermaplaning still comes with its own risks. As dermaplaning is still an exfoliating treatment, it can be too aggressive for sensitive skin or those with conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. And since dermaplaning is performed with a blade, you’re at risk of possible irritation, discoloration, and acne.

When dermaplaning at home, you can accidentally nick yourself with the tool. As a result, you might see an in-grown hair or a new pimple because of trapped bacteria. Moreover, if you cut yourself while dermaplaning, this could lead to infection and scarring.

Dermaplaning at Home vs. In-Office

The biggest difference between dermaplaning at home and in-office is the level of safety in an office. “In the office, a professional is doing the treatment and has a better global view of your face,” says Dr. Chang. “The professional has more effective instruments, than at-home instruments that have been thoroughly cleaned minimizing change of infection.”

However, that’s not to say dermaplaning at home isn’t another great option. In fact, Rouleau says that she’s been dermaplaning at home for years and it has been just as effective as doing it in-office. You just have to learn how to do it correctly.

How to Dermaplane at Home

Prep Your Skin

Dr. Chang, Rouleau, and Dara Levy, founder of Dermaflash, all emphasize the importance of having clean and completely dry skin before you pick up your dermaplaning tool. Consider using a gentle cleanser like the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or the Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk.

Pick a Safe Dermaplaning Tool

“Open razor blades leave your skin vulnerable to nicks and cuts,” Levy points out. She recommends using her brand’s Dermaflash Luxe+ for optimal safety.

Get Close to a Mirror

To make sure you can see all the peach fuzz you want to target, Levy suggests situating yourself in front of a magnifying mirror in a well-lit area. Or you can use a magnifying mirror with a built-in light.

Dermaplane in the Direction of Hair Growth

“Use a finger from the opposite hand to gently hold your skin taut and hold the device at a 45-degree angle,” Levy instructs. “Use short feathery strokes over the surface of your skin, avoiding your lips, nose, and eyelids.” Furthermore, Rouleau advises only going over the same area a few times to prevent irritating your skin.

Apply Gentle Skincare

Keep your freshly exfoliated skin protected by applying a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen. We recommend Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion and ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion, respectively.

Aftercare

Since you’re slightly damaging your face when you remove the hair and dead skin cells, it’s important to give your skin a little extra TLC after dermaplaning. As the experts suggested, you should keep skincare gentle. Try not to use retinol, glycolic acid, or sugar scrubs as these can irritate your sensitive skin. You’ll also want to avoid sun exposure (yes, even if you wear sunscreen) as your skin is simply too delicate post-dermaplaning.

Moisture is key to keeping hair healthy and strong. But it takes more than just looking for the right ingredients that will keep your strands hydrated; you have to pay attention to your hair’s porosity as well especially if you happen to have low porosity hair. 

What is hair porosity? Different from your hair type, porosity just means how much moisture your hair can retain. Some people have high porosity hair, some have medium, and others have low. This doesn’t make one better than the other; it just means there are certain things you have to keep in mind when curating the hair regimen that works best for you. 

To break it all down for you, we turned to the experts. How to tell if you have low porosity hair? What products should (and shouldn’t) you be using? How to take care of low porosity hair? Below is your definitive guide. 

What is low porosity hair?

According to Philip Kingsley brand president and consultant trichologist Anabel Kingsley, low porosity hair means that it has low levels of absorption. Kingsley goes on to explain that moisture and hair treatments can take longer to penetrate the hair cuticle because the cuticle scales (which form the outer layer of the hair) tend to overlap each other and are tightly packed together. Since there is limited space between the scales, moisture and other ingredients have a harder time making their way to the hair shaft. 

“Low porosity hair acts like it’s waterproof,” adds Afro-textured hair educator and Curlsmith global brand ambassador Jennie Roberts. “High porosity acts like a sponge and can hold onto lots of moisture/water.”  

Having either low porosity or high porosity hair, which by comparison means that it has high levels of absorption, isn’t a good or bad thing. It’s just important to know what type you have so you know what hair products to use to keep it healthy. 

How to tell if you have low porosity hair:

Roberts says that low porosity hair is a natural genetic trait that can be found most often in Afro-textured hair and coarser hair types, such as those found in Asian hair. It can also present itself as very dry hair. Kingsley agrees and says that coarse and coiled hair textures tend to be more porous than fine to medium hair. 

One of the most common ways to test your hair’s porosity at home is through the float test. Kingsley says that you can pop a strand of hair into a cup of water for a few minutes to see if it sinks or floats. “If it sinks, it has high porosity,” she says. “If it floats, it has low porosity.”

Roberts adds that simply seeing how wet your hair gets when you shower is a good way to test its porosity. “If it takes ages to get it wet and feels like it repels water [and] hydration, then it’s low porosity (i.e. your hair is not good at absorbing water),” she says. “If your hair gets wet very quickly and holds onto water, then it’s high porosity (i.e. your hair soaks everything up like a sponge and holds onto it).”

Common concerns for people with low porosity hair:

Low porosity hair isn’t a problem; Roberts says this is something you don’t need to be overly concerned about and that knowing your hair type just helps when picking the right products for your routine. “Just remember the more waterproof your hair feels, the more water [and] moisture will be needed to keep the hair flexible and hydrated,” she says. “Products aimed to deliver lots of moisture starting from cleansing and conditioning down to styling should be considered to keep hair supple and moisturized.”  

Kingsley agrees and adds that those with low porosity hair should just know that it may take longer for their hair to get fully wet and products and treatments will take longer to absorb. 

How to treat low porosity hair:

With low porosity hair, Roberts says that it will need a good cleanse to soften the cuticle and make it more receptive to receiving moisture and other ingredients from your hair products. She recommends hair products that attract and hold moisture, such as the Curlsmith Essential Moisture Cleanser. With ingredients like andiroba seed oil, shea butter, and coconut oil, she says it helps deliver a great amount of hydration and flexibility. She advises against co-washing if you have low porosity hair and says to be diligent with a regular cleansing and conditioning routine at least every five days. 

Kingsley recommends opting for something that is lightweight so that product doesn’t just sit on top of the hair, which will cause buildup. She says to look for something water-based, like Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment which will penetrate the hair shaft easily to deliver moisture. 

Despite what filters and Photoshop might have you believe, not everyone has even-toned underarms. Underarm darkness is completely normal and common thanks to “reasons that range from genetics to fluctuating hormones to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to waxing, ingrown hairs, and allergic reactions to detergents or body products,” says Robyn Gmyrek, MD.

Sometimes, it’s the simple act of sweating to blame. “Excess sweating predisposes the armpit area to get sensitive to its own sweat. We call this irritant contact dermatitis,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD.

It’s a personal preference should you decide to treat underarm darkness or let them be. Just like hyperpigmentation on the rest of your body, it isn’t generally harmful. It’s even possible that “if it’s a recent issue and not that intense, the hyperpigmentation might resolve on its own,” says Dr. Kobets. It might be preferable to wait it out since “underarm skin is delicate and thinner compared to the rest of your body—making it more permeable to topical products,” says. Dr. Gmyrek.

But, if you’re in the camp of wanting to speed up the process of lightening your underarms, it’s important to work with your dermatologist to treat the underlying cause to “rule out any medical conditions like pregnancy, eczema, psoriasis, or diabetes,” says Dr. Gmyrek. Meanwhile, consider how your everyday routine could sneakily affect underarm hyperpigmentation. 

Consider How You Shave

If you opt for a hairless look when it comes to your underarms, “physical rubbing and friction make the skin react by causing irritation and redness that can turn to brown discoloration over time,” says Dr. Kobets.

Don’t risk shaving dry or using water alone, as it can create friction: “Remember to use shaving cream to help the razor glide smoothly without damaging the skin,” she says. Getting an in-office laser treatment or waxing might help extend the time between hair removal sessions.

Introduce Exfoliation

When it comes to exfoliating your underarms, there’s good news and bad news: “Exfoliants can be beneficial, but they will be best for superficial hyperpigmentation — and will not completely remove deeply rooted hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Gmyrek.

If your hyperpigmentation is indeed superficial, a chemical exfoliator is your best bet. “A big reason there is darkening of the skin is because of physical rubbing and inflammation, resulting in irritation and then darkness,” says Dr. Kobets.

Can you simply grab the exfoliator you use on your face to use on your pits? “Maybe if the exfoliator is very gentle. Look for ones designed for sensitive skin and decrease the frequency of use to once a week to see how your underarms react,” says Dr. Gmyrek. But since there aren’t any regulations around what qualifies a product as being good for sensitive skin, patch testing is important. As with any new product, “try a small test patch for at least three to five days first to see if any irritation develops. If you get an allergic reaction—you will likely get more post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Gmyrek.

To be safe, try a product specifically designed and tested for your underarm area, like Megababe Happy Pits Detoxifying Underarm Mask, which features glycolic acid. For quicker results, “you can have your dermatologist do light chemical peels in the office. Still, depending on the severity of the darkening, it will take several months to see improvement, and it needs to be combined with topical prescription medications,” says Dr. Kobets.

Here’s a quick 101 on figuring out which acid exfoliator might work best for you: 

Glycolic acid

“Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps exfoliate the skin by loosening dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. It can be effective for hyperpigmentation but may be too harsh for some individuals with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Gmyrek.

Salicylic acid

“Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate the pores and help to exfoliate the dead cells on the skin’s surface, which may help remove superficial hyperpigmentation,” she says. 

Lactic acid

“Lactic acid, another AHA, can help exfoliate the skin gently and improve skin texture. It is generally milder compared to glycolic acid, making it a good option for the underarm area, which tends to be sensitive,” she says. 

Try Topicals — With Caution

Since your armpit skin folds into itself, “it leads to increased moisture and warmth in the area, which can also enhance the absorption of topical medications,” says Dr. Gmyrek. So, it’s important to be mindful of the products and ingredients you use on the area. Patience is the name of the game: Start slowly and use a very small amount. “When applying products to the area, you want to make sure all of the prior deodorant product is removed, your soap is fully cleaned off, and the area is completely dry,” adds Dr. Kobets.

“Overall, the enzyme tyrosinase is the main target when considering treatments that regulate skin tone and hyperpigmentation. This enzyme is very important in melanin or pigment formation, so blocking tyrosinase prevents melanin formation and decreases hyperpigmentation. I love azelaic acid because it is gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types. It is available up to 15% over the counter and 20% by prescription. Other ingredients that block tyrosinase are kojic acid, resveratrol, and tranexamic acid,” says Dr. Gmyrek. 

You can also focus on ingredients famous for their brightening properties: “While retinol and vitamin C are great lightening agents, they also come with quite a bit of irritation and need to be introduced slowly, especially since skin folds tend to be more sensitive,” says Dr. Kobets. “Niacinamide decreases the transfer of pigment to the skin cells, helps strengthen your skin barrier, and is anti-inflammatory,” says Dr. Gmyrek. 

Experiment With Deodorant

The world of deodorants and antiperspirants can be very tricky when you’re dealing with underarm darkness. For many people, fragrances in deodorant can irritate, leading to hyperpigmentation. “Be careful of those labeled ‘natural’ — fragrances from essential oils and lab-derived fragrances can both cause negative reactions on your skin,” says Dr. Gmyrek. Sometimes, aluminum could be the culprit to your underarm hyperpigmentation. “Native Unscented Regular Deodorant contains sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, and can be less irritating than aluminum,” says Dr. Kobets.

The caveat is that low levels of aluminum are great for eliminating odor but aren’t as helpful in combating sweat — also a big culprit of irritation. If you are using clinical-strength deodorants, they have a higher aluminum concentration. Dove Beauty Even Tone Rejuvenating Blossom 48-Hour Antiperspirant and Deodorant Stick features brightening niacinamide that tackles uneven skin tone while preventing sweat and odor but includes fragrance. 

The moral of the story is that some trial and error with deodorants might be necessary. Remember to use a deodorant for at least two to four weeks before switching to a new one as your armpits adjust to different ingredients. 

Remember Your SPF

Kudos if you’re diligent about your SPF, but many of us don’t apply it to less obvious areas of our bodies. Since your underarm skin is so delicate and more sensitive to sun damage when exposed to UV rays, it’s essential to protect your pits with sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors.

Ever found yourself scrolling through post after post of honeyed tresses and wondering, “Should I dye my hair blonde?” Same. We’ve experienced similar sun-kissed thoughts and golden reveries come warmer months, but to actually take the plunge? That takes guts, commitment, and a whole lot of research.

While we can’t help but cheer you on through those first two barriers, we can definitely supply the goods when it comes to research and even do you one better: a first-hand account of what the process of going blonde (sans damage, we might add) is really like.

Before Taking the Blonde Plunge

Last summer, I spent a solid six months talking about dying my hair blonde. For the past six years, I’d been embracing my natural (what some may call “mousy”) brown color in an effort to give my stressed-out tresss a break from being colored every color but blonde. (Don’t get me wrong; I’ve dabbled in subtle highlights, but I never fully committed I was afraid I’d ruin my now-virgin strands.) Now I wanted to be blonde blonde but still look natural (read: not peroxide blonde). And, of course, I wanted my hair to be healthy. In short: I wanted a lot.

If you’re unsure of whether take the plunge, Jimieson suggests trying on wigs. “The exact color of the wig is likely achieved with textile dye so be flexible on the results,” he explains. “This is just a first step if you need the visual before going further.” 

I was already convinced so I decided to head to my new favorite salon, Buller and Rice (which is conveniently 15 minutes from my flat). Buller and Rice’s focus on sustainable haircare and eco-friendly practices are what really sets them apart from other salons. For me, going blonde as ethically as possible was an important factor, as was maintaining healthy hair with eco-friendly products, so I knew I’d be in good hands there.

How to Prep Hair for Processing

Before your first appointment, make sure hair is ready to be processed. “Thoroughly wash and condition your hair the day before,” instructs Jimieson. “Washing the same day can sensitize the scalp, but oils and build up can hinder the ability of the lightener, bleach, or dyes.”

“Be honest with your colorist as to what is already on your hair. If your hair is long, chances are color from a year ago is still on the ends of your strands,” says Richards. “A good clarifying shampoo can help remove any build up that has been sitting on the strands to help create a blank slate for lightening.” 

The Process of Going Blonde

We started off the entire process having a big chat about the type of blonde I wanted to be. This is exactly why it’s crucial to consult with your hairdresser first. Blonde hair falls into multiple categories, including icy-white blonde and balayage, so it’s important you and your stylist are on the same page. “A colorist can guide you to what looks best on you, however, it’s a 50/50 split. 

The client has to like the statement and vibe of the color, but every colorist also has their own personal taste,” says Jimieson. “Collect images of blond hair you like and dislike. If a colorist says it’s not right for you, try another colorist. If you get the same answer more than once, listen to what the experts are telling you. Don’t rush in! While three levels of lift is a classic safe amount to lighten and not damage or conflict with your skin/base color, some will love pale ash shades.” 

Rice and I both agreed I needed to stay away from brassy tones, but because my hair has a slight golden tone to it, I’d need regular toning treatments to whiten it up a little. “Everyone has underlying warmth in their hair and you can enhance or counter that pigment with toner,” explains Jimieson. “Wherever you start you have those tones and all the others going up the chart that will be revealed during the lifting process. Everyone lifts warm.”  

We also agreed we wouldn’t take the color right up to the root. Instead, we’d smudge it in to make it look more natural. “Your colorist will guide you in what is achievable and what is not. This all depends on your natural color, hair texture, previous hair color you’ve had and health of your hair,” adds Richards. “Your colorist will guide you in the right direction. This includes what shades and tones of blonde will work for your skin tone and level of maintenance you’d like. Keep in mind, the darker your hair naturally is, the more difficult it is going to be to battle warm tones.” 

The thing with going blonde is that it’s a process. You have to really want to commit, but trust me—it’s worth it. “Depending on what we’re starting with and what you’re looking to achieve, blonde can be achieved in 1-3 appointments,” says Richards. “Of course those needing a more gentle approach will be the latter. The #1 rule for going blonde is go in with realistic expectations. The more honest you are with your colorist about what you have previously done with your color will allow you to get to your goal blonde on the fastest and healthiest route.” 

“While some blonding services can get you there in a day (single and double process), other techniques for more custom colors like foils and balayage accumulate over time,” explains Jimieson. “More isn’t always more. When more is more, adding more pieces of blond should be the goal, re-bleaching hair that has already been bleached is a risky business I do not recommend. Quantity takes time, levels of lift are determined by your natural pigment combined with any artificial dye pigments you already have in your hair. Be realistic and trust your professional.”

How to Care for Hair During the Process

Going blonde puts so much stress on your hair, so it’s important to invest in the products you put on your hair both during the bleaching process and after. “Lightening your hair can be gentle, subtle and low maintenance but it can also be an aggressive ambitious move,” says Jimieson. “The amount of damage will depend on the goal and the proper use of the product by the colorist and the aftercare the client chooses for home.” 

Rice added a new treatment by Davines to the bleach before we applied it to my hair. This helped to repair the bonds from bleaching but was also meant to restructure any that were already broken. “Olaplex is a colorists best friend while blonding,” notes Richards. “This will be mixed directly into the lightener and will help prevent any possible damage. It will then be followed by a post color treatment.”

“Follow the product regimen recommended by your colorist religiously, if the product isn’t working out, ask your colorist for an alternative,” adds Jimieson.