If you've been spending these lovely summer days hanging out with your kids at the beach or pool, by now your hair is probably suffering from damage caused by sun and chlorine. You don't have to look far for elements that will ruin the natural shine, strength and moisture level of your hair. UVA/UVB rays from the sun will cause dry, frizzy hair as well as scalp burn. Salt from ocean water will dry and build up on your hair, causing it to feel gritty and brittle. Likewise, the slew of chemicals, pH balancers, algaecides and sanitizers found in swimming pools can leave your hair screaming to be rescued.

The most visible and, sometimes unsightly, effect of sun and chlorine is the green tint to hair. People who spend a lot of time in pools will be affected the most. Scott Chmelar, owner of the Warren Scott Salon & Day Spa in Raleigh, explains why this is so. "Hair is first bleached by the chlorine that is added to pools to remove harmful bacteria. Once bleached, the hair becomes a receptacle for metals. The most common metal in pools is copper. It builds up on the hair and turns green when it oxidizes, or comes in contact with the air."

Chmelar points out that you can reduce damage to your hair by applying a good shampoo and conditioner immediately before and after swimming. This technique prevents hair from soaking up all of the harsh chemicals and minerals. Another technique he recommends is Philip B.'s Rejuvenating Oil Treatment. This can be combed into the hair before going into the water or spending a full day in the sun to add a level of protection.

For a quick, luxuriating solution, Chmelar recommends a salon treatment by a specialist. In his salon, that specialist is Nathan Croom. Croom undoes the damage to his clients' hair by applying a custom formulated metal removal treatment that essentially causes the impurities built up on the hair to slide off. Afterwards, hair is softer and more manageable, and the color is restored.

Chmelar will give away a Philip B. Rejuvenating Oil Treatment kit worth $79 to the winner of a drawing held by the Warren Scott Salon & Day Spa. Anyone who schedules and receives a hair service, including a free hair consultation, at the salon during the entire month of July is eligible to register for the drawing. The winner will be announced on July 31. For more information, please call the Warren Scott Salon & Day Spa at 878-7979.

About the Warren Scott Salon & Day Spa

Located in North Raleigh, adjacent to Triangle Towne Center, the Warren Scott Salon & Day Spa offers outstanding services in a private and intimate atmosphere. Haircolor consultations are provided by owner Scott Warren Chmelar, an American Board Certified Colorist. At 2,400 square feet, the newly redecorated Salon and Spa boasts a total of 12 hairdressing stations; a color processing lounge, where guests can relax out of view as their haircolor processes; 3 make-up stations for quick touchups after color services, full makeup applications and lessons; 3 blowdry stations for private styling; changing rooms and lockers for their guests' comfort and peace of mind; and 5 private spa treatment rooms for Facials, Massage, Body Treatments, Manicures, Pedicures and Full Body Waxing.

For more information call (919) 878-7979.