Much like our wardrobes, our beauty routines undergo a refresh with every season’s change. So, as summer is just around the corner, we sat down with Toronto-based stylist and Amika artist, Arden Castillo, to get all the details on what products (and styles) you need to try.
S/ magazine: What’s the deal with summer hair care?
Arden Castillo: Everyone wears sunscreen, but few people think about their hair. The sun’s UV rays can not only damage your hair, but also fade and warp your colour.
And what’s the deal with Amika?
The entire Amika line is infused with obliphica berry, which is packed with vitamins A,C, and E as well as Omega 3,6, and 9, which essentially means all of the products are like food for your hair. The products have been developed to nourish the hair while styling which is so important, especially during the summer.
Which Amika product does everyone need on their shelf?
I can’t pick just one, so I’ll give you three… or four.
The Wizard Multi-Benefit Primer is truly a wizard because it does so many things. It’s a primer that cuts down dry time, eliminates frizz, nourishes, strengthens, and protects your hair from the sun.
The Un.Done Texture Spray is my go-to for a beachy, tousled look, which is perfect for summer. It absorbs oil like a dry shampoo while also adding dimension. And it does it all without salt.
Perk Up Dry Shampoo is by far the best dry shampoo I’ve used. It’s formulated with rice starch so absorbs oil without leaving any residue. And it really does perk you up with volume and fullness. When you use it with the Silken Up Dry Conditioner it’s like a full wash and condition because it adds softness and sheen back into the hair.
What are the must-try summer hairstyles?
For those with long hair, boxer braids are very in. I sprayed the hair with Un.Done Texture Spray for grit and hold before sectioning it evenly and braiding. This is my amped up take on it, but Dutch (or inverted) braids look just as amazing.
For medium length, I love a loosely curled side pony – it’s very Hamptons! I spritzed the hair with The Wizard Multi-Benefit primer, pulled the hair low and to the side, curled the ends inward, and finished with a quick brush out.
And for those with lobs, the messy, textured look never gets old. I added volume with the Perk Up Dry Shampoo before using my straightener to ribbon curl the hair. There is no rhyme or reason to this – the more random, the better.
Arden Castillo is based out of Leesa Berry Hair, 264A Dunn Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.