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Style Hermosa: An Expert's Guide to Beach Hair

Cyndi Smith tells us how to keep our locks looking good on the sand.

Cynthia "Cyndi" Smith's lifelong passion for hair led her to Hermosa Beach two years ago so she could attend the Aveda Institute in Los Angeles where her full-fledged career in hairstyling began.

She has since styled hair for magazines, film, fashion shows and weddings, specializing in maintaining healthy tresses. As high temperatures and high surf continue this week, Patch talked with Smith about how to nourish hair on and off the beach in the first of a two-part interview.

Hermosa Beach Patch: What should beach-goers do with their hair before exposing it to the sun and sand?

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Cyndi Smith: Everyone should apply leave-in conditioner with sunscreen. This will help protect the hair from getting too dry and the SPF will prevent damage by the sun.

People with dry hair should use drops of sesame oil and apply it to the ends of hair before hitting the pool or the beach. Sesame oil has natural protectors in it, preventing your hair from UV rays while also nourishing your dry scalp.

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Patch: How can you make your hair look stylish for the beach?

Smith: For fine, thin hair, twist the sides of your hair then pull your hair back into a loose bun. You can also create a side braid or fishtail braid if you have longer hair. Add a spritz of light hairspray to keep your hair looking stylish without the look of flat, thin hair that happens once you break a sweat or go in the water.

For frizzy or curly hair, rinse with cold water before going to the beach and apply a de-frizz serum. You can style your hair by twisting it into a braid. By the end of the day you'll have a nice beach wave minus the frizz.

Patch: What are the dos and don'ts for wearing hair extensions on the beach? 

Smith: Those with thin hair should stick to something called a "skin weft." These extensions are basically held in by strong, double-sided tape, making it almost invisible to see once in. These will last about four to six weeks.

Any other type of hair extension, like individuals or clip-ins, will be visible for people with finer, thin hair. Clip-in hair extensions are good for people with thicker hair, as this is not damaging and can add fullness to your style.

Patch: What are easy routes in maintaining healthy hair year-round?

Smith: Taking 5,000 micrograms of biotin or Vitamin B to avoid hair loss, assist hair growth and strengthen hair. Drink plenty of water… eat high protein foods… exercise regularly.

Coming up next on Hermosa Beach Patch: Smith talks about how to keep rich, glossy color in your hair despite exposure to the sun.

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