We chat to Serena Lucioni of Auckland's Hair Café about keeping hair healthy and hydrated.

Why is it important to keep hair hydrated?
Hydration is necessary to preserve the hairs natural protein/water balance. By keeping hair hydrated you are insuring that the hair retains its shine, softness and manageability.

Dry hair goes through a dehydration cycle. It absorbs moisture easily but then releases it too quickly. Without proper treatment, hair becomes more fragile and dryer over time.

Is hydration important for all hair types? 
Harsh shampoos, improper diet, lack of protection from the sun and heat damage from thermal styling appliances can make hair dry, rough and brittle regardless of the hair type. Such examples of cuticle damage weaken the structure of the hair and allow valuable moisture to be lost. This loss of moisture will result in the hair appearing dull, lifeless and without shine. Hair in this state also loses elasticity and quickly becomes difficult to manage.

How much of an affect does the weather have on the condition of our hair?
Climatic conditions affect hair greatly. The hair is essentially made up of the same chemical composition as the skin and nails. Sun damage is a major risk for hair as is exposure to harsh elements like wind.

The change of seasons can play havoc with our hair – should we change our hair care routine as we move into autumn?
Seasonal change brings about a change in environment; such changes impact the condition of our hair. Summer hair often requires protection from sun, salt and hot drying winds, whereas when the weather cools the hair is exposed to more indoor factors like artificial heating devices and more exposure to artificial lighting.

A good haircare routine will be flexible and will incorporate products to enable every head of hair to meet the new challenges provided by the changing seasons

What are your top tips for keeping hair hydrated this autumn season?
After months of summer sun the best way to treat your hair before the chill of autumn sets in is to indulge your hair with a Rainforest Bath treatment service. Inspired by the rainforest’s ever replenishing moisture cycle, Rainforest Bath Service provides 4 layers of care to restore optimal moisture levels, exceptional softness and shine to dry, dull environmentally stressed hair.

Product love: The reformulated Matrix Biolage Hydrathérapie range.
Designed for women with dry, stressed hair, Hydrathérapie nourishes the follicles while continuously moisturising to help renew natural softness and shine. The new formulas take inspiration from the rainforest’s ever-replenishing moisture cycle, enriched with aloe vera and passion fruit to help stop drying and renew softness. Aloe vera continuously moisturises hair to help break the dehydration cycle while passion fruit is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors that deplete hair of moisture.