From:

With a little advance preparation, you can use the hours spent relaxing on the beach to actually improve the condition of your hair. This treatment creates a barrier around the hair shaft, protecting it from the drying elements of sun, salt, and wind.

1. Either at home or as soon as you arrive at the beach, apply several tablespoons of natural oil to dry hair, working from the ends toward the roots. Jojoba oil makes a good choice because it closely resembles the scalp's natural oil; you can also try olive or camellia oil. Whichever oil you choose, set a few tablespoons aside for the Orange-Jasmine Scrub.

2. Comb through your hair to distribute the oil.

3. Braid or wrap your hair in a secure bun for the rest of the day. When you return home, apply a natural shampoo before wetting your hair to wash out the oil. This allows the shampoo to break down the oil more effectively and keeps water from sliding off slick hair.

First Published: July/August 2006