Summer is here, ready or not. Time to think about the beach, poolparties, barbeques, and other fun outdoor activities. Amazingly enough, while we have learned to put the SPF 30 on our shoulders,make sure our foundation has an SPF 20, many of us still forget about our hair. Until it's too late. That cute little sunhat you bought, will you be wearing it because you want to, or because you're hiding a pile of straw? Luckily there is the Phyto Plage line from Phyto to save us. Phyto, Phyto Plage and PhytoSpecific are haircare products which have been around working wonders far longer than you would imagine.

Founded by top French hairstylist Patrick Ales, his vision was to create hair products which focused on making the hair and scalp truly healthy; not just quick fixes masking real problems. Phyto products which contain, "extremely high concentrations of active botanical extracts with clinically proven results', are often protected by special packaging, glass or air-tight aluminum which help to retain the effectiveness of the formulas, and cuts down on the need for preservatives.

The Phyto Plage line which was started back in 1975, has just added Hydrating After Sun Mist to the collection. Spray the mist on clean hair, wet or dry, to bring life back to hair which has seen a little too much sun. Great for all types of hair, it's oil-free so fine hair won't go limp and it cuts down on frizzies and imparts a healthy shine to curls. I like the fresh smell (must be the sugar cane) and the fact that it doesn't flake or leave a weird residue, just nice soft hair.

Also featured here from the collection, Protective Sun Veil. Phyto Plage was repackaged last year, and these come in perfect sizes. Not too small, you will to be able to use it more than once; and not so big that it takes up your whole bag. The Protective Sun Veil is great to carry around when you're out at the beach or at a pool party. We all know there are times when you simply aren't able to go home and wash and condition your hair; nor can you wear a sunhat in the evening. Spray on the Protective Veil before you go out into the sun, after swimming, or even at the end of the day; it will save all types of hair from the drying effects of chlorine and the sun. Your hair will look great because it will feel great. To quote Monsieur Ales,"There is no such thing as bad hair, only poorly treated hair". So treat yourself and your hair right, protect it!

The Phyto Plage line also features a Protective Styling Gel and and After-Sun Repair Mask, use them for beautiful healthy hair the entire summer.

You can find Phyto products at fine salons and department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Ave., and Bloomingdale's. On the web at www.phyto.com.