You love summer. Your hair? Not so much. After a few months of exposure to sun, salt water and frizz-inducing humidity, your mane is possibly feeling more than a bit worn out. 

And although we are all getting better at applying – and reapplying – sunblock regularly, one area we often forget to protect from the sun is our hair and scalp. Sure, a hat is best practice, but when you’re swimming or simply forget one, it’s important to get into the habit of taking extra care of your strands on a daily basis. 

Here are our tips for getting your hair back to its beautiful best, plus how to add a little extra layer of protection when needed…

Rinse it out

It’s true that salt water can create amazing texture and volume, but it’s not great for hair health. When the hair is doused in sea water, the cuticle becomes swollen with salt. When the hair is exposed to excess salt, it becomes dehydrated and rough, leading to irritation in the scalp. Not to mention that beaches are usually windy – and gritty texture plus tangles isn’t a combo you want. Rinsing your hair and applying a leave-in treatment is a must after a day in the water, especially if your hair is already on the dry side, or curly.

Cool off the hot tools

There is nothing worse than it being a scorching summer afternoon and having to blow-dry or heat-style your hair for Saturday night. Summer is the perfect time to rock your beachy, lived-in hair from beach to bar, and as heat-styling can be very drying, your hair will thank you for it. If heat styling is on the menu though, make sure your hair is nourished and protected by using a lightweight pre-styling crème before you get out your tools. Chloe Zara Hair’s new Hair Crème is a great option as the vitamin and antioxidant-rich formulation nourishes and protects hair from the use of heated styling tools and environmental damage, while strengthening and hydrating.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

Beat the biggest summer hair offenders like sun, saltwater and chlorine by moisturising your hair regularly to keep it in optimum condition. Many of us also tend to go lighter, and are more inclined to use bleach and lightener in our hair during summer, so keeping it healthy is paramount. Ask your stylist about in-salon treatments that work with your colour to maintain the integrity of the hair, and add in a hair mask or oil at home to keep things soft and silky. Chloe Zara Hair & Body Perfume Oil is a lightweight hair oil that is packed full of nutrients to protect and nourish the hair while leaving it smelling divine. It will not only protect your hair – and your colour – from the heat of hot tools, but also UV rays and pollution. 

Shampoo less, condition more

Try to go a little longer between washing and styling in summer to keep your hair in stellar condition, as shampooing too often can strip the hair of natural nutrients and colour. Try just rinsing the hair and conditioning, before towel-drying and applying a leave-in treatment, then letting hair dry naturally for a summery lived-in look. A good dry shampoo will also help, like Alder New York’s 100% natural Texture Powder. This dry shampoo is formulated for all hair types and colours, with ingredients that include texturising kaolin and sea clay, rice powder, plus natural eucalyptus and lime essential oils.

Switch up your style

Summertime usually means outdoor workouts and beach trips where your wet hair gets tied up and potentially tangled. Try not to use tight elastic bands, which can damage hair follicles, and avoid tight topknots, which put pressure on the hairline. Use a softer style like a low ponytail or braid, or twist the hair and secure with a silk scrunchie or claw clip. 

Get that trim

Summer is the perfect time to address those pesky split ends, or even get the chop and try something short and easy. From French bobs and pixie cuts to ’70s mullets, shorter styles are very hot right now, but if you’re keeping your locks long, ensure your hair is trimmed regularly and use a treatment for split ends.