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Beauty
According to hairstylists, this is how to keep your hair healthy during the summer months
6 months ago
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5 min read
Summer brings a host of challenges for our hair – from sun damage to chlorine exposure. Thankfully we’ve got the product recommendations you need to keep your locks looking their best all season long…
We all know the drill when it comes to protecting our skin from the sun: SPF, hats, shade – the works. But how often do we give our hair the same level of care during the hot summer months? The truth is that summer can be particularly harsh on our hair, regardless of your type or texture. From UV damage to chlorine exposure, our hair faces a multitude of challenges that can leave it looking dull, dry and far from its best.
“Chlorine can dehydrate your hair and weaken strands, making it brittle and more prone to breakage and split ends,” explains hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE. “This is especially true if your hair is colour-treated, bleached or chemically straightened, but even those with fine or naturally fragile hair can suffer. Chlorine can also cause lighter hair to take on an ashy or greenish hue, which no one wants as their summer look.”
And it’s not just the pool we need to worry about. The sun itself can be incredibly drying, stripping hair of its natural oils and leaving it more susceptible to damage. “Summer could be a time that you need a shampoo that’s light to help with hot, humid days, but your conditioner and treatment should work to help repair and protect your hair in the sun,” says McKnight. Just as our skincare needs to change with the seasons, so too should our haircare routines. If you’re noticing your usual products aren’t quite cutting it, it might be time to switch things up.
So, what can you do to keep your hair healthy during these sun-soaked months? We’ve spoken to some of the industry’s leading hairstylists to get their top tips and product recommendations for keeping your locks in tip-top shape all summer long.
Protect and nourish with GlaziPlex
“My must-have for keeping hair healthy during the summer is GlaziPlex,” says celebrity hairstylist Jack Luckhurst. “This product will stop your hair from damage and keep it glossy and healthy throughout the hot summery days. It helps to repair all four types of hair damage as a result of heat, colour, chemicals and styling. You can also use it to sleek your hair whether that’s for a ponytail look or a cool girl bun.”
Deep condition with Wella Fusion Mask
“After a day in the sun, treat your hair to some extra TLC with a deep conditioning hair mask,” suggests Lewis Russell, hairstylist at Hari’s. “This will replenish moisture, strengthen your strands and repair any damage from sun exposure. Wella Fusion Mask is an excellent choice to deeply nourish and revitalise your hair, leaving it silky smooth.”
Lock-in moisture with Shanti World Conditioner
“To keep your hair in good condition over the summer months I would always recommend using a leave-in conditioner or treatment – the Shanti World Conditioner is a great choice,” says Angelo Vallillo, style director at Stil Salon. “Mix it with Potion 9 by Sebastian Professional to really lock in moisture and protect your hair from heat damage while keeping it super hydrated.”
Shield your strands with Ghd Bodyguard Heat Protection Spray
“Summer can be brutal on hair, so I always recommend using ghd Bodyguard Heat Protection Spray,” says celebrity hairstylist Samantha Cusick. “Its built-in UV protection helps maintain your colour’s vibrancy while shielding against heat damage.”
Shop Ghd Bodyguard Heat Protection Spray at Lookfantastic, £23.95
Prep your hair before swimming with K18
“Avoid too much heat styling throughout summer, and if swimming, be sure to drench the hair in water before getting in a chlorinated pool or the sea,” advises Ryan Forsythe, artistic education director at Trevor Sorbie. “A hat is always a saviour for hair in the sun, but if a hat is killing your style, work K18 into damp hair and attach it into gentle braids or a stylish low bun. This will reduce the amount of hair exposed to the sun and look great when taken down, creating soft summery waves.”
Shop K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask at Cult Beauty, £30
Keep topped-up on UV protection with Hair By Sam McKnight
“The ultimate protection is to keep your hair out of the sun and covered, but the next best thing is to use a UV protecting mist and wear protective styles,” says Sam McKnight MBE. “Try Hair By Sam McKnight Happy Endings, a hybrid nourishing balm that defines, defrizzes and defluffs while sealing split ends. For a sea-kissed texture, mist Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray over your hair.”
Hydrate with JVN Nurture Intense Hydration Mask
“Our best hair starts in the shower,” says hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness. “When it’s hotter and more humid outside, I love to introduce a mask. The JVN Nurture Intense Hydration Mask is perfect for keeping frizz at bay, and its amino acids help tame the hair right from the shower.”
Combat UV damage with Davines OI Oil
“Summer sun can leave your hair thirsty, so it’s important to re-hydrate your locks for a glossy, nourished finish,” says Sam Burnett, hairstylist at Hare & Bone. “I like Davines OI Oil for combating UV damage and keeping your hair soft and smooth.”
Protect colour-treated hair with Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Spray
“Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray is great for fighting colour fade,” says Edward James, hair stylist and co-founder of The Hair Consult. “It creates a protective barrier against environmental damage, including UV rays, while providing hydration and detangling benefits. It’s especially great for coloured hair to prevent fading and dryness.”
Shop Pureology Colour Fanatic Leave-In Spray at Lookfantastic, £31.20
Clarify and protect with L’Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox
“The L’Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo and Mask are great if you’re in and out of the pool because they neutralise and draw out metals and copper buildup,” suggests hairstylist Louis Byrne. “If you’re blonde or have coloured hair, it’ll take out brassiness and keep it fresh.”
Shop L’Oreal Professional Metal Detox Sulphate Free Shampoo at Lookfantastic, £26.50
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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