Fabulous Summer Hair

Protect your hair from the elements this summer and have stunning tresses for your wedding and honeymoon

Each season presents its own challenges for our hair and summer is no different. The bad news is that summer sun can damage your hair’s cuticle and natural protective film and result in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ends. Hair that has been dyed or highlighted is especially prone to UV damage. Too much exposure to salt and chlorinated water makes hair dull and lifeless and wind makes it brittle and dry. All in all, not a great combination.

The good news is that protecting your hair from summer’s harshest elements is not as difficult as you might think. The first step is to look after your whole body from the inside out, as hair reflects your lifestyle and diet. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and drinking lots of water will hydrate your body and hair.

On sunny days remember – protect, protect, protect. If your hair is long enough pin it up in a bun, knot or tie in plaits. And cover your head with a closely woven hat to protect delicate strands that might otherwise be ‘bleached’ and dried out by the sun.

If you’re going for a dip in the sea or a swimming pool always wet your hair down with tap water before taking the plunge. Hair soaks up liquid and the wetter it is before your swim the less chlorine or salt it will absorb from the water. After your swim shower off your hair in fresh water straight away. Sitting in the sun with chlorine or salt water in your hair will dry and discolour it.
Switch hair products for the season for ones that contain sunscreen and use a good quality conditioner.
If your normal shampoo leaves your hair looking lifeless, add a tablespoon of cider vinegar to your final rinse water. This will leave your hair glossy and soft.

If you think your hair has been damaged by exposure to the sun invest in a deep hair conditioning treatment. Rub into damp or dry tresses, wrap your hair in a plastic wrap or shower cap and leave on overnight. The conditioner will soak into any damaged hair and leave it feeling moisturised and repaired. Choose a product containing keratin, jojoba oil, wheat germ protein or other natural ingredients to bring your hair back to life.

Blow dryers, hair straighteners and electric curlers are all pretty rough on hair. If you can, let your hair air dry during the summer months. If you absolutely must use a hairdryer, towel dry as much as possible then use the lowest heat setting to avoid damaging your hair. You might consider using a heat protection spray specifically designed to protect hair that is styled using heat.

Getting your hair trimmed regularly will cut out dry, older ends and keep your style in shape.
We’d advise a trim at the beginning and end of summer to keep your tresses in tip top condition.