Hair Survival Guide

During summer, every day is a potential bad hair day for me… If it isn’t dry and brittle after spending time in the sun, it’s frizzy and unmanageable after getting caught in summer showers. So this week, I have prepared a series of tips for those that empathise with my plight. Ready to let your hair down? Read on…

TIP 1 – GET A HAT OR HEADSCARF

If you are exposing your hair to sustained heat on holiday, the best way to protect it is to cover up completely. Whether you choose a stylish wide-brimmed sun hat or a cute printed headscarf, your hair will thank you for it. You’ll avoid split ends, dryness, and colour fade – and after your week or two in the sun, your hair will be much more manageable (a great accessory to that holiday tan).

TIP 2 – PROTECT IT FROM UV RAYS

On a day-to-day basis, however, it’s not always feasible to keep it covered, so I recommend investing in a haircare product that will protect your locks from sun exposure – whether it’s the dash from the tube to the office, a lunchtime spent in the park, or a weekend garden party. The easiest way to do this is to swap your shampoo to something with UV protection, such as Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Sun Protect Shampoo, £7. Your hair will be protected, without any extra time or effort added to the morning routine.

TIP 3 – AVOID FRIZZ

The best way to avoid frizz on a rainy day is to keep a hat in your bag to throw over your hair if you get caught in a shower – don’t shelter under an umbrella, as humidity levels can actually increase under there. If the forecast is for rain, however, it pays to protect your hair before you leave home. Sexy Hair Straight Hair Smooth & Seal Aerated Anti-Frizz Spray, £16.99 will lock out moisture and should be applied after blow-drying. I also love Philip Kingsley’s Minimizer, £18.70, which can be kept in your handbag or desk drawer at work for frizz emergencies.

TIP 4 – FRESHEN UP

If you suffer from oily locks in the summer months, I recommend keeping a tin of dry shampoo in your bag to refresh locks on the go. One of my favourites is Klorane Nettle Sebo-Regulating Dry Shampoo, £6.45, which uses nettle extract to regulate the activity of sebaceous glands in the scalp. It almost instantly absorbs oil, whilst giving locks extra volume. Give greasy hair a quick application mid afternoon, when oil levels have started to rise.

TIP 5 – REPLENISH MOISTURE

I recommend treating your hair to regular treatments during the summer months. This will not only replenish lost moisture levels, but it will also help to repair any damage done by the sun. If you’re heading off on a beach holiday, this becomes even more essential (I’ve been known to lug heavy tubs of hair treatment in my suitcase). Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Repair Rescue Treatment, £8.90, is my weapon of choice. It leaves hair feeling silky smooth and impressively shiny.