With Glastonbury just six days away and the iPhone weather app purporting highs of 23 degrees today, can we say that summer is officially here? Yes, I think we can. There’s bare legs everywhere, hipsters in denim cut-offs and more frappucinos being churned out by Starbucks than street bins can handle. And while the warmer weather and oncoming holidays are a joy to all involved, they’re your hair’s worst nightmare. 

You see with summer, comes weekends spent in the sunshiny parks, early morning sea swims in the Cote d’Azur (a girl can dream), perfectly cooled pools and a host of festivals in far flung corners of the countryside. Which in hairdresser terms means desperately damaged, straw-like hair. And split ends and tangles and ruined highlights as well. Deadly chlorine, salty sea water and copious amounts of Mediterranean sunshine wreak total havoc with your lengths.

Now, being the kind, conditioner-wielding souls that they are, hair professionals want to help us in the fight against protecting heads from summertime damage. And with this in mind (and the fact that swimming and sunbathing are a given), we spoke to some of the industry’s greatest stylists to get their best advice on keeping hair happy through summer. Read and learn. Your hair will thank you for it…

Daniel Galvin, founder of Daniel Galvin

‘The worst combination for coloured hair is salt, sun and chlorine as it strips the colour. The Kérastase Aqua Seal is a highly protective fluid cream which is waterproof and really protects your hair from the sun as well as being ultra-hydrating.  

Charles Worthington, founder of Charles Worthington Salons

‘Where possible, keep your hair tied back.  If it is free and swishing about, more of it is exposed to the sun.  I see many women who tie their hair in a bun on the tops of their heads, but all they are doing is exposing the end of the hair to the elements.  At least if your hair is tied at the nape of your neck you will get an even colour fade.’

Nicky Clarke, founder of Nicky Clarke

‘Frizz  is a common complaint from clients during holidays and it’s down to managing and styling your hair. Help prevent frizz by using silicone based products as they discourage moisture absorption into the hair shaft.’

Sibi Bolan, colour director of Daniel Hersheson

‘What we always forget is that hair needs exactly the same care as our skin – you wouldn't go to the sun and not use sun block on your face! Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence is brilliant. It's a light weight leave-in, conditioning spray which protects against breakage and the environment.’

Jo Hansford, founder of Jo Hansford

‘Apply a hair mask to your hair whilst out in the sun and wrap it in a headscarf – the warmth from the sun will help to activate the ingredients in the masque for a really deep, conditioning treatment.’

Paul Windle, co-founder of Windle and Moodie

‘Don't colour you hair before going away as it really opens the hair up, better to wait until you get home. And avoid sun protection hair products – I am not convinced by them, I think they can cook the hair.’ 

Richard Ward, founder of Richard Ward

‘If your hair frizzes don’t be tempted to dampen it down with water as this will just dry it out again. Instead spritz it with a leave-in conditioner to put moisture back into the hair.’

Nicola Clarke, colour director of John Frieda
 
‘Whilst sitting in the sun I would always recommend wearing a hat, although blondes do tend to love the sun kissed shade their hair goes after a few hours in the sun. That’s fine but all I’ll say is don’t over-do it!’

Errol Douglas, founder of Errol Douglas

‘Hair maintains optimum health through hydration. We hear much talk about drinking water to stay hydrated and it’s the key to combating environmental damage to hair from sun and sea. Moroccanoil Hydrating Mask Light is my top recommendation because it infuses hair with moisture without weighing it down at all.’

Luke Hersheson, session stylist and founder of Hersheson's

‘For holidays, Kerastase Huile Celeste is fantastic because it acts as a great styling product while still protecting the hair from UV rays. I love the oiled hair look in the summer and would suggest using an excessive amount of the product and then using a wide toothed comb, create boyish comb marks along the hair line.’ 

Charlie Double, colour director of Four London

‘Summer holidays call for La Biosthetique Methode Soleil. The range contains UV filters to absorb the negative parts of the sun rays, as well as sunflower extracts which deactivate the aggressive free radicals. It makes hair silky smooth and shiny too.’