We all love warm weather and glorious sunshine. It’s the perfect opportunity to hang out at the local beach or lounge around the pool. However the sun, sea and swimming pools can cause damage to your hair, leaving it faded, lighter, dry and brittle. However don’t worry as there are a number of ways that you can protect your hair this summer. Simply follow these five tips to ensure you have luscious looking locks by the autumn.

Tip 1 – Rinse, Rinse, Rinse

When you swim in the sea, your hair will be drenched in salt water. As your hair dries, this salt will stay on your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. It’s therefore important to rinse your hair thoroughly in warm water after swimming in the sea to ensure all the salt is removed from your hair. When swimming in pools, chemicals such as chlorine can also damage your hair. If your hair is dyed, especially blonde, these chemicals can alter the colour of it. The same chemicals will also dry your hair out, leaving it frizzy and prone to snapping. You should therefore thoroughly rinse your hair after swimming in pools too.

Tip 2 – Don’t Over Shampoo

Although we recommend rinsing your hair after swimming in either pools or salt water, you shouldn’t always use shampoo to clean it. Many shampoos contain harsh chemicals which can actually strip natural oils from your hair if over used. These can also cause over dried, brittle hair that is easily snapped. You should never shampoo your hair more than once a day and ideally only every other day.

Tip 3 – Use a Leave in Conditioner

If you are going to be exposing your hair to the sun, salt water or chemicals, you should apply a leave in conditioner before doing so. These types of conditioners will help to nourish your hair to prevent it from drying out whilst also providing your hair with a layer of protection against fading and damage.

Tip 4 – Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment

To counteract brittle, frizzy and generally dry hair, you should use a deep conditioning treatment on a regular basis. These types of conditioners are intensive and help to restore moisture into each hair shaft. They can also help to strengthen the hair to reduce breaking and heat damage from occurring. It is recommended to use a deep conditioning treatment once a week during the summer to keep your hair in tip top condition.

Tip 5 – Wear a Hat or Head Scarf

The best way to protect your hair this summer is to keep it covered at all times. When out in the sunshine, a hat or headscarf can be used to prevent your hair colour, natural or dyed, from fading. Both of these will also help to protect your scalp from sunburn too. A brimmed hat can also help to prevent your neck and face from sun exposure. When swimming you can wear a special swimming cap with UV protection which will stop the sun’s rays from affecting your hair and altering the condition and colour.

By following these simple tips, you should reach the autumn with shiny, healthy looking hair.