From post-holiday conditioning treatments, to staying away from the swimming pool, this is how to care for your hair this Summer.

Between the sun, sea and sand, our hair in the summer gets a pretty rough deal.

Which all means that before you even think about creating those Erin Wasson-esque beachy waves, you need to start treating your locks to hair masks and treatments to get it into tip top condition.

First things first, why is our hair always so damaged after the summer?

According to legendary hairstylist, Earl Simms, it’s a whole host of reasons. ‘The sun gives off harmful rays that dry the hair, particularly hair that is chemically treated,’ explains Simms.

‘The heat of the summer intensifies the damage that is done to the hair normally through using styling appliances. Chlorine from swimming pools and generally hair getting wet in the pool or sea and then drying in the sun repeatedly through the day takes its toll.’

In that case, we’re probably going to need a more thought out plan than our current ‘leave it and hope for the best’ situation.

Here’s how to keep your hair in tip top condition this summer…

Your Summer Haircare Routine

1.Wear A Hat

It sounds obvious, but wearing a hat keeps your hair protected from damage caused by direct sunlight. Wear a chic hat or hairband/scarf to protect your hair. Or, if you prefer, apply lots of conditioner to your hair before you go in the sun and leave it in all day; this will help the hair to nourish and rehydrate.

2. Use A Hair Mask

Most experts agree that a nourishing hair mask applied once a week at home is enough to coax hair into good condition (although very dry, thick hair will drink up a lot more).

For healthy hair post-holiday, nourishment and recovery are key. Use a pre-shampoo treatment and an nourishing mask for a few weeks after your trip.

Alternatively, you can DIY the hair mask situation with Earl Simms’ home-made mask recipe. Wash your hair as usual. Crush up avocados and add some 100% organic olive oil – use enough to make into a paste. Work it through your hair with your fingers and leave on for an hour.

3. Swap In A Hydrating Shampoo And Conditioner

Switch your usual shampoo and conditioner for seriously moisturising formulas and finish your routine with a pea sized amount of hair oil or serum through the ends. It’ll work wonders on sun-parched locks.

‘Wash hair with an SPF shampoo and oil-based conditioner for sleek hair, and blot dry with a microfibre towel to avoid frizz’, says Jason.

4. Give Your Hair The Salon Treatment

With more and more salons offering high-tech conditioning treatments, it’s the easiest way to sort your hair’s condition out whilst getting your roots done.

The best bit? Generally, the worse the condition of your hair, the better the results, huzzah!

5. Protect Your Hair From The Sun, Sea And Sand

When you’re on holiday, hair damage can occur from all angles. Start by washing your hair under cold water before you take a dip in the pool. Your hair can only absorb so much water so by washing it with fresh water first you’re limiting the amount of damaging chlorine it can absorb.

Just because you’re not swimming, doesn’t mean your hair doesn’t need protecting. Using an after sun cream in your hair will prevent UV damage therefore extending the life of that snazzy balayage you just got done.