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.
Here's how...
1. USE A HAIR MASK
Most experts agree that a nourishing 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).
Victoria Beckham's go-to hairstylist, Jason Collier, agrees, 'For healthy hair post-vacation, nourishment and recovery are key. Use a pre-shampoo treatment and an nourishing mask for a few weeks after your trip.' Click Here to see a few I highly recommend. 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.
2. 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!
My Top Tip: If you're off to the salon to get your color touched up, ask your colorist to use Matrix Bond Ultima8. It's the hair-saving miracle I swear by and will help keep your hair silky soft even under the ravages of hair color. And while you're there get a good healthy trim, Book in for a trim to get those lengths looking and feeling happy and healthy again!.
3. PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM THE SUN, SEA AND SAND
When you're on vacation, 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.
Next, smother your hair in a moisturising mask that protects against chlorinated and salt water.
Just because you're not swimming, doesn't mean your hair doesn't need protecting. Also, using a Leave-In Conditioning treatment will make a huge difference.
4. LEAVE THE STRAIGHTENERS ALONE
Between humidity and sun damage, your hair in the summer is already parched enough without adding heated tools into the mix.
Opt for natural styling techniques that add texture without needed curling wands or flat irons.
My Top Tip: After washing hair, rough dry before brushing through a smoothing or styling hair cream. Weave hair into one plait for loose waves, or pigtails for a more defined finish. Leave to air dry then take out and run your hands through to loosen up. A spritz of texture spray and you've got heat-free beachy waves for days.
Hope these tips & tricks help you in some way. Love what you read? Check out more blog posts and subscribe below!
xoxo Helena