Hair looking and feeling frazzled after weeks in the sun? Here are some brilliant ways to rescue it…
We've been trialling and testing the latest summer haircare launches straight from the beauty halls that promise to strengthen and protect your tresses when the sun comes out. Keep scrolling to discover the five best serums, supplements and lotions for split ends, dry tips, lack of growth and even an exciting new spray that means you can create a Giselle inspired balayage from the comfort of home...
Summer hair fixes: The split-end healer
What is it? Moroccanoil Mending Infusion, £26.85
The low-down If you blow-dry or air-dry your hair, a rich, nourishing product for your split ends is vital. But do they really work? Our ends weren’t magically restored, but this cream uses Argan oil to restore elasticity, and protein-rich quinoa to nourish, stopping any more fraying or damage from occurring. Plus, the coconut and larch tree extract moisturises severely dehydrated cuticles, too, making tresses look and feel a whole lot better.
Summer hair fixes: The DIY balayage
What is it? Ouai Sun Of A Beach Ombré Spray, £20
The low-down Get set to see sun-bleached highlights everywhere. To yield the most natural-looking results, it’s all about subtlety. This spray makes it easy, with a blend of lemon and pineapple juice. The citric acid reacts with hydrogen peroxide in blondes to gently lighten and lift. It works for brunettes, too, although the effect will be warm and coppery. In short, it has the feel-good factor of 90s Sun-In, but without that dry, crunchy feeling, thanks to the coconut oil-enriched formula.
Summer hair fixes: The growth booster
What is it? Kérastase Extentioniste Protocole in-salon treatment, from £25; Kérastase Extentioniste Protocole Scalp And Hair Serum, £49.50
The low-down If your strands are snapping off mid-length, your hair won’t grow longer. Breakage is due to lack of moisture and damage to the shaft, which results in weakened hair. It’s worth paying for a decent salon treatment at this time of year, and this one is genuinely a restorative cure for broken, dehydrated tresses in just 15 minutes. It rebuilds the hair shafts with amino acids and ceramide, giving parched strands a massive drink. Once home, massage the serum into your scalp once a week and you’ll notice a difference in length in a matter of a few months.
Summer hair fixes: The strand strengthener
What is it? Philip Kingsley Biotin Boost, £30
The low-down Obviously, the possibility of damaged locks is not a reason to skip a holiday, but salt and chlorine have the most dehydrating effect on our hair, which, combined with intensely drying UV rays, amounts to some serious frazzle. This supplement contains pure biotin, which can really help to strengthen and improve the integrity of new growth because this ingredient aids in the breakdown and use of amino acids – the substance that forms the bulk of your strands. Especially helpful if you have a low-protein diet as it helps your body to utilise the proteins you ingest.
Summer hair fixes: The reparative treatment
What is it? Label.M After Sun Mask (part of a travel collection), £24.95
The low-down A deep conditioning treatment at this time of year is just plain sensible. This one is super nourishing, protects from UV, chlorine, salt water, heat styling, frizz and colour fade, and basically makes your hair look and feel a whole lot better without weighing it down. Sunshine swims have never felt so good.