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,' advises Simms. '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.'
29 Of The Best Sun Hats To Wear Right Now
A glorious sun hat, with a dipped brim, which comes in three different ribbon colourways.
Jacquemus Le Bob Picchu bucket hat
A more muted option from Jacquemus, sure to go with all that beige and khaki linen you've been investing in.
REISS Audley frayed-trim straw hat
This is a seriously chic straw number. Can you not just picture lounging poolside with a book in a posh resort and a monochrome one-piece with this sun hat?
MANGO Cotton bucket hat
Now 56% Off
This cotton sun hat is to die for, perfect for this summer's aesthetic. Get it while you still can.
Prada Pale blush nylon bucket hat with triangle logo
A darling noughties throwback.
Loewe x Paula's Ibiza Anagram fringed raffia hat
Why settle for a raffia sun hat when you could wear a raffia cowboy sun hat?
Paco Rabanne Printed canvas bucket hat
Bucket hats haven't gone anywhere for summer 2022 and the graphic sun motif of this Paco Rabanne offering points to all the outdoor parties we're going to be dancing at this year.
Isabel Marant Tyron cotton baseball cap
Seersucker Beach Hat
Arket - £55
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Crafted from a cotton seersucker, this beach hat is in the ever popular Kelly green. Pop it in your basket.
.Wide brim bucket hat with straps
Zara - £19.99
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This psychedelic gem is a great addition to all your tie dye and faded denim.
& Other Stories Ribbon Brim Woven Straw Hat
Credit: .The perfect sun hat for all occasions, smart enough to wear dresses up to an event and casual enough to throw on with jeans and a t-shirt for trips to the park.
Forget all that beige and camel for a minute, because some people aren't interested in muted towns and subtle summer-wear. For those that love a bit of 90s bling, this Gucci bucket hat is for you.
ERDEM Grosgrain-trimmed embroidered linen-blend canvas bucket hat
This darling floral bucket hat is enhanced immeasurably by the addition of the cute bow.
Damson Madder SUNHAT IN VIOLET DITSY FLORAL PRINT
Now 51% Off
What's better than a wide-brimmed floral sun hat? A floral sun hat with a wide, petal-shaped brim to make you a beautiful walking flower.
8 by YOOX STRAW WIDE-BRIMMED SUN HAT
If you can't afford Jacquemus' giant rough-edged straw sun hat, consider this one for summer 2022?
Arizona Love Bandana Bob Hat - Blue
The best thing about this hat? It's reversible and has different colours on the other side.
M&S Collection Straw Fedora Hat
A classic style and one that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.
JW ANDERSON Asymmetric logo-print recycled-polyester bucket hat
Stand out from the crowd with this hot pink JW Anderson bucket hat with logo strings.
LACK OF COLOR Ventura grosgrain-trimmed straw hat
The sort of hat you wear to do a spot of punting on the river Cam.
FARM RIO - £86 Cow print bananas hat
Farm Rio's sun hats are perfect for jazzing up your vacation wardrobe. The fabric won't age or fade if it gets dunked in the pool too, which is ideal.
GIGI BURRIS Jeanette oversized textured-satin sunhat
This is a big style statement and we love it for that.
Jakke Vegan leather bucket hat lavender
A buttery soft bucket hat with a generous, downwards sloping brim to keep you shielded from the sun's rays.
Catarzi Pontova raffia fedora
Everyone needs a raffia sun hat. But this dark raffia fedora adds a layer of fashion to a ubiquitous look.
LOEWE Anagram jacquard bucket hat
If you're into logomania, this LOEWE sun hat is the one.
Ganni Striped-lining canvas bucket hat
Ganni's button-up brim sun hat makes for easy control over how much sunshine you want on your face.
Mango Raffia cap
Now 56% Off
Extend your love of straw
MAX MARA Monogram-print wide-brim woven sun hat
Bringing all-over monogramming to raffia too.
MAISON MICHEL Patty grosgrain-trimmed raffia sunhat
A sun hat and a necklace combined? Why not, we say.
Burberry Striped mulberry silk-twill bucket hat
An eye-catching patchwork of stripes and prints, this Burberry bucket hat is ultra contemporary and cool.
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).
Victoria Beckham's go-to hairstylist Jason Collier agrees, '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.'
15 Best Hair Masks For Shinier, Stronger Strands
Best Hair Mask For...A Fine Fragrance
Hair By Sam McKnight Deeper Love Treatment Mask
There is no-one better placed to create a haircare line than Sam McKnight. Throughout his incomparable career, he has worked on hair of every texture, colour and condition, and it's safe to say he knows exactly what works.
Now, McKnight has finally expanded his eponymous range to include shampoos, conditioners and styling products. The first thing to try? This lightweight yet deeply hydrating mask, which is best used before a big night out: expect shinier hair, less frizz, and a ridiculously delicious green scent (formulated by perfumer Lyn Harris, no less).
Best Hair Mask For...Heat Damaged Hair
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-in Treatment
Another leave-in hair mask we love is this under-the-radar Redken tube. It's based around citric acid, which is a bit of a hero for hair that needs major rehab, working to remove product build-up from the fibre while simultaneously wrapping each strand in moisture. If you're starting to see ends snap off due to colouring or straightening, get this one in your bag immediately.
Best Hair Mask For...Thick, Frizzy Hair
Davines OI Absolute Beautifying Hair Butter
Truth be told, we’d recommend any and every Davines hair mask, but for thick and coarse strands, it has to be the inexplicably named OI Hair Butter. It’s loaded with Amazonian roucou oil and really softens straggly strands, imparting major shine in the process. Leave it on for ten minutes, or let it linger overnight for the deepest of treatments.
Best Hair Mask For...All Hair Types
Arkive The Future Youth Treatment Mask
Now 33% Off
Leading stylist Adam Reed is a true Fragrance Head, so when we heard he was to launch his own line, we expected an aromatic treat. And boy were we right: this sensorial wonder imparts notes of fresh flowers and sticky rhubarb with every hair swish.
That's not all: of course, it works wonders on turning around dry, lacklustre lengths too. With shea butter, coconut oil and baobab oil, it's a recipe for seriously glossy strands.
Best Hair Mask...For Coils And Kinks
Bread Beauty Supply Hair-Mask: Creamy Deep Conditioner
Finally breathing some much-needed life into the textured hair market is Bread Beauty Supply: the name to know if you're looking to make the most of your curls, coils or kinks. This pearly, lemon-scented conditioner delivers incredible slip to textured hair and ensures curls bounce into shape with serious shine. Trust us, try it.
Best Hair Mask For...Total Luxury
Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque
Yes, this one costs as much as a big night out, but it's worth every penny. The extra-rich, mega-moisturising formula envelops hair in moisture, resulting in bigger, bouncier blow-dries with an unbelievably glossy shine. The scent is expensive - think Champagne-o-clock in St. Tropez – and the experience truly indulgent. You deserve a treat...
Best Hair Mask For...A Vegan Beauty Routine
Bleach London Reincarnation Mask
This handy tube is filled with a blend of wheat protein, sunflower seed oil and lactic acid, which work together to repair damage from, you guessed it, bleach, all while keeping dye and highlights in tip top shape. Promising ultra-glossy tresses in a little as 20 minutes, this is our new Sunday night ritual.
Best Hair Mask For...Breakage
Act + Acre Restorative Hair Mask
Act + Acre's trichologist-formulated products are ideal for delicate, breakable hair that needs treating extra nicely. The brand's hair mask contains a little protein alongside a lot of moisture, so it a great one for repairing moderately damaged hair. It's fairly rich, so ideal for thicker hair, and comes in the most genius waste-reducing aluminium packaging.
Best Hair Mask For...Bleached Hair
Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
It's no secret we love the original Olaplex bond-repair treatment, but we admit hopping in and out of the shower to use it is a bit of a faff. Lazy girls, listen up: this mask delivers all of the benefits of the famed original with none of the effort. Simply slick it on after your shampoo, wash your face, and enjoy your sleeker, stronger lengths.
Best Hair Mask For...A Leave-In Treatment
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
K18's Tiktok-famous mask might be spendy, but the benefits go far beyond a basic moisture injection. It's powered by peptides, which sink into the hair shaft to help repair the keratin bonds that become broken as a result of chemical or physical stress: think straightening, bleaching, or even rough detangling. Even better: this one's a leave-in mask, so you can slather it on and get on with your day.
Best Hair Mask For...Multitasking
Hersheson's Almost Everything Cream
It's always a good sign when a product has been formulated by a seasoned stylist, and Luke Hershesons' multi-tasking Almost Everything Cream is one of the best.
This humectant and emollient-rich cream can truly be used in any way you choose: smooth it over split ends, use it to slick down flyaways, or apply it as a lightweight, static-reducing mask before a big night out.
Best Hair Mask For...Coloured Hair
Sisley Color Beautifying Hair Care Mask
Sisley's indulgent hair line never fails to impress, and the brand's latest launch is perfect for hair that looks dull and lacks shine.
The formula has a precise acidic pH that helps to seal the cuticle of each strand, locking in your colour pigments and ensuring a smooth, light-reflecting surface. Ceramides and rich plant oils add plenty of moisture, ensuring even the fluffiest of hair dries smoothly – so much so, you'll likely forget all about the hair straighteners.
Best Hair Mask For...A Protein Treatment
Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask
Cult line Virtue takes things one step further than most haircare brands. Central to the line is the brand's patented Alpha Keratin 60ku, which has the exact molecular structure as the keratin protein in our hair.
This means the formula can seek out strands in need of help and sink in seamlessly to repair from within. For hair that's recently been coloured, this is the investment to make.
Best Hair Mask For...Textured Hair
This extra-thick deep conditioner is particularly great for curly or Afro hair types, with power ingredients like quinoa protein and coconut to revive crunchy curls. It was formulated by an ex beauty editor who couldn't find anything good enough for her own coily hair, so expect great things.
Best Hair Mask For...Thick, Dry Hair
Yes, London's favourite fragrance house also makes some pretty great hair and body heroes. This moisture mask is as thick as they come and makes even the most parched of ends feel impressively soft. It rinses away with ease, but the scent thankfully lingers: a woody, heady incense blend that's every bit as good as the famous Santal 33.
Best Hair Mask For...Fighting Frizz
Fable & Mane Fable & Mane HoliRoots Repairing Hair Mask
Now 20% Off
Fable & Mane's philosophy is to introduce Indian hair rituals into Western beauty practices – and if you're new to the brand, this hair mask is a great place to start. It smooths cuticles to combat frizz, breakage and stressed strands, with soothing fragrance notes of coconut and banana to keep you smelling sweet.
Alternatively, you can DIY the hair mask situation with Earl Simms' home-made mask recipe:
'There are many at home conditioning treatments on the market but if you want something very natural and effective then try this!
'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.
'Shampoo afterwards - and condition if you feel your hair needs it. Do this weekly or every two weeks. This is such a natural way to put moisture back in your hair.'
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.
ELLE Edit: Hydrating Shampoo And Conditioner
Kerastase Soleil Bain Apres Soleil Shampoo
Credit: .Rahua Hydration Shampoo
Credit: .LOréal Professionnel Serie Expert Solar Sublime UV Filter Shampoo
Credit: .Bouclème Hydrating Hair Cleanser
Credit: . 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!
ELLE Top Tip: If you're off to the salon to get your colour topped up, ask your colourist to use Olaplex. It's the hair-saving miracle every celeb swears by and will help keep your hair silky soft even under the ravages of hair dye.
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!', says Jason.
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.
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. Using an after sun cream in your hair (yes that's a thing) will prevent UV damage therefore extending the life of that snazzy balayage you just got done.
'Use a sun protection spray layered over hair to defend against heat and sun damage, as well as damage from salt and chlorinated water', says Jason.
ELLE Edit: Sun Protection Hair Sprays
Ultrasun Daily UV Hair Protector
Credit: .Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Credit: .HAIR rituel by Sisley Protective Hair Fluid
Credit: .Kerastase Soleil Huile Sirene Treatment
Credit: .6. 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 tongs or hair straighteners.
ELLE 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.
16 Of The Best Sea Salt Sprays For Big Beachy Textured Waves
L'Oreal Tecni Art Beach Waves Spray Salt Texturiser - £16.50
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Spotted backstage at the Bora Aksu SS22 show, hairstylist Daniel Martin used this Spray Salt Texturiser to attain the 'cool girl that just got out of bed look.' Martin played with each girl's natural hair texture, embracing those with wavy hair by tonging loose beach waves and spritzing this through the ends to get a 'semi-bed head' look.
.Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist - £25
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Sometimes when you have poker straight hair it's impossible to fake beachy waves by just spraying product onto towel dried hair (no matter how much you spray, trust us we've tried). So when going sans heat isn't an option, try manipulating loose waves with a pair of straighteners, flip your head over and spray Cool Girl with abandon. Be prepared for waves that look effortlessly undone (check) and hold all day (check check) without any tell-tale crispy styling residue. Plus, the scent (floral with a hint of pepper and spice) is in a league of its own.
.R+Co Dreamhouse Cold Pressed Watermelon Wave Spray - £27
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If you're lucky enough to actually be heading to the seaside, you'll want to throw a bottle of this in your straw bag. Why? Not only does this leave your hair smelling incredible (think woodsy, rustic beach-house vibes), it defines waves while keeping them soft and protects hair from the damaging effects of UV rays. Not to mention, the packaging is adorable.
.Innersense Create Waves - £24
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For lovers of ritualistic beauty routines, Innersense's Create Waves spray might just be the holistic addition your hair needs. Formulated with aloe vera to give moisture to your hair, amethyst crystal powder (yes really), and scented with lavender oil, not only does this spray deliver surfer chic waves, it'll also leave you blissfully calm.
.Sun Bum Texturizing Sea Spray - £15.99
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A true gem of the ocean, this salt spray contains black lava sea salt, seaweed and sea kelp to harness that windswept, tousled beachy hair without the unfortunate dryness that a day in the sun can impart. Oh, and the formula helps to shield hair from humidity, meaning your waves will stay relaxed and frizz-free.
.Fudge Professionals Sea Salt Spray - £11.50
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This spray is as close to the sea as your hair can get without getting your feet wet. Drawing on ingredients such giant sea kelp, red algae and ocean salt minerals, it also contains UVisiShield technology to help protect hair from UVA and UVB rays and leaves a tropical scent trailing behind you all day.
.Evo Salty Dog Salt Spray - £22
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Want that dried-in-the-sun beach wave look without having to leave your bedroom? This is a great choice for straight and wavy hair types as it adds fullness as well as definition.
.Percy & Reed Beyond The Beach Texture Spray - £16
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Harnessing the saltiness of the British Coast, this texturising spray is infused with Cornish sea salt and Pro Vitamin B5 to leave hair tousled and soft but with a lasting finish.
.Sachajuan Ocean Mist - £21.90
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This is basically the Mediterranean sea, bottled. Its ability to make locks look accidentally perfect, voluminous and mermaid-like sans the gritty, brittle feel is pretty much unrivalled - no wonder it has a huge celeb following.
.Playa Beauty Endless Summer Spray - £27
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Formulated with sea salt harvested from Southern California, Playa's nourishing formula protects your hair from damaging UV rays whilst giving your lengths the most realistic Cali girl waves ever.
. Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist - £25
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Essentially like taking a trip to a tropical beach, this contains a blend of coconut, aloe vera and orchid, to give you those naturally perfect island beach waves without any dryness.
. Ouai Wave Spray - £22
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Jen Atkin is the queen of carefree, windswept waves, so adding this baby to her award-winning OUAI collection was always a given. For flexible, shaggy and windblown waves, veil over damp or dry hair, run your fingers through, et voila. Think Kim Kardashian at the 2014 VMAs.
.We Are Paradoxx Volume Texture Salt Spray - £20
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This vegan formula gives waves endless amounts of texture without leaving hair feeling weighed down or crunchy. It also adds a sunlit gleam to ends, so hair looks a whole lot healthier.
.Davines Sea Salt Spray - £18.50
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If you're looking for a salt spray to add a bit of grit to hair to solidify those curls, this is the one for you. It acts like hairspray (without the stickiness) to keep waves intact all day long.
. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray - £10
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Not sticky or overly salty, Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray is the closest thing to a dip in the ocean - and it doesn't come with a mouthful of seaweed. For that dishevelled, beachy look, tip your head upside down and go wild.
.Redken Fashion Waves - £16.30
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Slip backstage at Fashion Week and you'll spot a bottle of Redken's Fashion Waves near most hair stations. Harnessing epsom salt, it separates layers to give hair amazing definition while imparting a semi-matte, effortlessly tousled finish. Kate Moss, eat your heart out.
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