By Jane Ward

While summer leaves us feeling refreshed and invigorated the mixture of sun, salt water and pool chlorine can be very damaging for your hair, leaving it looking dull and tired. If you find your hair becomes unmanageable during the summer months, try making a few changes to your usual hair care routine

Use SPF on your hair

We are all aware of the risks the sun poses for our skin, but forget that it can be just as damaging for your hair and scalp. Applying an SPF hair spray like Soltan Hair and Scalp Protector will help prevent you from getting sunburnt on your scalp and shield our hair from harmful UV rays.

Use a hydrating shampoo

After a day out in the sun or in the water washing your hair with a nourishing shampoo. Tresemme Smooth and Silky is enriched with aloe vera, a key and light enough to be used every day. Aloe Vera is a key ingredient in many summer products because of its ability to heal burnt or damaged skin. Better still, it's very affordable and widely available to buy.

Deep Condition Your Hair

If you don't usually condition your hair after you shampoo summer would be a good time to start. A good conditioner or moisturising product will help to strengthen your hair and stop it from becoming frizzy during hot weather. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Intensive Mask is designed to nourish hair, just comb a little through your hair after washing it, leave it to soak in for a while and rinse away.

Try a Hot Oil Treatments

If your hair needs a boost a hot oil treatment can help breathe life into your tresses. Hot oil treatments are designed to repair hair damage and leave hair coated in a moisturising film.

If you suffer from dandruff or have sunburnt your scalp hot oil treatments can help by moisturising the scalp and with repeated treatments they can reduce the appearance of flakes and prevent peeling. They are especially beneficial for anyone with coloured or bleached hair as they won't affect the colour but will repair damage from the dying process.

VO5 Moisture Soak Hot Oil Treatments are sold in boxes of four and are fairly inexpensive. They are designed to be used once a week so a box will last for a month.

Go Easy On The Straightener/Curling Iron

When it’s hot out it may seem like an extra chore to style your hair, especially when you’re competing with extra summer frizz and humidity. If you are using hot irons on your hair in summer open windows and doors and make the room as cool as possible, if you perspire your hair will frizz more and you’ll feel like you’re getting nowhere.

Use a styling spray like Charles Worthington Heat Defence Spray before you begin to nourish your hair before using hot irons.

Tips for looking after your hair

Pre-wet your hair before you go swimming. Hair s only able to hold onto a certain amount of water. If it’s wet before you get into the pool or sea it won’t soak up as much salt or chlorine.

If you can, wear a rubber swimming cap while swimming to prevent chlorine discolouration and damage. Lycra hats don’t protect your hair as water soaks straight through.

Rinse your hair immediately after swimming to remove chemical and salts.

Cover your hair with a bandana or summer hat to prevent your hair from over-exposure to the sun.