How To Maintain A Shiny, Healthy Mane All Summer Long

Ah, summer. The time of year that’s synonymous with backyard barbies, scorching hot sand and endless time spent at the beach (slathered in bh-approved sunscreen, of course). But between the salt water, chlorine and UV rays, your hair tends to have a pretty rough time if not given the right TLC and a proper summer hair care regimen.

So to save you from brittle strands and the dreaded post-summer chop, we’ve compiled the ultimate summer haircare guide with the help of Australian Hairdresser of the Year and co-founder at Valonz Haircutters, Renya Xydis.

Here, seven expert-approved summer hair care tips to help you on your way to your shiniest, healthiest hair yet.

7 summer hair care tips

#1 Start with a summer trim

What better way to kick off party season than with a fresh new cut? A summer haircut serves as much more than a ‘new year, new you’ vibe. As Reyna puts it, a trim “will prevent your hair from becoming ratty” and you’ll be left with a healthier, longer mane come autumn.

#2 Opt for a hydrating shampoo and conditioner

Brittle, dehydrated strands need nourishing from root to tip, and a hydrating wash routine will do just that. Nourishing ingredients such as avocado oil, glycerin, aloe vera and honey are key to reducing frizz and taming your mane – and drying your hair with a microfibre towel is always a good idea.

esmi Hydrating Shampoo, $39 at esmi; Herbal Essences bio:renew Potent Aloe + Manuka Honey Shampoo, $10 at Woolworths; ELEVEN Australia Hydrate My Hair Moisture Conditioner, $28.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty

#3 Leave-in conditioner will be your new best friend

A leave-in conditioner is an essential addition to any beauty buff’s summer lineup, especially if you’ll be swimming every day. On those days when you really can’t be bothered to wash, dry and style? Simply rinse the salt water out of your hair and follow up with a good leave-in treatment.

“I love Wella’s System Professional Hydrate Quenching Mist,” says Reyna. “It can be used alone or with a mask for additional reconstruction, strength and resilience against breakage.”

muk Haircare Deep muk Ultra Soft Leave in Conditioner, $25.95 at AMR; Gisou Honey Infused Leave-In Conditioner, $51 at MECCA; Wella System Professional Hydrate Quenching Mist, $57.50 at Oz Hair & Beauty

#4 Add a hair mask to your weekly routine

A restorative hair mask is truly a godsend over the summer. The best hair masks can transform Sahara desert-dry strands into silky soft locks in a matter of minutes. “Just like you treat your face, you need to treat your hair,” Reyna explains.

Her pick? “The Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Mask. It helps to repair and protect against breakage, and is intensely conditioning.”

Garnier Fructis Smoothing Macadamia Hair Food, $7 at Woolworths; Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ MegaStrength+ Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment, $66 at MECCA; Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Mask, $33 at Oz Hair & Beauty

#5 Keep the heat styling to a minimum

Overusing heat tools on already dry hair can be a serious recipe for a frizz-filled disaster. That’s not to say to steer clear of heat styling altogether. “If you invest in the right heat tools that have heat control, you can use them throughout the entire year,” explains Reyna.

The bottom line? Intelligent heat control tools are definitely worth the investment. “Think about how much you save in hair services when your hair is in tip-top condition — it’s easier to style and takes colour better — so a quality tool is hands down the best tool to use.”

Cloud Nine The Original Iron, $339 at Adore Beauty; Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer, $599 at The Iconic

#6 Oil it up

If you don’t already use a hair oil, summer is the perfect time to add one to your haircare arsenal. Simply swipe a small amount through freshly washed hair and let it dry naturally, or after styling for a shiny, frizz-free finish. “I love to apply oil on the ends of my hair to keep it hydrated,” Reyna says. You can even reapply throughout the day for nourishment on the go.

Pantene Pro V Miracle Hair Oil, $9.49 at Chemist Warehouse; Kiehl’s Smoothing Oil Infused Leave In Concentrate Serum, $43 at Myer; Moroccanoil Original Oil Treatment, $69.95 at Adore Beauty

#7 Don’t forget UV protection for your mane

Sunscreen for your hair? Yep, it’s a thing. Protecting your locks from the sun’s rays not only results in maximum hydration and shine but also helps your colour last longer.

And as for chlorine, well, “you can’t really fully protect your hair against chlorine damage,” says Reyna. “You can wear a swimming cap, which I recommend to all my colour clients who swim in chlorinated pools… If you come from the ocean or pool, always always always rinse in fresh water and pop on a leave-in conditioner.”

AVEDA Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $56 at Adore Beauty; Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer, $23 at MECCA; Sun Bum Scalp and Hair Mist, $21.99 at Oz Hair & Beauty

Main image: @joansmalls

What is your summer hair care routine? Have you tried any of these products?!