Summer is the best, but summer hair is not: brittle ends, frazzled and green-tinted locks, or – ouch – a burnt scalp. We don’t want you hiding indoors all summer long, or going into the new year with scarecrow hair. Follow our advice on maintenance and care, and you’ll protect that lovely mane under the SA sun. 

Dudes, Listen Up!

Prep & Prime

If you’re a gel man, let us introduce you to the new age: pre-styling products. These mousses and sea-salt sprays are applied to wet hair so it’s a lot gentler, and they give you a really natural, fresh-off-the-beach look. Try Balmain Texturizing Salt Spray or L’Oréal Paris Elvive Styliste Non-Stop Volume Extra Firm Control Mousse.

Beach Day

Choose a water-based hair product for those days you’re heading to the seaside. Hair wax and salt water aren’t the best of friends, making hair unmanageable and sticky. Add some sand and you have a mess that takes days to wash out. If you just need a little texture to get rid of that fluff, try something such as Balmain Pre Styling Cream. It allows the hair to stay workable and frizz-free. 

Ladies, Your Turn

Golden Hour

Did you know that, like your skin, your hair can also be damaged by the sun and UV exposure? The sun’s rays can damage the cuticle, which is the outside shield of the hair strand. How do you know if your hair has been sun damaged? Signs include discolouration, dry and brittle strands that break easily, and split ends. Not all is lost, we have a solution: For those days when you are planning an outdoor activity (side note, please wear a hat), spritz your hair with a UV protector. We love Balmain Sun Protection Spray – not only does it protect hair from UVA and UVB rays, it also helps to nourish hair exposed to a lot of sea salt and chlorine … perfect for swimmers! 

Colour Fade

A very annoying and expensive side effect of sun exposure is colour fade. Culprits include swimming and regular hair washing. Once you have paid to get your hair dyed, you want a vibrant colour that lasts longer than a summer fling. Luckily, there are haircare ranges that gently cleanse your hair, locking in the colour and preventing fade. Products with built-in UV filters are a bonus, as they keep the hair protected and prevent any bleaching. Try L’Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo or CHI Ionic Colour Illuminate Conditioner.

For more tips to protect your hair this Summer, page through your November Fitlife.