Super hair for sunny days

Whether your summer is spent at the beach or in the city, we've got expert haircare advice and style inspiration from the people who know. By Eve Cameron

Q I have highlights. How do I stop my colour from bleaching out on holiday when I’m in the sun?

 

A Top colourist Carolyn Newman, colour and art team director at Charles Worthington, advises that you book a consultation with your colourist before you go away. You should tell them about your holiday destination – if you’re going somewhere hot and sunny, blonde highlights will get even lighter and bright colours will fade under the strong UV rays. Your colourist may recommend that you wait until you return for your full colour treatment, or may adapt the colour so that it still looks great by the end of your holiday.

 

When you’re away, use a range of products containing UV-protection ingredients. For example, before you hit the beach, it pays to spray hair with a heat protector to help screen out the damaging effects of the sun and to keep it strong and shiny. Make sure you re-apply each time you go for a swim.

 

Products to try
We love the L’Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Solar Sublime range, from £8.25, which contains high-tech sunscreens for good protection. Boost your hair’s condition with a once-weekly intensive treatment too. Try Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Treatment, £4.99, which gives a replenishing boost to coloured hair, hydrating and brightening it.

 

Q I’m considering going blonde for the summer. Is this a good idea or will it dry out my hair?

 

A“I always recommend going lighter when the weather is brighter – so yes, it is a good idea!” says Schwarzkopf Professional global colour ambassador Lisa Shepherd. “The new generation of lighteners are kinder to hair, so dryness shouldn’t be an issue.”

 

Ask your colourist for warmer golden blonde tones so it looks as if the sun has naturally lifted your hair. Steer clear of cool ash-blonde shades. Lisa Shepherd recommends the Schwarzkopf Blondme colouring system, available in salons.

 

If you want to go lighter but not all over, try Charles Worthington’s new dip dye colour technique, from £110, which gives a natural sun-lightened and sun-kissed look. The idea comes from the dip dye fashion trends and surfer’s hair, where pieces of hair are deeper at the roots and go lighter towards the ends.

 

Once hair is beautifully blonded, it’s essential to protect your colour directly from intense sunshine. Products with UV filters will help, but the ultimate protection is a scarf or hat, according to Carolyn Newman. She says oval faces can carry off most hats; round faces should go for styles with a high crown and a decent brim, while a hat with a wide brim will balance out a long face. Either way you’ll look chic!

 

 

Q I want to look sun-kissed, but I’m a brunette. How can I make sure  that I get the look I’m after?

 

A Choose warm highlights, like caramel and honey tones. These flattering shades suit all hair colours, as long as your natural colour is not too dark. For this, Lisa Shepherd advises going for lighter chocolate highlights.

 

 

Q I’m worried about how my hair will fare while I’m away – should I trim it pre- or post-holiday?

 

A Hair grows faster in the summer months – so to keep it looking great, you’ll probably need pre- and post-holiday cuts. “If you want to look groomed and A-list all the time, you should schedule trims every four to six weeks,” celebrity hairdresser Michael Van Clarke advises. “Shorter, more layered hair will change shape quicker as it grows, while longer, less layered hair will change shape more slowly. However, it will dry out more quickly at the ends, so it will also need regular trimming to keep the ends healthy.”

 

For top tips on taking care of your hair on holidays, click here 

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