Given how well-versed we are in the antioxidant-enhanced, UVA and UVB-preventing SPFs for both face and body, we’d eat our sunhats before tackling the summer months sans a selection of potions that do the same for our hair.
Lacklustre locks have no place in our vacation album – so, from crucial UV protection to nourishing after-sun care and the ultimate ‘beach babe’ hair hack, we’re giving our tresses a hand that’s as luxurious as it is helping.
Aveda – Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Just as we can’t see the strength of the sun’s UV rays, we also can’t see Aveda’s invisible Sun Care Protective Hair Veil in action – but boy, do we know both are there! With only a few sprays before and during exposure, this light-as-a-feather cloak will protect your locks against damage for up to sixteen hours, as well as salvaging hair that’s passed to ‘the other side’ by doubling-up as a post-heat treatment. Formulated with certified organic ingredients, including UVA and UVB filters derived from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils to prevent damage and colour fading; sunflower seed oil and Vitamin C to fight against ever-rife free radicals; organic shea butter, coconut and palm oils to detangle brittle knots; and neroli, ylang ylang and wild cistus to scent, the tropical mist stays true to the brand's eco-friendly, natural ethos – and, at 100ml, makes for the perfect travel companion for spontaneous getaways.
Sachajuan – Hair In The Sun
Killing two birds with one stone, Sachajuan’s Hair In The Sun is a multi-purpose protector that acts as both a UV deflector and as a styling product – minimising coveted shelf and carry-on space (that, despite all efforts, we never seem to have enough of!) in one fell swoop. Sea algae-based ‘Ocean Silk Technology’ builds strength with its myriad proteins and minerals, and contributes a lasting shine to the finishing flick.
OUAI – Sun Of A Beach Ombré Spray
We’ve come a long way from DIY attempts at natural highlighting (keep those raw citrus fruits away from our locks, thank you very much!). Whatever your colour, if it’s a subtly lifted and brightened look you’re after with your ‘do’ – without the parabens and sodium chloride of dyes and toners – OUAI’s sun-activated Sun Of A Beach Ombré Spray, with its delectable infusion of lemon, coconut water and pineapple juice, will naturally create your best beach babe hair yet.
Bumble and Bumble – Surf Blow Dry Foam
Now you’ve got the colour, all you need is the beachy, straight-from-the-sea tousled texture to go with it. A unique hybrid of part mousse (but lighter) and part salt spray (minus the ‘grit’), Bumble and Bumble’s heat-activated salt mineral complex Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry – that’s designed to be misted onto damp hair from roots to mid-length – offers that extra oomph of body, hold and volume. Blended with tropical oils, coconut fruit extract, algae extract and UV protectants, it also nourishes and guards against the drying effects of the sun to leave you with the conditioned windswept waves that we all covet.
Kiehl’s – Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak
After a long day of basking in the sun with your hair in the firing line of UVA and UVB, your tresses will be taking the brunt of the damage. At this time of the year, there’s nothing your hair craves more than a deep conditioning treatment to restore its natural balance – and the Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak is just the solution! A concoction of olive fruit oil, lemon extract and avocado oil, this pampering masque nourishes from root to tip and works to protect against future damage. Slather it on and watch as it works its magic...
