8 tips for taking care of your hair this summer

This post is sponsored by Sunsilk.   I had my hair cut and coloured (with a sneaky treatment) at the hairdresser the other day and it was 3 and a half hours of heaven.  It’s taken me a while to work out how to look after my hair since moving to Sydney, as the Aussie climate and lifestyle is just so different to that in the UK.

It’s also taken me a while to find a hairdresser that I like too and now that I’ve found her, she better not be leaving the country any time soon!!  I grilled her on Tuesday about everything I might need to know about looking after my hair now that summer is in full swing. Here are a few top tips for taking care of your hair.

1.  Don’t wash your hair every day

Your scalp produces natural oils that help keep your hair healthy.  Over washing it can strip these oils out, leaving your hair dry and brittle.  Your scalp may also over produce these oils to compensate for all the washing which could make your hair feel greasier quicker.  My tip is to use a good dry shampoo spray on the days when you don’t wash your hair!!  I couldn’t live without dry shampoo!

2.  Check the ingredients in shampoo and conditioner you use

Many brands have harsh chemicals in them which can cause even more damage to your hair. Try and go for a more natural option and use the right one for your hair type.  The best way to find the right one is to either ask your hairdresser for advice or by using different brands with trial and error approach until you discover what works for you.

3.  Avoid too much heat

Very hot showers, hairdryers, straightening irons and curling tongs can all damage your hair.  Consider using a heat protector spray before styling your hair with any heat appliances.  Always remember to wear a hat in the sun too.

4.  Use a conditioning treatment

Chlorine from swimming pools, salty ocean water and the sun can all leave your hair damaged, dry and brittle.  Once a week, lather a deep conditioning treatment over the mid lengths to end of your hair and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.  Rinse it off in the shower with cool water and then shampoo and condition as normal.  This will give your hair some added moisture.

5.  Brushing

Brushing your hair when it’s wet is a definite no no.  It can cause a lot of breakage resulting in wispy, hard to control bits  (I learnt this one first hand).  It’s also important to keep your hair brush clean.  Pull any old hair off and give it a good wash in warm, soapy water once a month.

6.  Moisturise

The harsh summer weather can really dry out your hair.  A good way to keep it moisturised is to use a good natural oil.  After you’ve washed your hair, massage the oil (about a tbs) into the mid lengths and ends and let it dry naturally.  If you use a good natural oil it shouldn’t leave your hair greasy.  Some good oils are coconut, moroccan, avocado and almond oil.  Do this treatment a couple of times a month.

7.  Hair styles and accessories

A good way to keep your hair protected in the sun is to add some leave-in conditioner on to the mid lengths and ends and then tie it up in a bun.  It’ll keep you cool as well and have less hair exposed to the sun to dry out.  It’s also important not to use hair clips and bobbles that will break your hair when tying it up (especially elastics).

8.  Diet

Last but definitely not least is to follow a healthy diet.  Just like the rest of our bodies, our hair will respond really well to lots of fresh fruit, vegetable and drinking bucket loads of water.

Here’s a little video that made me smile.  It’s exactly how I felt when I first arrived in Australia!

Do you have any tips for taking care of your hair?

*Disclaimer:  I was paid by to write this post however all photos, tips and opinions are my own.