Protecting hair from sun damage

Few images are as universally seductive as the just-got-out-of-the-sea look of toussled beach hair; follow that with the sultry effect of sun-kissed locks and it's no wonder many clients love their summertime hair.

But as attractive as summer hair can be, the sun, sea salt and chlorine all wreak havoc with the hair's health and can leave it dry, frizzy and beyond repair.

Glenn Lyons, clinical director at Philip Kingsley trichology clinic, London, says it's essential to protect hair with the right products to limit sun damage - just as you would your skin.

"Wherever you are, the UV rays have a similar effect as bleach and, eventually, it can lead to a breakdown in the keratin and ultimately the protein, so hair will be left frazzled.

"The heat also causes dehydration and it's really important to keep moisture levels high with treatments and conditioners," Glenn says.

"Clients with darker hair will see the effect as their colour fades and I would advise people to have their hair coloured at least a month before going on holiday - there's no point having it done before you go as it will just fade."

And it isn't just the fading effect of the sun that is cause for concern; sea salt and chlorine are also damage devils.

Glenn adds: "Sea salt is hygroscopic - it has the ability to absorb water. You can see its effect on the skin - it gets tight and dry - and the same happens on the hair. Chlorine is from the bleaching family and acts as an oxidising agent, bleaching the hair.

"Combine sea water and chlorine with the sun and you have a potential hair disaster. Once the damage has been done, it can't be repaired; it's best to minimise the damage as much as possible."

Toni & Guy global creative director Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck's Summer Styling Tips

1. Book your clients in for a haircut before they head off to the sun. This will leave the hair in the best holiday condition possible.
2. Advise clients to leave an intensive conditioner on the hair while in the sun, it will protect it and the heat will help the conditioner penetrate the hair shaft. 
3. Book clients in for a colour after their holiday. It's the perfect opportunity to speak to your client about updating their colour to match their sunkissed skin.
4. To ensure colour fade is kept to a minimum recommend colour specific shampoos and conditioners. 
5. Ensure hair is given plenty of moisture and protection. 
6.  After swimming, always rinse the hair thoroughly and use a widetooth comb to detangle, not a hairbrush.
7. Let hair dry naturally. Sexy, tousled beach tresses are perect for day and night. 
8. Colourful headscarves are a fantastic accessory and a fashionable alternative to the traditional sun hat.
9. Flowers are perfect for summer hair. Choose more delicate smaller flowers and place towards the back of a chignon. For hair down, with curls and full-bodied, big-hair texture, place the flower in the front area - above the ears, or drag an area of hair back at the hairline and clip it in.