With more soaring temperatures are on the way, celebrity hair stylist Andrew Barton reveals the 10 simple ways to protect your hair this summer...
By Andrew Barton – Celebrity Hair Stylist, Broadcaster, Author and The Hair Expert
The recent heatwave may have passed, but forecasters are predicting plenty more sunshine throughout the summer. While most of us remember to protect our skin with SPF, very few think about the damage the sun, heat, chlorine and sea water can do to our hair.
For more than 40 years I've worked with celebrities, television personalities and thousands of clients, and every summer I see the same problems - dryness, fading colour, frizz, split ends and hair that simply loses its shine.
The good news is that it doesn't take expensive products or complicated routines to keep your hair looking fabulous. A few simple habits can protect your hair all summer long.
1. The Sun Is Ageing Your Hair
Just as UV rays damage your skin, they also weaken the hair by breaking down its protective outer layer.
Andrew says: "People spend a fortune on anti-ageing skincare but completely forget about their hair. UV rays fade colour, dry out the hair shaft and rob your hair of its natural shine. If you're protecting your face, you should be protecting your hair too."
2. Feed Your Hair Moisture
Hair needs extra nourishment during the warmer months.
A weekly deep-conditioning treatment helps replace lost moisture while restoring softness, strength and shine.
Andrew says: "Think of your hair like a plant. If you don't water it, it dries out. Summer hair is crying out for moisture, so a weekly conditioning mask isn't a luxury - it's a necessity."
3. If You Wash Your Hair Every Day, Choose the Right Shampoo
Andrew isn't an advocate of washing your hair less during the summer.
Andrew says: "In warmer weather our scalps naturally sweat more, and we also perspire while sleeping in warmer bedrooms. The scalp is skin and, just like the skin on your face, it benefits from being kept clean."
Rather than cutting back on washing, Andrew recommends using a pH-balanced shampoo that's gentle on the scalp and hair.
"Choosing the right shampoo is far more important than skipping wash days. A gentle, pH-balanced formula cleanses away sweat, excess oil and environmental build-up without stripping away the hair's natural moisture."4. Protect Your Hair Before You Swim
Whether you're by the pool or in the sea, Andrew says protecting your hair before you swim is essential.
"Rather than leaving your hair loose, tie it back in a loose plait or ponytail. It reduces tangling, friction and unnecessary damage caused by chlorine and salt water."
Before swimming, apply a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier.
At the end of the day, shampoo your hair thoroughly and leave the lather on for a little longer to help detox chlorine, salt and product build-up.
Andrew also recommends gently combing your hair while it's still wet with a little leave-in conditioner.
"Hair is far more manageable when it's conditioned. A wide-tooth comb helps reduce snags, tears and split ends caused by tangled hair."
5. Don't Stop Styling—Just Protect Your Hair
Andrew isn't an advocate of putting away your styling tools during the summer.
"Most of us enjoy styling our hair because it makes us feel more confident."
The secret is preparation.
"Always apply a heat protection styling product to every section of hair before using heated styling tools. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair. It helps reduce moisture loss and protects every strand from unnecessary heat damage."
6. Beauty Starts on Your Plate
Healthy hair starts from within.
Eating plenty of protein, healthy fats, iron and vitamin-rich foods helps support stronger, shinier hair.
Andrew says: "Your hair is one of the last parts of your body to receive nutrients, so if your diet isn't balanced, it will often show first in your hair. Feed your body well and your hair will thank you for it."
7. Drink More Water
Hydration isn't just important for your body - it's vital for healthy hair too.
Andrew says: "One of the easiest beauty tips costs absolutely nothing. If you're dehydrated, your hair can become dehydrated too. Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do for your hair, skin and overall health."
8. Book That Trim
Avoiding the salon won't help your hair grow longer.
Regular trims stop split ends travelling further up the hair shaft.
Andrew says: "People often avoid the salon because they're trying to grow their hair. Ironically, regular trims help your hair stay healthier, look thicker and retain its length. You don't need inches taken off—just a tidy-up."
9. Put On A Hat
A stylish hat is one of summer's best beauty accessories.
Andrew says: "A wide-brimmed hat doesn't just complete an outfit. It protects your scalp, reduces colour fade and helps keep precious moisture locked into the hair."
10. Healthy Hair Never Goes Out of Style
Beautiful hair isn't about expensive products or spending hours styling it.
It's about consistency.
Andrew says: "I've worked with thousands of clients over the years—from celebrities to everyday women—and the secret is always the same. Look after your hair little and often. Healthy hair gives you confidence, and confidence is always the most beautiful style you can wear."
Andrew's Summer Hair Rescue Checklist
✔ Protect your hair from UV rays.
✔ Use a gentle pH-balanced shampoo if you wash daily.
✔ Deep-condition once a week.
✔ Apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming.
✔ Tie long hair back before entering the pool or sea.
✔ Shampoo thoroughly after swimming and leave the lather on for a little longer to detox chlorine and salt.
✔ Gently comb wet hair with a leave-in conditioner to reduce tangles and breakage.
✔ Always apply heat protection before using styling tools.
✔ Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
✔ Book regular trims to keep split ends at bay.
About Andrew Barton
Andrew Barton is one of Britain's leading celebrity hair stylists, broadcasters and authors. Known to millions as The Hair Expert, he has spent more than four decades transforming hair and building confidence. Best known as the resident hair expert on the hit television series 10 Years Younger which is streaming now on several new platforms to a whole new audience , Andrew is also the founder of the award-winning ABLE (Andrew Barton London Education) programme, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of hair professionals across colleges throughout the UK.
Find out more: www.andrewbartonlondoneducation.co.uk
