With warmer days on the way, it’s a great time to think about how you’re looking after your hair between appointments. More swimming, more sun and more time outdoors can leave your colour fading faster and your ends feeling a little dry.

You don’t need a whole new routine for summer. But a few habit swaps and the right products for your hair can make a difference. Here’s what we recommend.

1. Do this before and after a swim 

One of the easiest things you can do is wet your hair with fresh water before getting into the ocean or pool. This helps reduce how much salt or chlorinated water it absorbs.

After your swim, rinse it thoroughly rather than letting it dry with salt or pool water still in it. Once you’re home, we ALWAYS recommend giving it a gentle shampoo and condition, especially after swimming in chlorine.

2. Keep a leave-in handy

If your hair gets knotty after swimming, a leave-in conditioner is a good one to have in your beach bag. After rinsing, apply it through your lengths and ends, then gently detangle from the bottom up.

Top tip: Choose one suited to your hair. Fine hair usually needs something lighter, while thicker, drier hair may benefit from a richer formula. More product isn’t always better.

Our pick: Kérastase Gloss Absolu Anti-Frizz Glaze Milk. This lightweight leave-in spray helps hydrate, detangle and smooth frizz, making it a lovely option for lengths that get knotty and harder to manage. Apply to damp lengths and ends, then gently comb through.

3. Use that treatment sitting in your bathroom cabinet 

You know the one you bought with good intentions? Now’s the time to get consistent with it.

Try making a hair mask part of one wash each week, following the directions for how much to use and how long to leave it on. If you’re unsure whether your hair needs moisture, strengthening or both, ask us at your next visit. We’ll help you choose something you’ll actually use.

For moisture and softness:Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5-Min Liquid Mask. A good option when your lengths feel dry, rough or harder to detangle. It provides moisture and strengthening benefits, so it’s useful for hair that needs a bit of both. Apply through your mid-lengths and ends after shampooing, leave for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

For damaged hair that needs repair: Kérastase Première Masque Filler Réparateur. If your hair has been through lightening, colour or regular heat styling and is prone to breakage, this is one to chat to us about. It helps strengthen damaged hair and reduce breakage, while leaving your lengths feeling softer and smoother.

4. Pack a hat, too

A hat is a simple way to reduce direct sun exposure to your hair and scalp, particularly if you’re spending the day outside.

Haircare with UV protection can also help, but check the label. A product that protects against your blow-dryer or straightener doesn’t automatically protect against the sun.

5. Go gently with styling

We know, we know, it’s event season and of course you want to style your hair. You can still enjoy your blow-dry or waves over summer. Use heat protection every time you style, and give your hair a break from hot tools when you can. We love a heatless curl or embracing your natural texture!

When your hair is tangled, take your time with it. Add some slip with conditioner or a detangling product before brushing, and avoid pulling wet hair tightly into a bun.

6. Make a plan for your next appointment

If your ends are overdue for a trim, getting them tidied up before your holiday is a good place to start.

And if your colour needs a little attention, you may only need a gloss or a few highlights around your face to feel fresh again. We can talk through what’s right for your hair and work around your swimming, holidays and summer plans.

Heading away or ready for a refresh? Book your next visit at Bixie Caringbah or Surry Hills, and we’ll help you get your hair and home care sorted for summer. x