Our Cheat Sheet to European Summer Hair
- Add a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner to the mix
This one sounds obvious but the beauty is in the simplicity of this minimal effort, maximum result tip - in the scorching summer months, swap out your regular shampoo and conditioner for a hydrating formula that will act as a moisture-retaining base for the rest of your haircare routine - a foundational, foolproof way to save your sun-parched tresses! This simple but significant swap is a guaranteed game-changer. We recommend Sans[ceuticals] Hydrating Balancing Hair Hydratant, available at Mecca, that provides the perfect combination of protein, lipids and moisture that your hair craves in the hot weather. With Vitamin B5 and patented complex Pentavitin, this hair hero provides deep hydration to your scalp with added boosts of smoothing and shine. Oribe’s Hair Alchemy Resilience Conditioner is an absolute powerhouse, penetrating the hair cortex to build strength from within. To top it off, it also provides UV protection, is safe for colour and keratin treated hair, and its irresistible Côte d’Azur scent is the cherry on top!
- Don’t Forget the Hair Serum and Mask!
Hair serums are definitely the It thing in haircare - social media and the beauty world is abuzz with their benefits, and they make a compelling case to hop on the bandwagon! Serums reduce and minimise frizz, protect against heat and chemicals, and nourish down to the very last strand. Apply a few drops from mid-strand to ends on towel dried hair, and enjoy the advantages of healthier, shinier hair. Hair masks inject much-needed moisture, helping to protect your hair from environmental and product damage and restoring your hair’s keratin. They can absolutely breathe new life into your hair, helping it stay rejuvenated and replenished and reducing breakage, no matter how much sun and ocean you throw at it! Glossy hair goals have never been closer than with the addition of a weekly hair mask to your routine. Use 1-3 times a week depending on your hair type and texture, and soak in all the nutrients and moisture your hair will thank you for.
Try Margot Robbie and Jennifer Lopez approved, celeb-favourite Olaplex - available at Mecca and Sephora. Olaplex’s No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is perfect for all hair types and is scientifically proven to shield hair from pollution for 48 hours - all while nourishing deeply and neutralising free radicals. Gisou’s Honey-Infused Hair Mask hydrates and replenishes while improving elasticity and shine, all without weighing down your locks.
The intensity and humidity of the summer heat can exacerbate the damage your everyday styling appliances cause to your hair - so during the summer, consider avoiding the additional stress your favourite straightener or curling iron can inflict on your hair. Effortless, natural styling techniques like sea salt sprays that achieve heat-free beachy waves are more in vogue than ever - and we know just how to achieve that perfect beach mane or on-trend summer look!
OUAI’s Wave Spray is a cult favourite among models, hair experts and beauty insiders - and for good reason. Jen Atkin’s raved-about formula guarantees carefree, windswept beachy waves that are season-appropriate, and the best part is - entirely heat-free! Simply spritz a healthy amount over damp or dry hair and spread through evenly. For a more defined finish, sweep your hair into a loose braid or bun for a few hours or overnight, then run your hands through to loosen up, et voila.
Alternatively, instead of losing your mind over styling summer hair, embrace hair accessories instead of heating tools! Louvelle’s insanely chic RIVA hair towel wrap range pulls double duty in exquisite fashion - designed to take you seamlessly from shower to out and about, while still being the most fashionable person around. Coming in stunning styles and colours that bring to mind European summer and will transport you to the the French Riviera, the range can be slipped on straight out the shower, drying your hair in record speed and is versatile enough for fashion-forward days out or a sandy day at the beach. Channel the vintage glam of the sophisticated 1950s headscarf aesthetic, and keep your tresses tucked away and protected from friction and the sun - all while looking like a starlet from a Nouvelle Vague French flick.