Here's how to keep your hair smooth, sleek and healthy this summer – according to an expert

The Sun

24-07-2025

KEEPING your hair healthy and manageable is no mean feat during the summer.
Whatever your biggest hair complaints are, the combination of warmer weather, humid air, and sunlight can throw our hair off-kilter all summer long.
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Tackling frizz in humid climates can feel like a losing battle, as can dryness and brittleness, which is often caused by UV light from the sun.
During the summer, you'll not only spend more time outdoors (British weather dependent!), but also more time fussing over and heat styling your hair, with events, weddings and holidays on the horizon.
So, it's important to get to grips with a routine that not only keeps your hair looking and feeling its best, but one that'll keep it protected, too.
For protection, UV mists are your ultimate companion, and work in a similar way to the sunscreen you use on your body. Simply spritz a formula like Nuxe Moisturising Protective Milky Oil for Hair, £21, into your hair, and keep it topped up during the day.
When it comes to keeping hair smooth and sleek, you have plenty of options, but a product I currently swear by is the new Aveda Miraculous Oil High-Shine Hair Concentrate, £34.
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This lightweight, aromatic hair oil can be used on all hair types, and promotes shine, nourishment and frizz protection - so in other words, it's a summer saviour.
I apply three to four drops to my long, thick hair after washing, and it leaves it noticeably softer and ready for heat styling, thanks to its 232°C thermal protection.
But don't just take my word for it - we asked Antoinette Beenders, Aveda Global Artistic Lead, exactly how to use it, and quizzed her for all of her best hacks for keeping your hair sleek, healthy and on-trend this season.
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What is a hair oil, how should you apply it, and what are the benefits of using one?
I'd recommend using a hair oil when you want to nurture smooth hair or add shine to your 'do.
You can use an oil to nourish and provide hydration, but everyone has different hair and needs a different amount of oil, so it's all about getting the balance right.
For a product like Aveda Miraculous Oil High-Shine Hair Concentrate, £34, start by shampooing and towel drying your hair.
Apply a couple of drops of product, depending on your hair density, length and pattern.
This is all bespoke to you, so build it up slowly and see how much your hair can take. Finish your routine by blow-drying or airdrying. Blow-drying will provide the best results, because it helps the product absorb into the hair.
For the ultimate shine, blow-dry and straighten your hair to really seal it in.
Is there anything else we can do to ensure smooth, sleek hair?
My top tip is to use a nozzle on your blowdryer to concentrate the airflow.
The wider and the narrower the nozzle, the more concentration you'll have on the hair, and the smoother it will be.
One word of warning - keep the nozzle a couple of inches away from hair or you'll burn it.
Adjust the heat to suit the quality of your hair - if your hair is very coarse, porous or damaged, go easy on the heat.
You can have a lot of speed or airflow, but not heat - and it's the same with your straightening iron, too.
My hair always gets dry and knotty on holiday, what can I do to keep it healthy?
Often, people will go to the beach and into the sea - which is full of salt water that dries your hair out - then they'll go and bake in the sun.
If you do this without applying a protective hair product, you'll end up with fried hair.
I'm a firm believer in using hair masks during the summer.
If I were on holiday myself, I'd apply one every night after a day in the sun.
Plus, the minute you come out of the sea, jump under the shower and get that salt water out of your hair.
Before you go on holiday, I also recommend investing in a pre-shampoo bonding treatment, such as Aveda Botanical Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment, £39, that will strengthen your cuticles and smooth and prepare your hair before going away.
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What hair products or rituals do you swear by during the summer?
I love a good cut, because I come from the trade and I like individualism, so the first thing I do when I come to London is go to the salon.
Your ultimate haircut should be a reflection of your personality.
If you're a shy person, you probably won't want short bleached blonde or red hair, but instead something a little longer that you feel comfortable with.
I'm quite chatty, and would look crazy with long hair - it just wouldn't be me - so, instead, I keep my hair shorter and blonde.
I travel a lot, and there's different water all over the world, which can sometimes make my blonde hair go a bit yellow, so I use new Aveda Botanical Repair Purple Toning Shampoo, £30, to keep brassy tones at bay.
If you have extensions that go a bit yellow from smoky environments, this shampoo will do the trick on them, too.
What are the biggest hair trends you're seeing this summer?
Traditionally, spring is all about going shorter. I've seen a lot of people chopping their hair off recently, and there are a lot of bobs around.
However, this summer, we're seeing a return of the fringe.
I recently gave a client a Birkin bang fringe.
This look has a softness to it and is lower maintenance than other fringes, bringing the focus to the eyes rather than forehead.
If you want to find out how a fringe will look on you, put your hand over your forehead and see where your focus is drawn to.
If you like the look of it, it's time for a fringe!
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