Written by Philip Kingsley trichologist Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips. Sun, salt water and chlorine make for a great summer and a hard season on hair and scalp. Here's the clinical view on what's actually happening to your hair when you're in and out of the water all season, and what to do about it before the damage sets in.

Protect your scalp

Treat your scalp the way you'd treat your face: sun protection matters at any age, and it matters more if you've noticed any widening at the parting or thinning at the temples, since hair no longer acts as a full barrier there. Saturate a cotton bud with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it directly to the parting, reapplying every couple of hours outdoors. This protects the scalp without leaving roots greasy or lifeless.

Defend your hair before, not after

There's no need to cut three inches off in September if you protect hair now. Think prevention rather than damage control: a barrier product used before sun, sea or pool exposure keeps colour looking better for longer and stops highlights oxidising and turning brassy. Swimcap was originally developed for the USA Synchronized Swim Team and remains one of the most effective pre-exposure barriers we make.

Build it into a weekly routine

A weekly Elasticizer or Scalp Mask treatment lays the groundwork for healthy hair all year, not just in summer. Follow shampooing and conditioning with Daily Damage Defence as a detangler and heat protector, and choose your shampoo based on your hair type rather than habit.

Nourish from within

Hair health isn't only topical. Take advantage of the season's fresh produce, more fruit and vegetables alongside a good source of protein gives hair the nutritional foundation it needs to grow well, whatever you're doing to it on the outside.