Jen Atkin

GLAMOUR columnist Jen Atkin reveals the essential heat hair hacks you need to know this summer

Happy hair!
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Summer is fast upon us and whilst we're welcoming the warm weather and influx of rosé with open arms, the heat also bring a few unwelcome beauty blunders with it.

From sunburn and peeling to humidity hair, keeping on top of your summer beauty regime during the scorching weather is no mean feat.

We asked GLAMOUR columnist and hairdresser to the stars, Jen Atkin, to share her definitive guide to prepping your hair for summer, the best hacks to avoid damage and her general summer hair expertise. Happy hair flicks!

Summer is coming, what is the best way to prep hair to avoid heat damage and sea damage etc?

Learning to work with whatever natural texture you have will make your life so much easier come summer. For pretty, natural overnight waves, prep damp hair with a wave or salt spray, then create two braids and sleep in them. Once you take them out in the morning, you’ll have pretty loose waves with no heat damage. To prep your hair for the pool, make sure you apply a hair oil equipped with a UV protectant for those summer rays.

Which 5 products should everyone have in their summer hair kit?

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt (to cleanse/clarify), OUAI Treatment Mask (replenishes moisture back into hair), OUAI Wave Spray (easy for on-the-go styling), OUAI Hair And Body Shine Mist (for a little extra hair and body shine), Tancho Stick (perfect for sleek buns and ponytails when a girl doesn’t have any time!)

What is the best way to treat hair that's been in the sun for a week?

Olaplex No. 3 Treatment is great to incorporate into your weekly hair routine, especially if you have damaged and/or coloured hair. It’s an at-home treatment NOT conditioner which helps reduce breakage, strengthens hair and restores its healthy appearance.

What about hair that's been damaged by the sea?

The OUAI Treatment Mask is great for damaged hair, especially after a beach sesh. It’s a restorative healing mask that’s formulated to repair damage just after one use, leaving strands incredibly soft and smooth. It’s infused with Artichoke Leaf Extract to seal the cuticle and protect hair from future damage.

What's a really simple but chic hairstyle to wear on holiday?

A sleek pony or bun is my go-to, here's a step-by-step guide to getting the look...

  1. Using a tail comb, part your hair in the middle or the side, depending on your preference. For middle part, use the bridge of your nose as a guideline, and for side part, use the arch of your eyebrow.

  2. Prep hair with the OUAI Hair Oil at the roots

  3. Use a barber's brush or Mason Pearson brush to slick hair back.

  4. Secure pony with an elastic, and wrap into a bun and secure with French hair pins.

  5. Finish with Verb Strong Hold Hairspray to finish for any flyaways.