Celebrity hairstylist Phil Smith reveals his unusual hack for treating blonde hair that’s gone brassy in the sun or green from too much chlorine…
Sun, sea, swimming pools – why are all the best bits of summer the worst for your hair? Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith, who has tended the locks of Tess Daly and Emily Blunt, says he always sees a surge in clients arriving at his salon worrying about frizzing, colour fade and frazzled scalps at this time of year.
“Maintaining effortless, healthy hair all summer can be a challenge – but with the right tips, tricks and products, you can protect your locks without compromising on style and quality,” he says.
Don’t fall for TikTok hair sunscreen hacks
We’ve all experienced that sting in the shower after a day at the beach – the telltale sign of a sunburned scalp. But avoiding a pink parting isn’t always as easy as it sounds. “I’ve seen people on TikTok suggest mixing sunscreen with water in a spray bottle to mist over the scalp,” says Phil.
“Unfortunately, this just dilutes the SPF, making it far less protective. And it’s a big no no if you have hair extensions too. “If the sunscreen contains ingredients like avobenzone, it can leave rust-like stains on them,” he adds.
Instead, a smarter approach is to choose a hairstyle that eliminates your parting altogether. “Slicking your hair back into a ponytail is one option, but that can be a bit harsh and doesn’t suit everyone. I recommend going for a topknot or a couple of soft buns instead. Just leave a few loose strands out for a softer, more effortless look – it’s protective and super cute.”
Use ketchup to boost blonde tones
It’s particularly tough being a blonde in summer, when colour can be left brassy and battered by pollution and UV exposure – or even go green after contact with chlorine. “One hair hack I particularly love, because it shocks people that it works, is using tomato ketchup to reverse green tinges,” says Phil.
“Apply a tablespoon to lengths and wait up to 30 minutes before rinsing. The acid in the tomatoes and vinegar break down the copper build-up that causes the discolouration, restoring the blonde tones you love.
If you prefer results in seconds rather than smelling like you belong in a burger for half an hour, when you get back from your sunshine break, he suggests grabbing a bottle of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Blonde Toning Shampoo (£14 each; ), which uses amino acid rich violet rice extract to have you back to your ‘natural’ colour in the time it takes to shampoo and rinse.”
Shower before the pool to protect against chlorine
There’s nothing better than diving into a cool pool on a hot day, but chlorinated water can leave hair dry, brittle and weak. The good news? A little prep goes a long way. “Our hair is porous, but it can only absorb so much water at once,” says Phil. “If you want to limit how much chlorine your hair soaks up, wet your hair with fresh water before swimming.
“Take a quick shower or, if you’re at the beach, keep a refillable bottle of tap water handy so you can rinse before taking the plunge.” Phil also advises against swimming with your hair down. “I always tell my clients to apply a leave-in conditioner and then tie hair up in a bun to shield it,” he says.
Use the right towel on damp locks
Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before. “Keep a soft microfibre towel like the Dock & Bay Hair Wrap (£15; uk.dockandbay.com ) in your beach bag so you aren’t tempted to rough dry with an abrasive beach towel, which will damage the cuticle and leave you with a halo of frizz,” says Phil.
If you want to comb out knots post-swim, he advises buying a wet brush. “The MDLondon Vent Brush (£13; mdlondon.com ) is perfect,” says Phil. “Start detangling from the ends and work upwards to avoid breakage and minimise discomfort.
Add a pump of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Miracle Primer (£14; Tesco.com) at the same time, with hyaluronic acid to fight humidity-induced frizz and plant-based hemisqualane to smooth and detangle.
Get your roots done once you’ve returned home
Everyone wants their hair to look amazing in their holiday photos, but if your sunshine getaway happens to fall around the time you’re due to see your colourist, it might be worth delaying that appointment.
“UV rays break down dye pigment molecules, so when you’re on a sun-soaked holiday it’s almost impossible to avoid fading and dullness – unless you spend the entire trip under a giant hat,” says Phil.
“While no one wants to skip a root touch-up to cover greys, if you can, I recommend stretching the time between appointments and scheduling your session for after you return home. Getting your hair professionally coloured is an investment – this way, your colour stays fresher for longer and you avoid paying for salon results that can’t last.”
- For more information about Phil Smith Professional Haircare visit philsmithhair.com