Protect your locks this summer with the latest sun-care hair products while enjoying those sun-kissed highlights, windblown tresses and sun-soaking escapades, says Shruti Saraf

Before checking in at the airport, check out our holiday hair survival kit to ensure that you won't spend fall and winter repairing lifeless hair.

Snip The Ends

An easy-care layered hairstyle will not only play up the shaggy, tousled look but will also make your hair a lot more manageable once the breeze starts blowing through. But more importantly, don't forget to get a trim after your holiday as the summer elements promise to dry, fry and split your hair ends with all their might!

Protect Your Locks

Get stylish with straw hats, scarves and caps to tuck your hair in to, but make sure you also smooth on some sunscreen before sunbathing! Use styling aids that contain UV filters and antioxidants that protect the hair structure and help keep sun damage at bay. L'Oreal's Vitamino Color and Kerastase products are effective for UV protection, the Banana Boat Hair and Scalp Protector Sunscreen Spray SPF15, Protége Hair Sunscreen and Phytoplage Sun Protection Oil are all specialised products for the sun. A quick spritz will not only leave you smelling sweet but also keep your hair from drying and the colour from fading due to overexposure.

Wash It Off

Chlorine and salt water dry and discolour hair. The mineral deposits bind to the hair giving it a greyish or green cast, dehydrate it and turn it brassy. Get the green out by using products that remove chlorine, opt for the Redken Sun Shape Shampoo, Swimmer's Shampoo, or simply use a clarifying and hydrating shampoo.

Deep Sea Conditioning

The evaporating action of the sun, the wind, salt and chlorine means that 33 per cent more moisture is sucked from your hair during the summer months. Use deep conditioners that contain keratin, jojoba oil and wheat germ protein to help in fortifying and moisturising the follicles. Leave-in conditioners are a great option for the summer as the lightweight formulae are easily absorbed, they help in detangling, softening and providing extra moisture to protect against sun damage. Bobbi Brown's Leave-In Hair Conditioner SPF 15, Redken Sun Shape Sun Milk and L'Oreal Kerastase range are good options.

After The Fun

Get working on replenishing the lost moisture with deep-conditioning treatments. Rene Furterer and Phyto Plage do good after-sun repair masks. Model, Anahita Das says you can also give your tresses a moisture boost by applying a mashed avocado on your hair for five minutes and then rinsing it off thoroughly for intensive moisturising. Alternatively, applying jojoba oil on the ends and frizziest parts of your hair will work well too.

Boost The Shine

Intense sun exposure can make even natural hair look dull and cause colour to fade from chemically treated hair. Use finishing products that add shine or go the natural way - leave a raw egg for five minutes on your hair or rinse your hair in a mixture of vinegar and water to put the shine back. When you get back home, head for an extra-protein dose at your salon after all the sun, sand and sea.

No-fuss Hair Tricks!

• Try air-drying your hair, it's too hot anyway to be using a hair dryer. Braid it when wet and straight hair will air dry into beautiful, soft waves.

• Carry a large toothed comb to detangle wet hair, refrain from brushing, as hair is the weakest when wet.

• Comb in some leave-in conditioner through your hair to make detangling easier.

• Using the conventional trick of applying lemon juice on your locks before sunning to get natural highlights is terrible for your hair.It thoroughly dries out the hair and should be avoided.

• Always give your hair a quick fresh water rinse before hitting the pool or beach, as wet hair absorbs less chlorine.

• Don't leave your hair to dry with salt in it - it'll leave a thin film on it, that'll make it crispy! Rinse it with fresh water as soon as you're done with swimming.

• The only way to deal with severely burnt hair is by trimming the damaged sections off. Frizzy hair is often the result of too much sun time.

• If you unexpectedly find yourself at the beach without a hat or SPF for your hair, use sunscreen made for your skin. When you get home use a deep-cleansing shampoo. It may not be the ideal solution, but it will very likely save your hair from sun damage.

• Don't rub your hair with the towel.This can cause abrasive damage, just squeeze the excess water out and towel-wrap your head for five minutes to blot up the water.