Between the sun, sea and sand, our hair in the summer gets a pretty rough deal. Which all means that before you even think about creating those beachy waves, you need to start treating your locks to masks and treatments for healthy hair. According to legendary hairstylist, Earl Simms, it's a whole host of reasons. 'The sun gives off harmful rays that dry the hair, particularly hair that is chemically treated,' explains Simms. 'The heat of the summer intensifies the damage that is done to the hair normally through using styling appliances. Chlorine from swimming pools and generally hair getting wet in the sea and then drying in the sun repeatedly through the day takes its toll.'

Here's how to keep your hair in top condition this summer...

1. Wear A Hat

It sounds obvious, but wearing a hat keeps your hair protected from damage caused by direct sunlight. 'Wear a chic hat or hairband/scarf to protect your hair,' advises Simms. 'Or, if you prefer, apply lots of conditioner to your hair before you go in the sun and leave it in all day; this will help the hair to nourish and rehydrate.'

2. Use A Hair Mask

Most experts agree that a nourishing hair mask applied once a week at home is enough to coax hair into good condition (although very dry, thick hair will drink up a lot more).

Victoria Beckham's go-to hairstylist Jason Collier agrees, 'For healthy hair post-holiday, nourishment and recovery are key. Use a pre-shampoo treatment and a nourishing mask for a few weeks after your trip.'

3. Swap in A Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

Switch your usual shampoo and conditioner for seriously moisturising formulas and finish your routine with a pea sized amount of hair oil or serum through the ends. It'll work wonders on sun-parched locks.

'Wash hair with an SPF shampoo and oil-based conditioner for sleek hair, and blot dry with a microfibre towel to avoid frizz', says Jason.

4. Give Your Hair the Salon Treatment

With more and more salons offering high-tech conditioning treatments, it's the easiest way to sort your hair's condition out whilst getting your roots done.

And while you're there get a good healthy trim, 'Book in for a trim to get those lengths looking and feeling happy and healthy again!', says Jason.

5. Protect Your Hair from the Sun and Sea

When you're on holiday, hair damage can occur from all angles. Start by washing your hair under cold water before you take a dip in the pool. Your hair can only absorb so much water so by washing it with fresh water first you're limiting the amount of damaging chlorine it can absorb.

Next, smother your hair in a moisturising mask that protects against salt water. Using an after sun cream in your hair (yes that's a thing) will prevent UV damage therefore extending the life of that snazzy balayage you just got done.

'Use a sun protection spray layered over hair to defend against sun damage, as well as damage from salt and chlorinated water', says Jason.

6. Leave The Straighteners Alone

Between humidity and sun damage, your hair in the summer is already parched enough without adding heated tools into the mix.

Opt for natural styling techniques that add texture without needed curling tongs or hair straighteners.

DIY Hair Masks Castor Oil Mask

Frizz can be caused by damage, the environment or both and some types of hair are inherently more prone to it. Keep fuzz at bay by laying down and sealing hair's cuticle, or outer layer, with an emollient ingredient like castor oil, which acts as a protectant and can help fortify strands.

Ingredients: Castor oil

Directions: Rub a dab of castor oil between hands and glide a very thin layer over frizz-prone areas on dry hair.

Egg White and Lemon Hair Mask

If you are prone to greasy hair, an egg mask can work wonders, says Sadah Saltzman, a hairstylist at Salon AKS in New York City. Stick with just the whites, which have protein enzymes that help remove excess oil.

Ingredients: 1 egg white, juice from half a lemon

Directions: Smooth over hair from roots to ends and leave on for 30 minutes to an hour, longer is better. Rinse with lukewarm water.