Hairobics

Tone up your locks and get your style into shape in preparation for the summer social scene...

We're all too painfully aware of the importance attached to having some semblance of a bikini body during the summer months, but if like me you find total submission to the culture of self-denial an alien concept, ease that guilty conscience by working your hair to the max. This particular seam of self-improvement is worth doing for several reasons: the high gain-without-pain ratio, diversionary tactic potential, plus the unshakeable confidence a good hair day brings however you're dressed.

Shape up fast
If the precipitous arrival of the hot weather has caught you on the hop there's no better way to move effortlessly into BST mode than adopting a new hairstyle. This season the brief is super-polished simplicity, in stark contrast to the sharp tailoring and neon brights dominating the fashion scene. Key to the look is the deceptive impression that you've made minimum or zero effort with your locks, however to make the artfully undone do succeed, shine, condition and cleanliness are all essential. Short styles are dominated by small and structured shapes, long hair is worn loose and low-key, and fringes – the more full on the better - remain a short cut to making a bolder statement whatever your basic cut.

Detox regime
Experience a clear head every three or four washes with a detox shampoo, particularly if you work in a pollution hotspot, are heavy handed with your styling products, a regular swimmer, or have a tendency to oily roots. Daniel Galvin Jnr Hangover Hair Shampoo, £4.99, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, is available in two variants - Organic Lavender and Organic Lemongrass and Lime. Kevin Murphy's Maxi.Wash, £11.95, 01282 613 413, contains a cocktail of tropical fruit acids and a blend of Lime, Mint and Eucalyptus. Washing your hair in very hot water strips it of natural moisture; take it down a notch or two to a pleasantly warm temperature and finish with a cool rinse to close the cuticles.

Nobody wants size 00 locks so pave the way for achieving fabulous bodySkinny dipping
Thick hair types wanting to slim down to leaner more manageable proportions will benefit from formulations with frizz taming and rebellion reducing ingredients. Try Mark Hill Hair Cosmetic Salon Sexy Straight Shampoo, £6.49 and Conditioner, £6.99, or Sebastian Professional evokatív Smooth Taming Shampoo, £11.95 and Smooth Taming Conditioner, £12.95, 01256 490 500 or www.sebastianprofessional.com. The Redken Fresh Curls range, from £9.50, 0800 444880, comprises Shampoo for Fine/Medium & Medium/Coarse Curls, Conditioner and Anti-Frizz Shiner, and for curly locks requiring extra attention, Curl Refiner for Coarse, Unruly, Unmanageable Curls, £13.25. Further improve the smooth with Über Rehab High Gloss Anti-Frizz Serum, £8, 01795 581151, containing Japanese silk extracts.

Fatten up
Nobody wants size 00 locks so pave the way for achieving fabulous body with Korres Rice Proteins & Oligoelements Toning Shampoo, £8.50 www.hqhair.com for fine and fragile hair and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Conditioner, £11.35, 01296 390 590. It's important to avoid product overload in the quest for an enhanced natural looking appearance. Andrew Collinge Weightless Volume Body Building Whipped Mousse, £4.49, contains lightweight styling resins. When blow-drying begin with the underneath sections and ruffle the hair gently throughout, if it still looks a little flat tease in gentle waves using tongs.

Sweet sensation
Indulge your locks in a guilt-free orgy of sweet things. Lush American Cream Conditioner, from £3.25 www.lush.co.uk smells like vanilla milk shake, but won't go straight to your hips. Philosophy's Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, £14.50, 0870 990 8452, all-in-one shampoo, body wash and bubble bath will leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store. The soothing honey rich properties of Nuxe Rêve de Miel Treatment Shampoo, £8.50, selected Boots stores and www.musthave.co.uk, and TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey Treatment Shampoo, £8.75 and Treatment Conditioner, £13.45, 0870 330 0955, act as comfort food for the follicles.

Firming exercises
Whatever your style criteria make sure your hair stays in shape. TRESemmé Create & Hold Gel Spray, £3.99 is fast drying and highly versatile. Aveda's Custom Control Gel-Wax, £14 www.aveda.com leaves hair supported, soft and shiny as does Adee Phelan Go With The Glow Gel Texturiser, £3.95, Tesco. MOP C-System Firm Finish Strong Hold Hairspray, £10.95, 01282 613413 packs a flexible punch and yet retains earth friendly credentials with zero environmental impact…result!