Wish you were hair - healthy hair on holiday

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, don't let the elements go to your head.

  Healthy holiday hair Summer - we love it, but our locks don't always mirror our enthusiasm. So whether you're sightseeing in the Balearics or shopping on Balham High Street, shield your hair from potential 'mayday moments' by having the right products on standby and some simple styling ideas up your sleeve.

The hot spot: Tropical island paradise
Even usually obedient locks can start behaving like a stroppy diva in the right climate.

Potential hair 'mare: Humidity and hair co-exist about as happily as Gordon Ramsay and Edwina Curry in a confined work space. Calm things down with Sebastian Laminates Hair Spray (£15.95, www.sebastian-intl.com).

Quick style: Plaits, ponytails, headscarves and grips are your best friends and will hopefully introduce discipline and sleekness.

The hot spot: Cradle of civilisation
Culture vultures - beware your hair-do ending up in ruins as you do your best Simon Schama impression.

Potential hair 'mare: Strong sunlight has a detrimental effect on both crowning glory and scalp. ghd's Sun Worshipper leave-in conditioning treatment (£11.95, www.ghdhair.com) guards against over-exposure and harmful toxins.

Quick style: Alberto Balsam's Wet-Look Gel (£1.59) produces ultra-chic, slicked-back effects on short and mid-lengths. Chignons are fuss-free and cool.

The hot spot: Sweltering city centre
Going about your normal routine, you're probably oblivious to the damage being wrought by the daily elements.

Potential hair 'mare: Pollution and a build-up of city grime can leave hair looking dull and lifeless. Goldwell Outdoor & Sun Intelligent Hair Balm (£4.95, 01323 432100) nourishes tired hair after a busy day.

Quick style: Vamp it up with voluminous flicks. Use straightening irons through the ends of the hair and direct up and out. Rollers or a radial brush will work, also.

The hotspot: Outdoor music festival
Britain's summer menu of sunshine and showers can leave hair dazed and confused.

Potential hair 'mare: A sudden downpour can transform the foxiest locks into a floppy or frizzy mess. Reverse the trend with Wella High Hair Bouncy Dip (£6.05, 0800 3283400), an elastic gum for sculpting strands and curls into shape.

Quick style: Be inspired by 'haute bird's-nest' up-dos from the autumn/winter catwalks. Backcomb the ends of your ponytail, pin into a messy coil, leaving loose some dishevelled-looking tendrils - and voilà, you rock!

Sending out an SOS
If your locks are showing signs of a post-holiday hangover, make 'condition, condition, condition' your mantra. Try Charles Worthington Dream Hair Definite Difference Instant Repair Treatment or JLife Drench Intensive Conditioner (£11.99, www.andrewjose.com) to moisturise, smooth cuticles and boost shine. If we're talking serious wear and tear, head straight for the salon. Daniel Galvin's Holiday Hair Rescue Service comprises three intensive treatments and a complementary blow-dry for £90 and is specifically designed to restore vitality through detoxing, conditioning and colouring. Call 020 7486 8601. Aveda's plant-based Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring In-Salon Treatment helps repair and condition, and promotes a more balanced scalp, thanks to key ingredient quinoa protein. Call 01730 232380 or visit www.aveda.com.

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