As we head into Summer (after what feels like a rocky start) it’s important to remember to protect ourselves from the harsh UV rays in New Zealand. As kiwis, we are taught from a very early age to wear sunscreen – religiously – to protect our biggest organ, our skin. But what about our hair? Our crowning glory? We often spend a lot of money (and hours) in the salon, paying for treatments, the latest colour trends, sitting under a mountain of tinfoil for natural looking highlights, and agonising over the perfect cut, but how can we protect our fresh locks? If your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun, UVA and UVB rays can damage the cuticle of the hair – that’s the outside cover of the hair strand, which can result in discolouration, dry and brittle hair, split ends and thinning or frizz. Swimming in a pool or the ocean can also wreak havoc on the quality of our hair, and regardless of if you keep your hair cropped to a sharp bob, or are in it for the long haul, shiny, well looked after hair is always the goal.

We catch up with Jaye Edwards, founder of EdwardsAndCo, leading Sydney colourist and hair ambassador for Color Wow for his top tips on keeping your hair in premium condition

When it comes to colour, what is the best way to protect and lock in our colour to avoid discolouration this summer?

1. Maintenance starts with professional/salon quality products. Look for “safe for colour-treated hair” these products don't contain sulphates and parabens, which fade colour faster. The Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner and from Color Wow cleanses and hydrates without sulphates or any ingredients that leave residue on the hair, thus fading colour.
2. Using a leave-in toning treatment will help remove brassiness from blondes and orange tones from brunette hair. Try Color Control Toning + Styling Foam for blonde or brunette hair from Color Wow.
3. I also suggest booking in for regular glosses, these are quick 15 minute in salon treatments that help make you colour pop again without booking a full colour service. 

What are your top three tips for keeping your hair healthy over summer

When your hair is exposed to too much sun, sea and salt the outside layer, called the cuticle, becomes compromised causing discolouration, dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends and fizziness. It also means your hair is more likely to absorb chemicals and minerals.

1. For swimmers and beach goers, look for products that seal your cuticle to apply before swimming, this can act as a physical barrier. Color Wow Dream Filter Pre-Shampoo Mineral Remover Spray is an amazing for removing mineral deposits, such as chlorine, keeping your hair colour vibrant.
2. Some hair products also contain SPF, to protect your hair in the same way it does your skin! Look out for these ahead of beach days. 
3. To keep your hair hydrated, once a week, swap out your conditioner for a leave-in treatment to give sun damaged hair a potent dose of hydration. The Kale-Infused Dream Cocktail from Color Wow is prefect for strengthening the hair. 

Color Wow products are available at Sephora Newmarket