Sun safety: SPF and UV protection for hair, body, and face
You've got your holiday wardrobe planned, your reading list ready, and your activities scheduled, but have you stocked up on your summer care essentials? Hot summer rays, saltwater, and swimming pool chlorine can wreak havoc on your skin and hair, potentially undoing all the hard work you've invested in your own self-care. Before you jet off, check out our list of must-have summer holiday essentials for your skin, hair, and face.
Summer skin protection
Why use SPF?
Ask any skin specialist, and they'll tell you that UV rays are the number one cause of premature ageing. So if you want to keep your skin youthful, hydrated, and healthy, you'll need to invest in a top-quality SPF face cream and body lotion.
Many of you already visit our exclusive skin destinations for targeted, result-driven treatments to help you reach your aesthetic goals. To protect the progress you've already made, our skin experts Gené and Sunita have put together a list of SPF recommendations to suit everyone.
For the best level of protection, apply your SPF half an hour before you head out into the sun and reapply every two hours.
SPF products we love
Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel
The Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel is available in beige and bronze shades and is excellent for acne and blemish-prone skin. The lightweight, non-greasy formula gives a touch of colour while mattifying the skin. It smells great, too!
Heliocare 360 Water Gel
This light cream is excellent for sensitive skin and turns clear after application, so won't leave a white residue behind. It provides UVA, UVB, visible light, infrared-A, and SPF 50 protection. It's also water-resistant, so you're protected even while taking a dip!
Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray
Heliocare's Invisible Spray is super easy to apply and won't leave an oily residue or white cast on your body. It's water-resistant and gives protection from UVA and UVB rays. It's your perfect beach partner!
Brush on Block
Protect the delicate skin on your hairline with this brushable sunblock. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a matte, translucent finish, so it won't cramp your style. Apply every two hours for the best protection!
SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sunscreen
Meet the ultimate SPF for oily skin! Oil Shield UV Defense is a super hydrating, non-chalky SPF that blends seamlessly into the skin. It has a mattifying finish and gives SPF50 protection, so you can safeguard your skin without adding extra oil to your complexion.
Hair protection in the sun
Why use UV protection for hair?
The sun's rays can dry your hair out, upping your risk of damage and breakage. UV rays also contribute to the oxidation of colour and bleached hair, bringing those unwanted warm tones through and ruining your look.
Saltwater and chlorinated water can also damage your hair. Not only do they work in tandem with the sun to sabotage colour, they also contribute towards dryness. Not to worry, though — we have multiple solutions to help you lock in your look.
Summer hair care products we love
Kérastase Soleil Bain Après Soleil Shampoo
This light, super hydrating after-sun shampoo is enriched with coconut water to gently remove chlorine, salt, and sand residue from your hair. It's excellent at cleansing while protecting from dryness.
Colour protection
We recommend washing your hair straight away after you swim to stop UV rays, salt, and chlorine from ruining your colour. Our top product picks are Shu Uemura Color Lustre Treatment Masque and Kérastase Chronologiste Masque Intense Régénérant for a super hyaluronic acid infusion.
To learn more about protecting your salon blonde, read our blog post on superstar neutralisers and how to use them.
Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste
Saltwater, swimming pool chlorine, and regular washing can leave your hair much drier than usual. To make sure you aren't exposing your locks to the risk of extra breakage, try using a product like Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste.
Davines The Circle Chronicles
Davines The Circle Chronicles hair masks come in resealable, travel-safe sachets and take as little as 10 minutes to work. They'll top up your hair's moisture level and stop additional breakage.
Pre-holiday salon treatments
There's nothing like an indulgent trip to the salon before you head off on holiday. Not only does it help you slide into relaxation mode, but it also preps your hair and skin for warmer climates.
Glaze and Gloss treatment
Our Glaze and Gloss treatments are a popular pre-holiday summer essential in our salons. They add depth and vibrancy to coloured hair and help protect it from harsh UV rays.
Find out more here.
Hydrating facials
Hydrating, caring facial treatments like our Moisture Nourish Facial are an excellent treat pre-holiday. Top up the moisture levels in your skin, then protect its health and quality by applying your SPF face cream each day. Start as you mean to go on!
Head to our online shop or pop into our Battersea and Knightsbridge salons to collect your SPF and UV protection essentials before you take your summer trip. Don't forget to come and see us before you go — book yourself in for a treatment or service and leave for holiday looking your best!