Sun-kissed highlights, the piece-y texture, cool girl waves that come from doing absolutely nothing. Perfection. The only downside? The ocean and too many pool dips can leave strands parched, while the sun takes a toll in color.

Of course, that won’t keep us out of the water!

Whether you’re an ocean lover or would rather take a dip in the pool, it all comes down to a few savvy tricks, from the products you use to day-to-day to detangling with a wet-hair friendly brush to keep hair happy.

KEEP READING FOR TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR BEFORE AND AFTER HITTING THE BEACH

Let’s start with the obvious. Sun + beach + chlorine = dry hair. Which is much easier to damage and break. Especially if you use hot tools. And even more likely to break if you use them when hair is not 100% dry. (Stay tuned for the do’s and dont’s of styling tools!).

1. FIRST, PROTECT YOUR STRANDS FROM THE SUN

Sunscreen shouldn’t just stop at your hairline. Your scalp – though it may be covered by your hair – and your hair, are still at risk for UVA/UVB damage. That means brittle, frayed hair.

Look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide on labels. Sunflower seed oil (an antioxidant that also conditions) can also help protect hair.

2. COCONUT OIL HELPS HAIR, TOO

Slather it on the bottom three inches of your hair before hitting the water. By the time you wash it out, your hair will be soft, shiny, and extremely conditioned. Or use a deep conditioner before you get into the pool if you’re blonde have more porous hair.

Feeling extra dry? Phi-shau Revitalizing Mask is amazing. It’s signature tea complex has everything to keep your hair and scalp happy and health. Keep in mind: A little goes a long way.

3. GET THE OCEAN/POOL OUT OF YOUR HAIR

After a dip, wash all of the ocean or chlorine out of your hair. Bonus, you can get all the sand off of you. Or use the water from your water bottle. Try not to comb hair when wet to avoid breakage, but if you must, make sure it's with a wet-hair friendly brush.

Then, style it with a texturizing spray if you have curly hair and use your towel to scrunch to give it some body – so you don’t look like a hot mess with scraggly hair.

For longer hair, a side pony or fishtail is the way to go. Even a top knot bun would be cute. Just pull a few  strands out, put on some sunglasses and lip gloss, and you’re ready to go.

4. COME IN FOR A DEEP CONDITIONER OR TRIM

In the same time as a mani, an in-salon deep conditioning treatment can soften hair for up to 10 washes. We do a Kerasilk Premium deep conditioner, wrap your hair in a towel, then let you soak in the moisture under the dryer for 20 minutes.

It may also be time for a trim. Get those split ends off for less breakage and fly-aways, making hair look fuller and healthier. Here's how to book an appointment online.

5. CUT DOWN ON HOT TOOLS

Break up with your blowdryer/straightener/curling iron for a few months. After all, it's the perfect time to go for a more natural look. Here's a guide to quickly styling naturally curly hair. For straighter hair, just air dry until it's about 80% dry, twist hair, then pin at the nape of the neck. You'll have great waves after 20 minutes.

Summer may be coming to an end up North, but we still have a few more months to soak up the sun here in Texas. Just use these tips to keep your hair looking as radiant as your tan.