January is not just the start of a new year—it’s also the peak of summer here in New Zealand. While holidays and outdoor adventures are wonderful, sun, swimming pools, and sea salt can leave your hair dry, brittle, and lacking shine. If your locks are showing the signs of summer stress, it’s time for a hair recovery routine.

Identify the damage. Common summer hair issues include split ends, frizz, fading colour, and a rough texture. Knowing the type and extent of damage allows me to create a targeted treatment plan.

Deep conditioning is essential. Once or twice a week, use a moisturising mask or treatment. Look for ingredients like keratin, coconut oil, or shea butter to strengthen and smooth your hair. I offer professional deep-conditioning treatments in-salon that deliver instant hydration and shine.

Reduce heat styling. Summer is perfect for natural looks, beach waves, or updos. Minimising hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons prevents further stress and helps your hair recover faster.

Repair colour-treated hair. If you’ve had highlights, balayage, or a new colour before the holidays, UV exposure can fade tones. Using colour-safe shampoos and UV-protectant sprays preserves your investment and keeps colour vibrant.

Trim and refresh. A quick trim removes split ends and gives your hair a fresh, polished appearance. Even if you’re aiming for length, trimming damaged ends prevents breakage from affecting the rest of your hair.

Maintain a summer-friendly routine. Daily protection is key: rinse hair after swimming, apply leave-in conditioner, and wear a hat when outdoors. Small habits make a huge difference in keeping hair soft, healthy, and shiny throughout the season.

Book a summer recovery session. Professional treatments like Olaplex or hydrating glosses restore hair strength and shine instantly. Schedule a visit to SOLO Hair Design to revive your hair after the festive season and set yourself up for gorgeous summer locks.