Australian summers can be unforgiving on hair, with heat, humidity, sun exposure and salt water all taking their toll. To help keep strands looking healthy and vibrant through the hottest months, we spoke with three leading hair experts about smart seasonal strategies for summer hair care.
Piet Pantano
Co-owner, Wildlife Hair Sogo | National Artist, Goldwell & KMS
“Summer is the time to give hot tools a rest,” says Pantano. “Focus instead on protection, hydration and repair.” He recommends starting the season with a fresh trim—bobs remain a timeless summer favourite—and embracing air drying to work with your hair’s natural texture.
Pantano suggests Goldwell StyleSign Air-Dry BB Cream, RRP $35.95, for effortless styling, while those seeking long-term smoothness can opt for the Kerasilk Keratin Treatment, a vegan formula that lasts up to five months and eliminates the need for heat styling when paired with the Kerasilk Smoothing range from $46.00. For beach days, he advises applying a mask or serum such as KMS Moist Repair Intense Restore Treatment, RRP $39.95, before and after sun exposure, and boosting colour vibrancy with KMS Color Vitality Intense Gloss Treatment, RRP $39.95.
Adir Abergel
Celebrity Hairstylist & Creative Director, Virtue Labs
For Abergel, prevention is key. “Summer places hair under constant stress, and sun and water exposure can quickly compromise hair health,” he explains. He recommends starting each morning with Virtue Damage Reverse Serum, RRP $89.00, which acts as a protective shield to strengthen hair and improve elasticity. At night, Virtue Overnight Scalp & Hair Elixir, RRP $90.00, works to repair and restore while you sleep, helping maintain softness, shine and strength throughout summer.
Adrian Mezzina & Tim Persley
Founders, St. Louis Says | Owners, Twin Palms Salon
The duo behind Australian-made brand St. Louis Says believe hair care should evolve with the seasons. “As the weather changes, so does your hair and scalp,” they explain. Their vegan, results-driven formulas are designed without harsh ingredients, making them ideal for summer.
The Resurrection Repair Mask is a standout for reviving sun-damaged hair, while the Leave-In Treatment Mask provides lightweight hydration. They also advise against over-washing in summer, which can dry out the scalp, and recommend using the St. Louis Says Scalp Massager, RRP $18.00, alongside the All Hail Hydration Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask. All St Louis Says shampoos, conditioners and masks are $27 each. Above all, they emphasise self-care—summer hair rituals should feel sensory, restorative and connected to overall wellbeing.
A selection of our other hair care favourites include:
As with skincare, summer hair care is about working smarter, not harder. By prioritising protection, hydration and gentle repair—and listening to what your hair needs in warmer weather—you can maintain healthy, glossy strands all season long. With expert-backed products, fewer hot tools and a more mindful approach, great summer hair becomes less about damage control and more about effortless confidence.
