Hair protection products from Tigi, Aveda and Philip Kingsley

There was a time when heading for a fortnight in the sun meant being able to let yourself go a bit – not worrying about make-up and allowing your hair to take on a halo of humidity-inflicted frizz while pretending you were going for a relaxed holiday vibe. The only evidence would be family snaps thrown in a drawer to be pulled out once a decade during a boozy lunch to give everyone a laugh. 

Then the perfect storm of camera phones and social media hit. Now it’s not only near-impossible to avoid being snapped repeatedly, but chances are everyone from your boss to the girl you used to give a lift to Brownies will get to comment on your holiday ’fro.

Personally, I don’t want to have to start thinking about straightening irons before I hit the beach, so I’ve been seeking out products that will tame and style without having to do anything too taxing.

Take Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It Styler (£24; 0800 088 4167, bumbleandbumble.co.uk) for starters. It gives great texture and body without any need for a hairdryer – and who wants to use one of those when the mercury is pushing 30? Polymers and plant-based conditioners create a lightweight, non-crispy finish while UVA and UVB filters prevent fade and damage from sun exposure. 

If you want to give in to your inner curly girl, Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer (£21.50; 0800 054 2979, aveda.co.uk) intensifies your natural waves while taming frizz and posting shine. The citrus aroma of lime, lemon, bergamot and orange make it a pretty summery potion, too. 

Planning to spend much time wallowing in the deep? You’ll want to be coating your locks thoroughly with Philip Kingsley Swimcap (£15; 03456 049049, johnlewis.com). This is a classic product that has endured for a very good reason. Originally created for the US Olympic synchronised swimming team, it protects against chlorine, salt water and UV damage while boosting the moisture content of your hair. Blondes should definitely be splashing out on this if they aren’t fond of the green tinge that can come courtesy of too long spent doing lengths.

If all else fails, slap on a leave-in conditioner such as Kérastase Soleil CC Crème (£21; 0800 085 4958, kerastase.co.uk), which is a fantastic multitasker when it comes to protecting coloured hair in the sun. Then simply scrape back your locks and whack on a hat.

If you can never find a hairband when you need one, invest in a Hershesons Beauty To Go Kit (£14; 020 7434 1747, hershesons.com) before you jet off. Containing hairbands, ties and clips, you’ll be able to tame even the most wayward tendrils.

For evenings at the beach bar it’s worth investing in John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray (£5.99; 0345 070 8090, boots.com). The superfine mist has an intense hold without being crunchy and is keratin enriched to ensure you stay perfectly styled while sealing out unflattering frizz caused by humidity. 

Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you don’t need your shampoo and conditioner to be working hard. You’ll need a cleanser that will get rid of sweat, saltwater, chlorine and sand but be gentle enough not to strip out your salon colour or cuticles. Step forward Tigi Bed Head Totally Beachin’ Cleansing Jelly Shampoo (£12.50; 0345 070 8090, boots.co.uk), which contains protective UV filters as well as moisturising aloe vera and nourishing vitamin E to leave hair soft and shiny. 

Finish off your shower with a generous fistful of L’Oréal Professionnel Série Expert After-Sun Nourishing Balm (£9.10; 0800 030 4034, lorealprofessionnel.co.uk), a luxurious, deep-conditioning cream masque enriched with Mexoryl SO, which absorbs, blocks and forms a protective shield against UV rays so they can’t enter the hair fibre. 

At the same time, a vitamin E derivative and glycerol intensely nourish and help restore texture.