Best products to protect your hair against the sun and sea

I appear to have developed a superhero power. Supergirl is quaking in her boots because she now has competition. When I step outside, people throw themselves to the ground, covering their eyes from the camera-flash-like glare. You see, in summer, the sun doesn't just kiss my blonde hair - it turns it nuclear-explosion white.

And I know I am not alone. Side effects of the sun include locks so dry and brittle that a horse could mistake them for hay; split ends from hell; a nightmare of frizz; and, worst of all, that unsightly green tinge.

On holiday, we slather sun creams on our bodies but forget to protect our glorious manes. Just as you should wear an SPF, you should protect your hair every day, too. Hair is at its most vulnerable when you sunbathe, so try Kerastase's Soleil Collection, which protects coloured and natural hair.

Korres Red Vine Year-Round Hair Protection (￡12.75), below, can be used on holiday or at work, because it protects against colour fading and adds softness.

Salt water and chlorine can also kill off glossy locks. An easy way to protect your hair against their damage is to drench it in fresh water before swimming in the sea or pool, and rinse it afterwards. Hair, like a sponge, can only absorb so much water, so make sure it soaks up clean water first.

For those who are water babies, the king of products is Philip Kinglsey's Swimcap (￡17). Developed in the Eighties for synchronised swimmers, this cream protects and shields much like a real swimming cap.

If you prefer a spray to a cream, Matrix Biolage Sunsorials Protective Hair Oil (￡8.24) will add softness and shine, as well as UV protection. And remember, as with sun creams, you must reapply after swimming.

It's also worth investing in a quality shampoo and conditioner. In Beautyville, prevention is better than cure. Redken After-Sun Shampoo (￡10.70) does exactly what it says on the bottle and removes residues and impurities left from a day à la plage.

Hair masks are the way forward for an intense moisture attack on dry, brittle hair. Two heavyweights are Phyto Intensive Hydrating Mask (￡26.50) and the new Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment (￡38). Both are thick, can be left on overnight and are akin to hair CPR treatment.

Ojon mask image should go here - might have been discontinued

Use these products and you will avoid my over-lightened hair predicament. Trust me, it is not a good look. But Supergirl can sleep easy - I'm off to the hairdresser pronto for some corrective lowlights.