Summer has (finally) arrived which means endless hours swimming in the sea and the pool.

Whether you're jetting off to somewhere sunnier or you're hitting the leisure centre pool with the kids, the summer holidays are an ideal time to hit the water.

However, the chemicals from saltwater and swimming pools can leave your hair feeling damaged and dry if you're not careful.

So that you can jump in care-free into the deep end, Consultant Trichologist Eva Proudman from UKhairconsultants.com has shared a few tips to help you keep your locks looking luscious all summer long.

Dorset Echo: Conditioning masks and swimming caps are among the tips suggested by Consultant Trichologist Eva Proudman to protect your hair. ( Getty Images)Conditioning masks and swimming caps are among the tips suggested by Consultant Trichologist Eva Proudman to protect your hair. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

How can I protect my hair from chlorine and saltwater?

Conditioning masks

The Consultant Trichologist recommends putting on a conditioning mask before going for a swim to help keep your hair protected.

"Use a protective conditioning mask before you go into the water to coat and protect the hair making it less easy for the chlorine and salt to penetrate into the hair's core," Eva suggested.

She also recommended using coconut oil since this will "repel the water and provide protection from the drying effects".

Wear a swimming cap

Swimming caps are another 'effective and easy way' to help stop any harmful chemicals that are often in pools from affecting your hair.

"Hair can take on a greenish tinge after swimming in a chlorinated pool, this is due to the copper algaecides that are used to prevent algae growing in the pool water," the expert explained.

She added: "To avoid this problem, you can wear a swimming cap, keep your hair out of the pool water or wash the hair well immediately after you get out of the water."

Don't forget the aftercare

Eva also emphasised the importance of washing your hair after you swim to get rid of anything that might dehydrate or damage your hair or scalp.

The consultant recommended: "Wash your hair when you come out of the pool and reapply a mask with sunscreen or your SPF protection spray."

Adding SPF to your haircare routine is also vital, according to the expert.

She explained: "The sun's rays weaken the hair's protein structure, cause dehydration and dryness and reduce the natural elasticity of the hair making it more prone to breakage."