You may love the sun, but your hair does not. Treat your summer-damaged hair with these fabulous affordable haircare products.

Summer is here, and while the rising mercury may be tempting you to head to the beach or leap in that pool, your hair may not be feeling the love quite so much. 

For the same reason that we apply suncream to protect our skin, your hair is also susceptible to harm from sun exposure. Not only that, but the humidity, sweat, chlorine, and saltwater can also do a number on your locks.

When it comes to hair care in summer, there are plenty of treatments out there that promise amazing results, but they can often be quite expensive. So we're going to take a look at some great brands to protect, nourish and revitalise your hair, along with some top tips to ensure your products go further.

What is the best budget shampoo and conditioner?

At Cult Beauty you’ll find a wide selection of hand-picked shampoos and conditioners that have been tried and tested.

At the higher end of the spectrum, you’ll find Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Conditioner, as well as Amika Perk Up Plus Extend Clean Dry Shampoo, you’ll find everything you need. 

On a budget? Not to worry, when it comes to the best hair products for summer, there are some fantastic options that will keep your scalp nourished, your locks shiny, and your ends replenished, without breaking the bank.

The Ordinary Sulphate 4% cleanser for body & hair is a formula that uses natural sulphates that have been carefully researched to ensure they don’t cause dryness or irritation. 

It lifts dirt and sebum from your hair and scalp gently while protecting the skin barrier. Moisture won’t be stripped from your hair, so it can stay healthy and hydrated, ensuring it feels lighter, healthier, and fresher. 

If you feel you need that extra care, try out The Ordinary Behentrimonium chloride 2% conditioner. Its powerful formula includes little-known ingredient Behentrimonium Chloride, which helps de-tangle hair and controls frizz, while promising soft, moisturised hair, eleven if it’s colour-treated. 

These two products are great for daily care of your hair without having to splash the cash. The Ordinary has built its reputation on taking out unnecessary ingredients and only focusing on those key ingredients that will really make a difference to your hair.  

Best budget shampoo for damaged hair 

There are many great shampoo and conditioner brands to protect your hair, but what if your hair is already damaged by the sun, pool, or sea? In that case, it’s best to turn to a specialist shampoo.

Sephora has a fantastic array of beauty products for all budgets. If you’re looking for a product that will help repair damaged hair without breaking the bank, pop a bottle of Aussie Miracle Moist shampoo in your shopping bag. 

Formulated specifically for thirsty hair, its star ingredient is Australian Macadamia nut oil, used in Australia for centuries as a moisturizer. To revive and replenish brittle hair, it’s ideal if you’ve spent too much time in the pool or the sea. 

Another great, wallet-friendly pick can be found at the online store Beauty Bay Amongst its collection of both new and established brands is Mielle Organics Rosemary scalp strengthening oil.

Ideal for hair follicle nourishment, as well as smoothing split ends, this gentle oil is infused with biotin to help encourage longer, healthier hair as well as treat a dry scalp. 

How much shampoo should I use?

In general terms, just two full teaspoons (10 ml) of shampoo is the norm when applying, but how much shampoo you will use will also depend on the texture and thickness of your hair. Each hair type is unique and will need different amounts of shampoo. 

If your hair is longer, you’ll need to apply more shampoo to thoroughly clean it all the way through. Curly and wavy hair requires extra shampoo for lathering, and thicker hair will also need more shampoo than finer hair.

If the shampoo has worked into a rich lather, providing coverage all over your hair, that’s when you know you’ve used enough. If you have longer hair, you can ensure better coverage by starting with the roots and working the shampoo through to the tips.

How much conditioner should I use?

The temptation with conditioner can be to over-use it thanks to its de-tangling properties and in the eternal quest for glossy locks.

Conditioners are packed with humectants to hydrate hair and help it stay soft. Often they’ll also contain thickening agents and proteins to add volume, bind those split ends and prevent annoying hairs flying away. 

But if you apply too much conditioner, it can have the opposite effect, leaving your hair dull and limp - this is especially true if you have fine hair.  

Just one or two small dollops of condition are needed and you should only apply conditioner only where you need it the most. This is probably from the mid-length to your ends, as this area of your hair is likely to be drier. Applying conditioner at the roots can only weigh them down.

You should also ensure that you leave the conditioner on for the recommended time on the packaging to see the best results. Usually, this is between one and three minutes, leaving enough time to wash your face while you wait.

Less is more when it comes to conditioners. Check the packaging for the recommended amount before you start. Applying too much can make your hair look heavy and greasy. 

One final element you need to consider for the best results is the type of hair that you have. Buying an extra moisturizing conditioner for greasy hair is not the best idea, while curly and coiled hair often needs more nourishment. So try to pick one that works with your specific hair type. 

Protect your hair

Remember that while we love to throw ourselves into the joys of summer, the cumulative effect of too much sun, sweat, sea salt, and pool chlorine can be damaging to your hair. You need to really take care of your hair in summer.

You wouldn’t spend hours in the sun without applying sun cream to your skin, and it’s equally sensible to ensure you care for your hair. With our list of the best budget-friendly shampoos and conditioners around, there’s no reason you can’t maintain your beautiful shiny hair throughout the summer months!

Don't neglect your skincare afterwards! 

Washing your hair with these products will leave your hair feeling incredible, but your skin may need some TLC from all of the second-hand products. Follow our wallet-friendly skincare routine to get it back to feeling its best!