Protect Your Hair: Summer Hair Care Tips Courtesy of Renowned Stylist Mark Garrison

Summer officially starts in a few days and renowned stylist Mark Garrison has given Be Real Luxe these savvy tips on how to protect your hair from the sun's harsh rays. It only takes one afternoon of swimming and laying out to ruin your highlights and mess up your color—and we all know how much work it took to achieve those gorgeous locks. So read these summer haircare tips from Garrison before hitting the beach or pool. First, "If you are going to be out in the sun put a conditioning masque in your hair and either braid it or put it up in a bun. The heat from the sun will turn that masque into a great treatment." But don't stop there. "Take it a step further and protect your hair by covering it with a scarf, [although] a hat with a big brim is best to protect hair." No matter how much fun you're having, always remember your hair. "Don't go in the pool then bake hair in sun. Rinse out and cover. Chlorine wreaks havoc on hair and will turn blonde hair green," Garrison reveals. "Always wet your hair before swimming to keep your hair from absorbing too much chlorine." You protect your skin with sunscreen—your hair needs sunscreen too, and Garrison likes Kerastase Soleil line which has SPF and UV blockers. Beyond the beach or pool, Garrison suggests giving your hair a break in a season marked by drying elements. "If you can skip the flat iron or blow dryer, give your hair a day off. For natural curly, dry or frizzy hair, use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream and let it dry naturally without disturbing until dry, then finger tousle to style." If you color hair, go one shade darker in the summer as the sun lightens hair very fast, he notes. "Your color will be light again in no time." Think twice before you shampoo. "Just because you sweat doesn't mean you have to shampoo, this is where a water rinse and conditioner comes in handy, and your hair will love you for it." Finally, consider a Brazilian Keratin treatment to smooth your tresses, to make styling much easier during the frizzy season. Tell me, will you try Mark Garrison's summer haircare tips? Pictured: Flora Bella oversize straw hat, $110, Intermix Online.