Whilst we’re all conscious of shielding our skin from harsh UV rays in the summer, our hair often pulls the short straw when it comes to being protected. Everything from chlorine to sea salt and UV exposure can damage your locks, making a summer hair care routine all the more necessary. If you’ve noticed your tresses becoming dry, dull or harder to manage while frolicking in the great outdoors, a designated holiday hair survival kit could be the solution. Fortunately you don’t have to spend a fortune, thanks to Pantene’s range of summer haircare products.
Whilst there isn’t a one-size-fits-all product to protect your hair from the summer stressors, Pantene has released a selection of targeted treatments designed to support its health throughout this sunny season. The range includes nourishing masks, a hair oil and a UV, salt and chlorine protection spray – all aimed to support healthy looking strands during sea swims and a jam packed social calendar. I put them all to the test throughout this summer’s hot weather to see how they treated my locks, here’s what I found.
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Rating: 5/5
If there’s one non-negotiable in my holiday hair kit, it’s hair oil. Heat and humidity can leave my hair cuticles feeling dry, so a good hair oil can smooth and flatten them for a healthier, shinier finish. It can also help replenish lost moisture after long days in the sun.
I applied one pump of Pantene’s keratin protect oil in the morning and evening, rubbing it between my palms before gently working the oil through my lengths. This helps distribute the product evenly without leaving my hair feeling greasy or too slick. It’s a simple step that I find makes a noticeable difference to the overall look and feel of my hair in summer.
Why we love it: One pump goes a long way, doesn’t leave my thick hair feeling greasy
Take note: Those with thin hair might want to apply less than one pump
Rating: 4.5/5
If you’ve mastered regularly reapplying your SPF while in the sun, you might want to add this hair saviour to your beach bag. Pantene’s sunkiss glow hair spray is a leave-in treatment designed to protect hair from UV rays, sea salt and chlorine exposure. It’s a lightweight, non-greasy formula that contains vitamins B5 and E to help strengthen hair and reduce breakage, along with antioxidants to help defend against environmental damage, niacinamide to support scalp health, and biotin to help improve hair strength.
I put it to the test during a day at the beach, re-spritzing my hair as regularly as I’d reapply my sunscreen. The fine mist makes it easy to distribute evenly through your locks without leaving hair feeling greasy, sticky or weighed down. It’s also very convenient to carry in your beach bag, making it easy to top up your hair’s protection whenever needed. It’s a handy addition to any summer haircare routine, especially if you’re spending long days in the sun, sea or pool and want to give your hair a little extra protection.
Why we love it: Lightweight and non-greasy
Take note: Need to reapply it regularly if you are swimming
Rating: 4.5/5
A long day in the sun can be harsh on hair, especially when you throw sea-salt exposure or repeated washing in the mix. This rich, hydrating mask is perfect for reviving your parched locks – and, to top it off, it smells fantastic. Designed to target extremely dry hair, the mask claims to nourish up to eight cuticle layers deep. I used it after a day at the beach, shampooing first, then gently ringing out any excess water before applying a generous scoop and saturating my hair. The texture feels thick and nourishing, making it easy to coat the hair evenly.
The result after just one use was what impressed me most. My usually frizzy hair after swimming in the sea felt noticeably softer and much more manageable, as well as better hydrated without feeling heavy. If your hair is feeling dry or frizzy, this is a lovely summer treatment for a quick hydration fix.
Why we love it: Feels nourishing, easy to apply, instant hydrating results
Take note: If your hair isn’t very dry, you may not need such an intensive product every wash
Are Pantene’s summer haircare products worth it?
If summer has left your hair dry, frizzy or difficult to manage, Pantene’s budget-friendly range is definitely worth adding to your basket. The Sunkiss glow hair spray helps protect against UV rays, sea salt and chlorine, while the hydrating moisture recharge keratin protect mask targets dryness and frizz. The repair & protect hair oil with vitamin E also smooths and adds shine to your locks, helping restore moisture after a long day under the sun. With each product addressing a different summer hair concern, the range offers a simple way to support healthier-looking locks. Better still, Pantene’s affordable price point makes these targeted treatments an accessible addition to your holiday haircare routine.
How I tested
I tested Pantene’s summer haircare products throughout the most recent heatwave, incorporating each into my regular routine for a little extra care. I used the mask after washing and swimming in the sea, applied the hair oil morning and evening, and re-spritzed the protective spray during beach days, paying attention to how my hair felt, looked and behaved.