By Nicole Petty, Haircare Expert at Milk + Blush.

The UK is enjoying a surprise heatwave this week, with soaring temperatures making it the warmest March in almost 200 years.

But while you enjoy the sun, it’s worth keeping in mind how to protect your hair and scalp to avoid unnecessary damage.

Nicole Petty, Haircare Expert at Milk + Blush, shares her top tips for keeping your hair and scalp healthy in the warm and sunny weather.

Use UV protection

Just like your skin, there are several sun protection products that you can use on your hair and scalp to protect it.

Look for water-resistant UV protection sprays, heat oils or primers, or mineral parting powders that will lock in moisture and colour while protecting your hair from the heat and elements.

And if you’re more for natural remedies, look out for products with ingredients such as coconut oil (SPF of just over seven), Karanja seed oil (SPF of 20), shea oil (good for scalp and hair health) or plum oil (an antioxidant superhero).

Avoid heat tools

It goes without saying that using heat tools can damage your hair health.

However, during warmer periods, it’s best to try and avoid extra heat on your hair as the sun’s rays are already damaging.

Refrain from using curlers or straighteners where you can, or limit your usage.

If you’re after extra volume, try plaiting your hair overnight, or use texturising sprays to give it some extra oomph.

And let your hair dry naturally in the morning before the sun is at its hottest, or if you’re short for time, turn your hairdryer right down to the lowest setting.

Cover up

A common myth surrounding hats is that they’re only necessary for people to wear in the sun if they have little to no hair as they protect the scalp from sun damage, but that is wrong.

While hats provide extra cover for the scalp against strong UV rays – especially in areas where hair is thinner – they protect the hair from sun exposure, too.

When exposed to too much sunlight, the UVA and UVB rays can strip moisture from the hair and damage the hair’s protein and cuticle, resulting in dry/brittle ends, frizziness, split ends, discolouration or even thinning.

Plus, if you get your hair coloured, wearing a hat is your best bet in locking in your hairdresser’s hard work for longer, as the sun will lighten the colour of the hair by stripping its’ melanin.

So, grab a hat and make sure it covers your head – it’s still possible to get one that is a great fashion accessory AND sun protector.

Remember after-sun care, too!

Give your hair and scalp extra nourishment, and consider deep conditioning treatments overnight after a long day in the sun.

Leave-in conditioners are a great way of adding moisture to your hair.

Lightweight conditioners are best for fine hair, whereas conditioners with a lotion-like texture are best for curly hair and heavier treatments if your hair is thicker.

If you’re after a natural remedy for brittle and dull hair, try an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. The acidity of apple cider vinegar can help combat hair that is too alkaline and restore hair to the correct pH level, giving the appearance of glossier locks. It’s also thought to help those with dandruff by exfoliating the scalp.

Simply dilute the vinegar mixture with five parts water to one part vinegar and apply to hair after using shampoo and conditioner. Leave it to sit for a few minutes and rinse off with cold water.

Alternatively, try mixing a ¼ cup of mayonnaise, one egg and ¼ cup of yoghurt and apply it to your hair and scalp as a conditioning treatment for half an hour to treat dry and sun-damaged hair – and leave it looking shinier and healthier.