Brazilian keratin hair-straightening treatments will leave your hair looking straight, lush and frizz-free. But the treatments are not inexpensive and they only last for about six weeks.

So how can you make the most from your investment by protecting your keratin treated hair from harmful effects of the summer’s sun?

Start in the Shower

Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair looking great and to give it the full body you want. Many of the hair products available at the salon where you got your keratin treatments are specifically designed to be used to maintain that great, straight look you love.

These products include such things as soy and corn protein, natural ingredients that are healthy for your hair. But they don’t include potentially harmful ingredients such as harsh sulfates, parabens, or sodium chloride, which can weigh down your hair.

Use UV Protection

In the same way that you use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, use hair products that create a shield between the sun and your hair. This can help prevent highlighted hair from becoming too light or looking fried. It also can keep dark hair from becoming red or brassy-looking.

Many of these products are leave-in conditioners that are applied to damp hair.

Dampen Your Hair

It’s harder for the  sun to penetrate your hair when it is wet than it is when it is dry. When you get to the pool or beach, spritz your hair with a little water before going into the water.

This also helps prevent your hair from absorbing the chlorinated water found in swimming pools or the salt in the ocean water.

Brush for Success

Hair is at its most fragile when it’s wet. So after swimming, don’t rip a brush through your hair.

Instead, spray in a little detangler, then use a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage and get the look you want.