By Helena Madonna

Before plunging into your backyard pool or beneath the salty waves, consider those thirsty strands. It's easy to get swept up in the spontaneity and fun of sun-soaked activities and neglect our locks, leaving them weak, frizzy and dry – a less than ideal texture to work with when styling in a hurry for all those spontaneous evening soirees.

When it comes to hair that’s silky smooth and healthy, hydration is key. It's the driving force behind our hair’s elasticity, ability to retain natural shine and fight off split ends. Below, our top hydration heroes. Jump in, the water's fine!

This powerhouse hydration duo features one the richest sources of vitamin C, the Kakadu Plum. This fruity superfood is a natural moisturiser and helps lock in hydration for smoother and shinier hair. Your locks will also relish in the benefits of shea butter, another moisturising heavyweight that’s high in oleic, stearic and linoleic acids which deeply penetrate the hair.

Love the idea of an oil but too scared to risk a greasy mess on your fine strands? Look no further than the Oi All In One Milk, which harvests the rewards of an oil in the form of a weightless mist. With just a few quick sprays, your locks will not only be hydrated but also frizz and tangle free, sitting pretty beneath the milk’s protection shield.

Calling all colour damaged strands! Your hero comes in the form of O&M's Hydrate & Conquer duo. When they say conquer, they mean business. Containing nutritional gem Tasmanian Sea Kelp, both your locks and scalp will be spoiled with a range of vitamins and minerals. When dry and damaged hair is up against 13 amino acids, they emerge thicker and stronger.

This leave-in conditioner contains a nutritious blend of six Australian native fruits that are rich in nutrients, antioxidants and an absurd amount of vitamin C, giving your strands no choice but to glow from within.

Make it the first step in your hair care routine: whether it be a simple blast dry or hot tools galore, this treatment spray will provide your locks with a safe heat protected playground to create any style. It’s also perfect for pre-salty swims to prevent tangles.

Send your locks on their own Euro summer. Derived from a unique Italian variety of red celery, Orbassano Red Celery extract is packed with nutrients that will strengthen, plus hydrate both your strands and scalp while stimulating hair growth and calming irritation. With a gentle touch, it’s suitable for all hair types from pin straight to curly – this product shouldn't be underestimated.

Evo said it best: The Great Hydrator is like a “patient friend, gently combing out the knots in your hair” – that patient friend being Argan Oil, a familiar nourishing ingredient that's famous for a reason. It also contains key nutrients like vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects while repairing damage and fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-9) that will hydrate and nourish your hair.

Literally bursting with essential oils and vitamins, this powerful mask has a unique formula containing micro-capsules that explode onto the hair upon contact. Evening Primrose Oil will hydrate and soften hair with its high levels of Omega-6, and is backed up by another essential fatty acid rich oil, Rosehip, a natural anti-ager that will leave your locks shiny, healthy and full-bodied.

A leave-in treatment in a luxurious creamy form, it guarantees a high-gloss, dreamy result with its ability to tame frizz and split ends. This cream is that extra touch of indulgence your hair deserves, with Oribe's signature fragrance and its polished, salon-like result.

Been searching for a product that will ebb, flow and keep up with your style changes? The Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid won't judge you for being indecisive; she'll support you through any look. Whether sleek and straight or defined and curly, she’ll follow your instructions while providing your locks with a shiny, frizz controlled and hydrated finish.

This little tub of wonder will revive any dry, brittle or over colour treated strands. It stands out from the crowd with its unique ability to deliver softness, strength and shine without weighing the hair down. Praised for being suitable on all hair types, from fine and thin to thick and curly, you can trust the mountain of reviews that claim these results are instant.