JO HAYWOOD gets some hair-raising advice on looking good this summer.

WATCH out for waves on holiday this summer. And curls, fringes and weaves.

Loose waves and easy-to-wear curls are key looks for the summer. Fringes are also everywhere - no giggling at the back; you know what I mean - from heavy, blunt looks to soft side-swept styles.

"Always consult your stylist to find out which style is best suited to your face shape, hair style, hair type and lifestyle," said Simone Spencer, director of West Row in York. "Weaves, small strategically placed hair extensions, are also big this summer and can alter a style immediately for a temporary change."

According to Emma Hunter, manager at Regis in Fenwick, York, colour is also key, with sun-kissed shades of honey and hazy beige leading the charge.

"Whichever shade you decided to go for, protecting your hair colour, like your skin, in the summer is a must," she said. "Use products with colour-enriching, conditioning formulas to help revitalise, restore and lengthen the life of your hair colour. They should also give shine and moisture while protecting your hair against sun damage."

The catwalk look this season is big hair in a Fifties style, with an added air of modern sophistication and feminine glamour. If this sounds a bit high-falutin' for your taste, here are West Row's top ten tips for simple yet sensational summer hair:

1. Always use a protective product on your hair when using heated appliances.

2. Highlights enhance a tan, but avoid lightening your own hair at home as it can be tricky.

3. A good serum can disguise split ends. A visit to your salon every eight to 12 weeks can also help. Having your ends trimmed just before and just after a summer holiday is the best way to keep your hair looking its best after the drying effects of the sun and sea.

4. Like skin, hair needs protection from the elements so invest in a product with UV filters as it protects hair from the sun, wind, sea and chlorinated water.

5. Hair also needs moisture when in the sun so always use an after-sun balm, such as the Wella Sun Care range.

6. A good tip for those with long hair is to put on an intense treatment then plait your hair before going to the beach. This will protect the colour, stop hair drying out and looks neat and tidy even after a dip.

7. To get an instant glow during the summer, use a spray-on shine mist which brings out your colours and also looks great sprayed on to the body.

8. Add weaves (small hair extensions) to short choppy hair - the change is instant and can look feminine or funky.

9. If trying a new style for a big night out, always have a practice run at home first.

10. Always tell your stylist if you are having a colour before you go on holiday as you may need to go a shade darker to compensate for the lightening effects of the sun.

Updated: 09:18 Tuesday, June 08, 2004