Summer strand stylers: days of sunshine and swimming, while great for the spirit, can leave your locks parched and brassy. Count on these products to help your hair sail smoothly through summer

Shape, May, 2004 by Kate Williams

1. Paul Mitchell Color Care Color Protect Locking Spray ($10; paulmitchell.com for salons) defends against the sun's rays using sunflower-seed extract.

2. Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat ($13; redken.com for salons) can be used as a rinseout conditioner or left in to manage coarse, unruly hair.

3. John Frieda Beach Blonde Ocean Waves ($6.49; at drugstores) creates a sexy, tousled look with sea salt and hydrating jojoba-seed oil.

4. Physique Precision Wax ($7; at drugstores) doesn't harden, so you can restyle your hair with ease.

5. Aveda Control Granules ($29; aveda.com), with organic flaxseed and marshmallow root, is a styling powder that turns to liquid when rubbed between the palms.

6. Biolage Curl Defining Creme ($13; 800-6-MATRIX for salons) uses milk thistle and bamboo milk for soft, frizz-free curls.

7. J.F. Lazartigue Les Soins d'Exception Home Spa Essential Duo ($250; 800-359-9345) may be top-dollar, but it's the equivalent of multiple deep conditionings at a salon.

8. Alberto VO5 Nourishing Oasis Energize & Volumize Shampoo ($2.39; at drugstores) contains vitamin C. citrus and an uplifting fragrance.

9. Clairol Herbal Essences Rainforest Flowers Replenishing Shampoo ($3.49; at drugstores) revitalizes dry and damaged hair with ginger, cassia bark and banana flower.