Cap it: It takes time to fit long hair, under a swimming cap, so that the shape fits the contours of the cap. Make a centre parting and, handling one side at a time, twist your hair from the front, rolling it along your scalp to centre back. Then pin to hold it temporarily. Repeat on the other side. Cross the twists over each other, tucking up the ends and securing with pins. This way the hair is even round and the cap clings like a glove.

Sans cap: If you don’t swim in a cap and have long hair, put it up in such a way that it will stay put even if you are pushed under the water. Part your hair across from ear to ear, comb both sections up into ponytails on top of your head. Twist them around each other, tuck in the ends and secure with chignon pins.

Tails up: Another way to cope with long hair while swimming is, to comb it up into a ponytail. Secure it with a ponytail clip which is better than an elastic band which might leave marks in your hair. Comb through the length of the ponytail, tuck in the ends and anchor firmly with a few pins.

Finger short hair after a swim: One of the best quick-setting methods for short hair, is to pat your head with a towel and mop up any excess moisture. Then start to finger dry by running your fingers through the hair and your palms along the scalp.

Under the sun: Hair bleaches a shade or two in the sun, a plus fact if you have mousy or fair hair. If you have blonde hair which is artificially coloured, remember that chemicals in swimming pools can damage your hair. So wear a cap.

Combing damp hair: If you swim a great deal and your hair is consistently damp, use the right comb, one with widely spaced blunt teeth, which slides easily through the hair. Tugging and pulling at wet hair can cause split ends and breakages.

Take a test: If you’re considering colouring your hair after a sunny holiday, your hair will be more porous than usual, due to the effect of sun and sea, which means that dyes penetrate easily and colours take with a vengeance. Always do a strand test as recommended by the product manufacturer before applying a product overall.

Moist hair: In a humid climate, all hair types pick up moisture from the atmosphere, which means that naturally, curly hair becomes fuller and frizzier and permed hair plumper and heavier. It‘s advisable to have a perm three weeks before going away to give it time to settle down.

Dry air: In hot and dry air, hair does exactly what you want it to in double quick time. You can forget about packing heated rollers and curling tongs and rely on sponge rollers. Within an hour you’ll have a set with as much spring and bounce as you could wish for.

Cold, dry mountain air: This type of air often causes static, build up and fly-away hair. If you’re skiing and wearing woolly caps, this problem is aggravated. A conditioner is a necessity.