I once again seek advice from the all-knowing longlocks-ladies. 
I know summer is a period that's hard on the hair (precioussss), and my question is: How to take best care of it? Should you make a big cut before and deep-condition it often? Or should you just trim it before to keep it in shape and make the bigger cut after?
What does your heart, and your experience, tell you?

(...Lol. I have way to many lotr-quotes in the text above... Must. Seek. Psychiatrist NOW.    )

Protecting the hair from the sun, wind, and chemicals in pools would be high on my list.  Trims come when they are needed more than by the season.

I'm not real good at wearing hats (other than my bike helmet which I do wear a little cap under to protect my hair from the hair-grabbing clips).  I do wear a scarf when we are up north in the woods. 

I try to keep my hair moisturized by conditioning regularly and oiling when I know I'm going to be more abusive with my hair (camping and biking).

Buns and braids are my usual styles, which seem to give me the best protection from the summer elements.

Pool chemicals present a special problem.  For those I recommend rinsing your hair with fresh water before entering the pool.  Add some oil or a light conditioner to protect the hair.  Braid it or put in a baggy.  Enjoy the water!  Then rinse the hair when done playing the chemical water. 

The most important thing is to ENJOY THE SUMMER!

I'm with BB- protecting the hair from elements is most important. When I go to swim in salt water or chlorinated water, I wear a swim cap (I have several in funky colors). Wet your head first thoroughly, then put the cap on.
   I mostly wear my hair up anyway, but on hot summer days damp buns in the nape cool nicely. I also protect my hair from sun. Regular hats aren't good for that purpose since they won't cooperate with updos, but scarves and scarf-like headcoverings are very nice and even cooling. If it's windy, it's a good idea to secure the scarf to your head with snap clips or snap clip/straight pin combination (guess how I found out this little truth... ).
   I deep condition often all the time- not just summer. My hair loves deep treatments.

Quote:

I use bandanas and tie them around my head, using clips to make them stay. You can also tie the bandana around a bun, changing the routine a bit.
Meg

Welcome Jessieofcanterbury!  Using a mister with the oil and conditioner is a great idea, especially for curly hair that tends to be more dry.

What kind of conditioner do you use in your spray?

YAY I've found another LOTR addict!  If you love LOTR and long hair, I recommend reading the Lay of Leithain.  There is an amazing bit where Luthien has a minor Rapunzel moment....
But I am digressing.
I have a swimming unit it gym class this semester and I'm a little worried about what it will do to my hair as well.  I plan on oiling it as well as possible before going in, but I'm not going to have much time.    Also, I doubt there is anyone else there who oils their hair so I will probably get some stares in the locker room.  Oh, well.   

Considering the length and probable bulk of your hair, as well the short amount of time you will have for drying your hair, I'd suggest putting your hair in a high pony tail.  Braid the pony tail, then put the braid into a plastic bag.  Use a hairtie to secure the bag to the base of the ponytail.  Then pull a swim cap over your head to cover the bag and rest of your hair.  This will help minimize your hair getting wet which will also prevent damage. 

When swimming for the day and you have lots of time, I suggest rinsing your hair with clean water to start, then oiling and braiding your hair.  Rinse your hair well after swimming, and be sure to condition well.