A holiday can do wonders for your mood, but your hair doesn’t usually have the same experience. By the time you’re back home, it’s somehow lighter, drier and a lot frizzier than when you left.
As great as the sunshine, sea swims, and lazy afternoons are when you’re on holiday, your hair usually bears the brunt.
If you’re planning your next trip and want to keep your hair looking healthy before and after, you don’t need an elaborate new routine. You only need a few smart habits before your holiday and a little extra care while you’re away.
Your Hair Faces More Than Just Sunshine
It isn’t usually one afternoon that leaves your hair feeling worse for wear. It’s the gradual damage that happens every day you’re away. Spending hours outside and taking swims in the ocean or the hotel pool all add up before you even realise it.
Whether you’re heading to a beach holiday or sailing on popular Caribbean cruise routes, prolonged exposure to the elements is a given, and the sun is just the start. UV rays gradually weaken the proteins that keep your hair strong, but there’s also salt in the air and water.
Salt naturally draws moisture out of your locks, leaving them looking and feeling dry, tangled and difficult to manage. Spending time in a pool also exposes you to chlorine, which has a very similar effect.
Why Hair Prep Matters
Preparing your hair for your upcoming trip can save you from a lot of unnecessary stress once you return home. And there’s no need to replace your regular products, your hair just needs a little extra attention.
If it’s been a while since your last haircut, it’s time to book one. Getting rid of split ends now will stop them from getting worse while you’re away. And while you’re at it, if you colour your hair, see your hairdresser a few days ahead of your holiday to give the colour time to settle.
It’s also well worth adding a deep-conditioning treatment to your routine before you depart. It will ensure your hair is much more resilient ahead of your trip. You can even throw some travel-sized treatments into your carry-on luggage.
Simple Tips for Healthier Holiday Hair
Once you arrive at your destination, adopting just a few small hair care habits can make all the difference.
One of the easiest tricks is to wet your hair before jumping in the ocean or pool. Hair acts like a sponge, so if it’s already soaked with fresh water, it’s far less likely to absorb salt or chlorinated water. It’s also best to rinse your hair immediately after swimming, if you can, to get rid of any excess chemicals.
If you plan to do a bit of exploring, apply a leave-in conditioner or UV protection spray to your locks. This locks in moisture and creates an extra barrier against the elements.
Then there’s what to do once you get back to your accommodation. You may be tempted to wash your hair every evening with a cleansing shampoo, but this can quickly strip away its natural oils. If you can avoid a daily wash, that would be ideal, but if not, stick to moisturising shampoos and conditioners.
As for drying and styling, if you can give your hairdryer and iron a break for a while, you’d be doing your hair a favour. One less source of heat means less damage.
Your Hair Will Thank You
A little sunshine is good for the soul, but it doesn’t need to come at the expense of healthy hair.
By making a few minor changes before you head out the door and staying mindful of your hair while you’re away, you can easily return home with the same shiny, glossy hair that you left with.
After all, the only thing that should look a little windswept after a holiday is your suitcase.
