In this Guide
Here’s your concise guide to keeping your hair healthy and vibrant, no matter your destination.
The Challenges
Your hair is up against a few things:
- Sun (UV Radiation): Causes dryness, brittleness, and color fading. Lightened hair can even turn green from chlorine when sun-exposed.
- Chlorine: Strips natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
- Saltwater: Dehydrates hair, making it coarse and dull.
- Humidity: Leads to frizz as hair absorbs moisture.
- Dry Climates: Pulls moisture out of hair, causing dryness and static.
Holiday Hair Survival Kit: Essential Tips
1. Prep Before You Go
- Deep Condition: Give your hair a nourishing deep conditioning treatment a week before you leave to fortify strands.
- Trim: Get rid of split ends; they’re more prone to damage.
2. Protect Physically
- Cover Up: Wear a hat! It’s the simplest way to shield your scalp and hair from the sun. Apply a leave-in conditioner under your hat for extra protection.
- Tie It Up: Keep long hair in a bun or braid to minimize exposure to elements and reduce tangling. This also protects your scalp.
3. Smart Water Habits
- Swim Prep: Wet hair with fresh water, then apply leave-in conditioner or a swim protector (e.g., Philip Kingsley Swimcap) to minimise chlorine/salt absorption.
- Rinse Immediately: As soon as you’re out of the pool or sea, rinse your hair with fresh water. Don’t let chlorine or salt linger.
4. Product Power
- Moisturising Shampoo & Conditioner: Opt for hydrating formulas.
- Leave-In Conditioner/Hair Sunscreen: Crucial for continuous hydration and UV protection. Many now come with built-in sun filters.
- Scalp Sunscreen: Don’t forget your scalp! Use a spray or stick along your parting and hairline to prevent sunburn.
- Anti-Frizz Serum: For humid destinations, a lightweight serum can keep frizz at bay.
5. Most importantly
Relax. You’re on holiday after all.
Post-Holiday Recovery
- Deep Condition: Treat your hair to a rich, repairing hair mask once you’re back home.
- Go Easy on Heat: Avoid excessive heat styling for a week or two to let your hair recover.
Products I recommend
Kevin Murphy Hydrate-me
This lightweight hydrating mask works to moisturise fine to medium hair to restore shine and silkiness. Includes shea butter, rosehip, antioxidants, evening primrose oil, kakadu plum and vitamin C.
Philip Kingsley Swimcap
This water resistant product offers UV, salt and chlorine protection and also prevents bleached hair turning green.
Epres Bond Repair Treatment
The only bond repair treatment you’ll ever need. A must have for all blondes.
