How To Keep Your Hair Happy On Holiday
Sunshine, sea dips, cocktails on a lounger – yes please. But for your hair and scalp? Not quite so dreamy.
Between UV rays, saltwater and chlorine, holidays can be tough on your hair. Throw in the extra tangle factor if you’ve got long hair or extensions, and it’s no wonder your hair feels meh when you land.
But with a little prep (and the right products in your suitcase 😉), your hair can look glossy, not frazzled, all the way from take-off to touchdown.
Don’t skip your scalp
We all remember suncream… but what about your scalp? It’s one of the most forgotten spots – and one of the easiest to burn.
We have had clients come back from holiday with peeling partings and irritated scalps. And it’s often sunburn. A simple SPF spray makes such a difference.
Look for a lightweight protection spray or mist designed for hair and scalp. Something non-greasy you can use every morning like Redken One United.
Focus on your parting, hairline and any thinning patches. And if you’re going to be out all day, reapply just like you would on your skin. Of course, a hat is the ultimate sun protection if you’re going to be out in strong sun all day.
Give your hair a head start
Before you jet off, book in for a tidy-up and a little strengthening TLC. A trim gets rid of dry ends that are more likely to split, while an ABC bond-building treatment helps strengthen your hair from the inside out.
Think of it as your pre-holiday service. We’ll help you pick the best travel minis to take away and get your post-holiday refresh booked in at the same time.
Extensions need extra love
If you’re wearing extensions, holidays are not the time to cut corners. Salt, chlorine and sun can all weaken bonds and dry out the hair, leaving it dull and difficult to detangle.
Use a UV-protecting spray daily.
- Tie your hair in a loose braid before swimming to avoid tangles.
- Rinse with clean water after being in the pool or sea.
- Follow with a leave-in conditioner to keep everything smooth and nourished.
- And no rough towel-drying. Gently squeeze out moisture with a microfibre towel and air-dry if you can.
Pool hair, don’t care? Think again.
Salt and chlorine can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it brittle and dry, especially if it’s coloured, highlighted or chemically treated.
The trick? Drench your hair with clean, fresh water before swimming to reduce chlorine absorption. Then rinse, and ideally shampoo, immediately after your dip.
Pro tip: Chlorine can give blondes brassy tones. Try Redken Blondage purple shampoo to keep your blonde beautiful.
Protect your hair colour
UV rays and chlorine can fade vibrant tones. If you’ve had your colour done recently, let us recommend a colour-safe protection spray like Redken One United or Pureology Colour Fanatic.
Pack a chlorine-removing shampoo to maintain that salon-fresh shade –Redken Cleansing Cream is a big fave with the team here.
And yes, we’re going to say it again: wear that hat.
After-sun hair TLC
After a day in the sun, your hair needs a cool-down too. Start by gently combing through with a wide-tooth comb, then slather on a nourishing mask or leave-in conditioner while you relax. Redken Allsoft Mask works brilliantly on most hair types that need hydrating– but do ask your stylist for a personalised recommendation.
And if you’ve long hair, or extensions, pack a silk pillowcase. It takes up no space in your case and helps reduce tangling, pulling and breakage while you sleep.
Go natural on holiday
Holiday styling should be relaxed and low maintenance. Ditch the hot tools when you can and let your natural texture take the spotlight. A beachy salt spray gives effortless summer vibes – no heat required.
If you do use a styling tool, turn the heat down and always spritz a thermal protector first.
One last tip before you go…
Holiday haircare doesn’t have to be complicated – just planned. Swing by before your trip for a quick trim, a treatment or a chat about what to pack. We’ll help you prep properly, protect your hair in the sun and come home looking and feeling your best.
Because holidays are for making memories… not for dealing with post-trip hair disasters.