Going on holiday is a chance to escape daily life and relax, but it can be taxing on your hair. Long-haul flights, sun exposure, and changes in water humidity can throw your usual routine off-balance and leave your hair feeling dry and fragile. The key is to plan ahead before your trip. By following a few strategies we’ve outlined below, you can prevent damage to your hair before it occurs and ensure your hair remains healthy whilst travelling.
Choose Protective Styles That Work With Your Plans
The last thing you’ll want to do on holiday is battle with heat styling or spend hours in front of a mirror. Instead, opt for easy and protective styles that will work well at your destination. Braids are ideal for beach breaks, as they can last for hours with reduced frizz.
For city breaks where you’ll spend hours walking to tourist destinations and historical monuments, a low bun will keep your hair neat and tangle-free without much attention. Loose waves work well in humid climates by embracing your hair’s natural texture, which reduces friction and prevents breakage.
Don’t Ditch Your Hair Health Habits
Travel can disrupt your usual eating patterns and hydration levels, potentially leading to dull or brittle hair over time. Daily support from hair loss vitamins can make a difference by filling nutritional gaps and supporting healthy hair growth.
Even if your bags are limited to a small carry-on, there will be room for must-haves. Pack a conditioner and scalp mists to protect your strands. Dry shampoo can be helpful for longer trips in humid destinations. A baseball cap or bucket hat can keep you cool while protecting your scalp and strands.
Be Mindful of the Elements
Sunshine and salty sea air can be incredibly relaxing, but they are harsh on hair. UV rays can dry out strands by breaking down your hair’s protein structure, while chlorine and saltwater weaken the cuticle, leading to breakage and even a greenish tint in lighter shades of hair. Before swimming in the pool or sea, rinse your hair with clean water to prevent it from soaking up salt or damaging chemicals.
For added protection, you can apply a leave-in conditioner, oil or UV-protective hair mist
After you get out of the pool, rinse it again as soon as you can to wash away any residue. When drying, avoid rough towels that will raise the cuticle and lead to frizzing or snapping. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and use a microfibre towel or a cotton T-shirt to pat dry. Softer fabrics reduce friction, helping to maintain smoothness.
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