Posted by Yes, maintaining healthy and shiny locks on vacation can seem like a challenge, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
With a little pre-holiday prep and some simple, straightforward haircare tips during your trip (that won’t interfere with your plans), you’ll have the sleekest, healthiest hair of anyone on your summer getaway. Ready to protect and nourish your hair while you relax in the sun? Let’s dive in!
Pre-Holiday Hair Care: Get Your Hair Ready for the Trip
Before you even pack your suitcase, take a few steps to ensure your hair is healthy and ready for the holiday elements. Here’s how to prep your hair so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about frizz, dryness, or damage.
1. Deep Condition Before You Go
- Give your hair some love by applying a deep conditioning treatment a few days before your vacation. This will help restore moisture and strengthen your hair, making it more resilient against sun and saltwater.
- You can either use a store-bought deep conditioner or whip up a DIY hair mask using nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, honey, or avocado. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes for maximum hydration.
2. Get a Trim
- To keep your hair looking fresh and healthy throughout your trip, schedule a trim before your vacation. Trimming off split ends will prevent them from worsening and will help your hair look its best while you’re away.
- A trim also makes hair easier to style, preventing tangling and breakage.
3. Protect Your Hair Color
- If you’ve dyed your hair, protect your color by using products that shield your hair from UV rays, chlorine, and saltwater. You might want to invest in a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner or a leave-in treatment designed for colored hair.
- A UV protection spray can also keep color from fading, especially if you’re heading to a sunny destination.
4. Hydrate with Oils or Serums
- Dry hair is one of the biggest struggles while traveling, especially when exposed to the elements. Pre-holiday, apply a hydrating serum or lightweight hair oil to lock in moisture and prepare your hair for the vacation.
On-Vacation Hair Care: Maintain Healthy Hair While You’re Away
Once you arrive at your vacation spot, you still need to keep up with your haircare routine to ensure it stays healthy and shiny throughout your trip. These tips are simple, time-saving, and won’t interfere with your vacation activities!
1. Avoid Daily Shampooing
- Shampooing every day can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and lifeless. Try to limit shampooing to every other day or every third day. On the days in between, you can refresh your hair with dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and give your hair a bit of volume.
- Dry shampoo is also a great way to add texture and help with styling when you want a carefree, natural look.
2. Protect Your Hair from the Sun
- Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from UV damage. Excessive sun exposure can dry out your strands and cause color to fade, so it’s essential to use UV-protectant haircare products.
- You can use a UV hair mist or leave-in conditioner with SPF to protect your hair from harmful rays. If you’re spending long hours outside, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat or scarf to shield your hair from direct sunlight.
3. Stay Hydrated
- Hydration is key, not only for your skin but for your hair too. Drink plenty of water to nourish your hair from the inside out and keep it looking vibrant. A hydrated body means hydrated hair, and keeping up with your water intake will help prevent dryness and frizz.
- You can also hydrate your hair externally with leave-in conditioners or hydrating sprays that offer an extra layer of moisture.
4. Protect Your Hair from Saltwater and Chlorine
- If you’re headed to a beach or pool destination, saltwater and chlorine can be very drying for your hair. To protect it, wet your hair with fresh water before jumping into the pool or ocean. This will help your hair absorb less salt or chlorine.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before swimming to create a protective barrier. After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water and use a moisturizing conditioner to restore moisture.
5. Use a Microfiber Towel to Dry Hair
- Regular towels can cause friction and lead to breakage, especially when your hair is wet. Instead, use a microfiber towel to gently blot and dry your hair. Microfiber towels are gentle on your strands, helping to prevent frizz and reduce damage.
- Simply wrap your hair in the microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture and let it air-dry for the best results.
6. Embrace Air-Drying
- Give your hair a break from hot tools by letting it air-dry. The vacation vibe is all about easy and effortless styles, so embrace your natural texture!
- For a beachy look, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and let it air-dry. If you want more control over frizz, apply a leave-in conditioner or lightweight serum to lock in moisture.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb for Wet Hair
- After swimming or showering, always detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb instead of a regular brush. Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, and a wide-tooth comb helps reduce damage while detangling.
- Avoid harshly pulling at tangles—gently work through knots to preserve the health and integrity of your hair.
Vacation Hairstyles: Quick and Stylish Looks
Sometimes, you need to style your hair quickly and efficiently without too much effort. These simple vacation hairstyles will keep your hair looking stylish and protected from the elements:
1. Beachy Waves
- Beachy waves are the perfect vacation hairstyle. They look natural and carefree, and they’re super easy to achieve. Apply a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to damp hair, scrunch it, and let it air-dry for that “just came from the beach” look.
2. Messy Bun
- A messy bun is a classic go-to for vacation. It keeps hair off your neck and looks chic with minimal effort. Gather your hair into a loose bun, and don’t worry about making it perfect—the messier, the better!
3. Loose Braid
- A loose braid is another great vacation style that keeps hair secure while looking effortlessly chic. Create a loose braid and leave a few strands around your face for a more relaxed look.
4. Top Knot
- For a high-energy day, a top knot is ideal. It’s a simple and stylish way to get your hair off your neck during hot days. Gather your hair into a ponytail, twist it, and secure it into a bun on top of your head. Finish with a few flyaway pieces for a playful look.
5. Half-Up, Half-Down
- This hairstyle is perfect when you want to keep some hair down but still need it out of your face. Take the top half of your hair, twist or braid it back, and secure with a cute clip or elastic band. Let the rest of your hair flow freely for a breezy, easy-going look.
Post-Vacation Hair Care: Restoring Shine and Hydration
After your vacation, your hair might need a little extra attention to bring it back to its shiny, healthy state. Follow these tips to restore hydration and shine:
1. Deep Conditioning
- Once you’re back from your trip, treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture. Your hair may be a little drier than usual after sun exposure and saltwater, so a good deep conditioner will help bring it back to life.
2. Trim Split Ends
- If you’ve noticed your hair is looking a little more damaged than usual, schedule a trim. Cutting off split ends will improve your hair’s appearance and prevent further damage from traveling.
3. Use Nourishing Oils
- Use a nourishing hair oil or serum to smooth out any frizz and restore shine. Apply it to damp hair, focusing on the ends, and let it absorb for a polished, glossy finish.
With these tips, you can maintain healthy, shiny hair throughout your vacation and keep your locks looking gorgeous without a lot of hassle. From pre-trip prep to on-the-go care, these strategies will help you enjoy your getaway without worrying about your hair.