- Sun, saltwater, and chlorine can cause significant hair damage on vacation.
- Combat sun damage with hats/scarves, leave-in sunscreen spray/creams, and coconut oil treatments.
- Rinse hair before and after swimming in the ocean. Use a saltwater leave-in conditioner to protect it.
- Get a trim to remove damaged ends, touch up dyed/colored hair, and deep condition regularly.
Vacations are meant to be fun, exciting, and adventurous. However, the aftermath of your vacation is something that not many people think about, especially when it comes to hair care. Sun, sand, and salty water can do a number on hair; if you’re not careful enough, it can take a long time for your hair to recover from the damage.
But don’t worry! You can do a few things to ensure your hair stays healthy and happy while you’re away.
Common Causes of Hair Damage
Factors like the sun, water, wind, and lack of hair care can all contribute to hair damage during vacation. Sadly, when trying to relax and have a great time, thinking of your hair is probably the last thing on your mind. Here are some of the common causes of damage to be aware of:
Sun damage
The sun can cause significant damage to your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to split ends. UV rays can penetrate the outermost layer of the hair and break down the protein bonds, resulting in color fading and, in severe cases, hair thinning.
To combat this, wear a hat or scarf or apply a leave-in sunscreen spray or cream to your hair. Another great tip is to soak your hair in coconut oil overnight as a deep conditioning treatment.
Saltwater
A day at the beach can be heavenly, but salt water can be very harsh on our hair. Salt dries out our hair by stripping it of its natural oils, causing it to become brittle and prone to breakage. To avoid this, rinse your hair with tap water before and after swimming in the ocean. Or try using a saltwater leave-in conditioner to give an added layer of protection.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical found in most swimming pools and can cause severe hair damage. It can leave your hair feeling brittle and discolored, with a green tinge. To prevent this, wet your hair before swimming and try using a chlorine-removing shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse after swimming.
Hair Care Tips!
As mentioned, being aware of the potential damage to your hair is the first step toward preventing it. Here are a few tips for keeping your hair looking and feeling healthy on vacation:
Start With A Trim
If you spend a lot of time outdoors during your vacation, then chances are, your hair is damaged. An excellent way to kick-start the restoration process is to get a trim. A trim will remove the damaged ends of your hair and promote new growth.
Get a Touch-Up
If your hair is dyed or colored, then chances are the color has faded due to all the sun and saltwater exposure. A quick touch-up can help restore the vibrancy of your hair color. If you want something a bit more dramatic, why not try balayage? Balayage hair color is a great way to add depth and dimension to your hair with minimum upkeep.
Deep Condition Your Hair
UV rays, saltwater, and chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Deep conditioning your hair will help restore its moisture and shine. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week for a few weeks to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Use A Clarifying Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo is designed to remove build-up from your scalp and hair. It’s a great way to eliminate dirt, salt, or chlorine that may have accumulated on your hair during your vacation.
Avoid Heat Styling
Your hair has gone through a lot, so giving it a break from heat-styling tools such as hair straighteners, blow dryers, and curling irons is essential. Instead, opt for air-drying your hair or using a low-heat setting on your hair dryer.
Things to Avoid
Keeping your hair healthy on vacation involves not only the things you should do but also those you should avoid. For instance, avoid overwashing. While keeping your hair clean is essential, over-washing can make it dry and prone to breakage. Try limiting your washes to two or three times a week, and use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Also, avoid over-brushing your hair. Too much brushing can cause breakage, so brush your hair gently with a wide-toothed comb.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, taking care of your hair after a fun-filled vacation is essential. The sun, saltwater, and chlorine can leave your hair dry and damaged, but with the proper care and attention, you can restore your hair to its healthy and vibrant state. Remember to start with a trim, deep condition your hair, use a clarifying shampoo, avoid heat styling, and protect your hair from the sun. With these tips, your hair will never return to its pre-vacation condition!
