Packing for a holiday is always a challenge, whether you’re heading for two weeks of sun worshipping on the beach or poolside, or taking in the sights of an historic city. Add haircare needs to the equation, and that suitcase — or backpack – will be bursting at the seams. As the hair expert, you can help your clients make last-minute holiday haircare decisions that will protect their tresses and make packing less of a headache. Here some of the industry’s top names offer their holiday haircare hacks, perfect for hair pros to pass on to their clients.
City Break
While the cities of the world can offer a breath-taking experience full of wonder and fascinating facts, every city comes with drawbacks when it comes to hair health and vitality. While day-to-day life back home comes with its share of aggressors that have a detrimental effect on hair, when you’re pounding the pavements of a city for most of the day and dining alfresco in the evening, your hair is under almost constant fire from pollutants.
“When hair is exposed to a high concentration of pollutants, including traffic fumes, smoke and general dirt and grime, damage to the hair cuticle, cortex and keratin proteins that make up the hair can occur, leaving strands dry, brittle and more prone to breakage,” explains Inanch Emir from Inanch London.
“Before heading to your dream city, make sure you pack at least one product designed to protect and repair your hair. I’d recommend a damage repair shampoo that will not only wash away the pollutants at the end of the day, but also help strengthen bonds and reduce brittleness. If you have room in your case, I’d also recommend a repair conditioner and, if you’re planning an extended break, a moisturising hair mask to apply at least once during the holiday.”
Beach
Before any client heads off for a fortnight of fun and relaxing bliss on the beach, always recommend an in-salon moisturising treatment to make sure their hair is in top condition before they subject it to sun sea and sand. “A beach holiday puts hair through a lot, with sun exposure probably the biggest concern,” says Nottinghamshire stylist Niall McNulty. “Long-term exposure to the sun will dry out hair, leaving it brittle and lacking in lustre. If you want to avoid heading out for the evening with hair that looks frazzled, start each day by applying a leave-in conditioner. Also, ensure to protect hair with styling products that contain UV protection. And whenever possible pop on a hat or cover the hair and scalp with a stylist scarf.
Poolside
What could be more idyllic than sunning yourself by a pool and taking frequent dips to cool off? But while it’s one of the most relaxing ways to spend a week or two, a poolside vacation can play havoc with hair.
“The biggest holiday hair enemy is the chlorine and other chemicals in the pool. For a start, chlorine strips hair of its natural oils, drying it out and leaving it weakened and prone to split ends and even breakage,” explains Michelle Summers Davies from MD Hair in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire. These same chemicals can also irritate your scalp, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
“Chlorine, together with other chemicals such as copper, can leave lighter hair with a green tinge, so swimming pools really are a hair horror story. Your number-one ally for a pool holiday should be a swimming cap, but we know that’s not everyone’s idea of holiday style! One great tip is to take a shower before any dip in the pool. Saturate your hair with clean, chlorine-free water and it is less likely to absorb water from the pool. You can also apply a protective coating to your hair before diving in, by applying a water-resistant natural oil product, such as coconut oil.
After a day of poolside fun and relaxation, make sure you always shower using a professional shampoo that cleanses and hydrates, ridding the hair of any chemical residue and replenishing some of the moisture lost during the day.
Action packed
Hair is the last thing on your mind when your vacation is action packed, and if you’re relying on a backpack for all your holiday clothing needs, there won’t be a huge amount of room for haircare.
Scottish Hairdresser of the Year David Corbett advises: “One product I would recommend for any type of adventure holiday is a dry shampoo. It is great for absorbing sweat and dirt when off the beaten track. Start every day with a generous application to help curb sweating and top it up during the day. Tie hair into a top knot, effortless bun or cool braids to protect the midlength and ends, and whenever possible, treat hair to an intense hydrating mask to help it survive the next intense leg of your holiday adventure!
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