Simple ways to keep your hair happy on holiday

Sunshine, swimming pools, beach days and cocktails by the sea… summer holidays are good for the soul, but not always for your hair.

Dry ends, faded colour, tangles and frizz are all incredibly common after time in the sun, says Isabelle. But often, the real problem is hair that was already feeling dry or stressed before your holiday even started.

“Hair that’s already feeling dry, over processed or stressed tends to struggle much more once you add sun, chlorine and sea salt into the mix. A little prep beforehand can make such a difference,” explains Isabelle.

Prep your hair before take-off

One of the best things you can do before you travel is book a trim and a moisture or bond-building treatment – especially if your hair is coloured or regularly heat styled.

Treatments such as Kerastase Fusio Dose help strengthen and hydrate the hair before it’s exposed to sun, chlorine and sea salt.

“And don’t forget about your homecare,” adds Isabelle. “Packing the right products can make holiday hair so much easier to manage while you’re away.”

A lightweight UV protection spray like Sebastian Potion 9 Lite Conditioning spray is perfect for helping protect your colour from fading without leaving the hair feeling greasy or heavy.

What chlorine really does to your hair

Chlorine is one of the biggest causes of dry, dull summer hair. It strips away moisture, can leave blondes looking brassy and often makes extensions tangle much more easily too.

A few simple habits can make a big difference, says Isabelle:

• Rinse your hair with fresh water before and after swimming.
• Tie longer hair into a loose braid or bun to prevent tangles.
• Use a leave-in conditioner before heading to the pool.
• Swap heavy heat styling for softer, more natural looks where possible.

“If you’re blonde, a purple shampoo like Invigo blonde recharge once a week can really help keep brassiness under control,” says Isabelle. “Sun, chlorine and even hard water abroad can all affect your colour.”

And if you wear extensions, pop a wide-tooth comb in your beach bag. It’s much gentler for detangling after swimming than a regular brush.

Your scalp needs holiday care too

Most people remember SPF for their skin but completely forget about their scalp, especially around the parting.

Too much sun exposure can leave the scalp feeling dry, tight and irritated, so always spritz with a lightweight SPF spray designed for hair and scalp protection. It’s worth wearing a hat during the hottest part of the day too.

Bring tired holiday hair back to life

Ever noticed your hair feels fine on holiday… then suddenly dry and harder to manage a few days later? That’s because sun damage and dehydration often show up gradually once the hair starts losing moisture.

“Clients often come back saying their hair feels knotty, dull or just harder to manage,” explains Isabelle. “Usually, it just needs a little extra hydration and some TLC.”

Booking a post-holiday appointment is one of the quickest ways to get your hair back on track. A glossing service can revive faded colour, while a conditioning treatment and tidy-up trim can help bring back softness and shine.

Using nourishing products such as Sebastian Dark Oil or Kerastase Nutritive at home will also help keep your hair healthier between salon visits.

Happy hair all summer long

Holidays are for relaxing, not stressing about your hair. A few simple changes can help keep your hair healthier, shinier and much easier to manage all summer long.

If you’re heading away soon, pop into the salon and chat to your stylist about the best products and treatments for your hair type before you travel.