Holiday Hair

All packed? Passports? Tickets? Money? Secret way of navigating the ever-changing road closures to reach the airport? Looks like you’re set for a stress-free start to your well-deserved break, provided your hair can be persuaded to behave once it’s in a warmer or more humid climate. 

A surprising number of the world’s favourite holiday destinations have the kind of humidity levels that turns straight hair wavy and can make curly hair go springy or frizzy the moment you land. California, Las Vegas, Arizona and Florida, Athens and Cairo, India and Sri Lanka, the southern parts of Australia, Malaysia and Thailand all feature on the list of highest humidity, though Alaska comes top. 

The moisture in humid air means that the hair’s keratin protein can form weak hydrogen bonds, with the end result that the hair folds back on itself at the molecular level at a greater rate, changing its shape.

Sarah at Salon 70 explained, ‘We all love the sun. We religiously apply our factor 50 but tend to forget our hair also needs protection. Wrapping a scarf around your hair, or wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect your hair from sun damage. I would also avoid chlorine and salt water which dries out the hair. 

‘I always pack Wella Professionals’ Invigo Sun Care for Hair set which contains a trio of summer haircare essentials to help protect and moisturise hair before, during and after sun exposure. Look for a leave in conditioner spray that will keep your hair full of moisture and protect from UVA.

‘As for hair styling, I suggest trying a top knot during the day. You need to avoid doing the same style each day or your scalp could burn. Evening hair is tricky, nobody wants to blow dry, so wet-look styles are great. Plaits, ponytails or low buns can work for most occasions.’  

Bloom’s Katie Davidson added, ‘Holiday hair should be low maintenance. French or Dutch plaits work well for beach or pool days. Use a conditioner or masque if possible. I suggest Keune’s Vital Nutrition range. It’s great for dry and dull hair and adds an extra layer of protection from sun and chlorine. It also protects your scalp from sun exposure. They also do a UV protection spray called Color Brillianz.

‘Try a loose textured ponytail for evenings. This can be easily created by making 3 sections and tying them off. The middle one needs to be tighter, twist the 2 outside sections and loop them over the ponytail and pull apart to loosen. Finish with a hairspray for hold and humidity protection.’

Put your hair products in ziplock bags and stow in your hold luggage to avoid the hassle of getting liquids through airport security. If you’re travelling light, look for travel packs of your favourite hair products in chemists or supermarkets or pick up a set of small plastic travel bottles and fill those.

Now all you have to do is decide if you really need six pairs of shoes for a week away…