Traveling to sunny destinations can be a dream come true! Just think about it for a second: there are endless blue skies, warm beaches, and plenty of outdoor adventures- and don’t forget those cute outfits like resort wear, too! Just left and right, there’s something to fall head over heels for, right? However, while you’re enjoying the sunshine, your hair and scalp might be suffering. So, everyone knows that they’ll need sunscreen in tropical locations, but that’s not all though!
While, of course, you need to pack the right hair care products and keep on top of your health, there’s still a lot more that goes into this, too! But what? Well, sun exposure can lead to dryness, damage, and even scalp issues if not properly managed. But don’t worry! With a few simple steps, you can keep your hair healthy and beautiful throughout your sunny vacation. Here’s how.
Choose the Right Hat
One of the easiest and most stylish ways to protect your hair and scalp from the sun is by wearing a hat. Yes, they’re adorable, and they’re the perfect look for sunny weather, but at the end of the day, they do have a true purpose. So, a wide-brimmed hat can shield your entire head, face, and neck from the harsh rays of the sun.
Not only does this provide excellent protection, but it also adds a chic touch to your vacation outfits. Ideally, you’ll want to opt for hats made from breathable materials like straw or cotton to keep your head cool and comfortable. Plus, wearing a hat can save you from bad hair days, making it a win-win accessory for any sunny trip.
Embrace the Power of SPF For Hair
Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from UV rays. You better believe that many people overlook this, too! But there are products specifically designed to shield your hair from sun damage. Look for hair sprays or leave-in conditioners with built-in SPF. These products can help prevent color fading, dryness, and breakage caused by sun exposure. You just need to be sure to apply them generously before heading out and reapply as needed, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
Are You Using the Right Shampoo?
While yes, that sun-kissed look can look adorable on your cheeks, it’s not ideal for your hair. Actually, that copper look that’s super prevalent in blonds and brunettes in the summer is a good indicator that your hair is getting damaged by the sun. So, each of them should have their own if they want that coppery red look.
Now, you better believe that sun damage is super prevalent, even if you think the look suits you. So ideally, you’ll need to get either purple shampoo if you’re blonde or blue shampoo if you’re a brunette. But what does blue shampoo do? Well, it’s similar to purple shampoo, where it’s meant to draw out those warm red undertones. So, it helps make your hair look more natural, rather than random patches of dark undertones.
Keep Hydrated
It’s so important to understand that sun exposure can leave your hair feeling parched and brittle. So you’ll have to combat this by keeping your hair well-hydrated. Start with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to give your hair a good foundation of hydration.
On top of that, consider using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once or twice a week during your vacation. These treatments can penetrate deep into your hair, replenishing moisture and repairing any damage caused by the sun. So, just remember, hydrated hair is happy hair!
Avoid Heat Styling
For the most part, when traveling, there just isn’t really much of a chance to style your hair. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally, then good luck even trying to use your hair straightener or curler. Besides, while on vacation, it’s tempting to use heat styling tools to achieve perfect beach waves or sleek evening looks.
But you need to keep in mind that combining sun exposure with heat styling can be a recipe for disaster. Yes, a massive disaster! So, the sun already puts stress on your hair, and adding more heat can lead to severe damage. Instead, embrace your natural texture and opt for heat-free styling methods. Braids, buns, and twists are great options that can give you beautiful, effortless looks without the heat. If you must use heat tools, always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Rinse After Swimming
It really doesn’t matter whether you’re taking a dip in the ocean or lounging by the pool; it’s important to rinse your hair after swimming! There’s a reason why there are showers on beaches and next to pools.
Always do this! But why? Well, the chlorine from pools and saltwater from the ocean can be harsh on your hair, stripping it of natural oils and causing dryness. After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove any residual salt or chlorine. If possible, follow up with a hydrating conditioner to keep your hair soft and smooth.
Keep Your Scalp Healthy
So this circles back to wearing a hat from earlier; it’s to protect your scalp! Protecting your scalp is just as important as protecting your hair. Why? Well, prolonged sun exposure can lead to a sunburned scalp, which is not only painful but can also cause flaking and peeling.
So, by all means, you need to avoid this by applying sunscreen to your part line or any exposed areas of your scalp. You can use a spray sunscreen for easier application. Alternatively, consider wearing a floppy sunhat, bandana, or headscarf to cover your scalp while adding a touch of flair to your look.
Consider Certain Hairstyles
Certain hairstyles can provide extra protection for your hair in sunny environments. It’s something that a lot of people don’t know about (as it seems that it is mostly used to keep hair off sweaty skin). But hairstyles like braids, buns, and ponytails can help reduce the exposure of your hair to the sun. These styles also help prevent tangling and damage from wind (which is super common during hikes or going up anywhere high up). Besides, who doesn’t love the effortless look that these offer?
Avoid Overwashing
While it might be tempting to wash your hair frequently to combat sweat and sunscreen buildup, overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils. Yes, it’s super hard to stop yourself from this temptation, but it’s so important for your hair and scalp that you do! These oils are essential for keeping your hair moisturized and protected. Instead, just try to limit washing your hair to every other day or even less frequently if possible. On non-wash days, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh. This will help maintain the natural balance of oils in your hair, keeping it healthy and resilient.
Bring Some Travel-Size Hair Oil With You
Hands down, hair oils can be a lifesaver when it comes to protecting your hair in sunny conditions. A good hair oil can add an extra layer of protection, sealing in moisture and shielding your hair from the sun’s harsh rays. Look for lightweight oils like argan oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. You can either bring some with you in a travel-size bottle, or you could instead just buy some while you’re out traveling (as these are pretty common).
Don’t Forget the Aftercare
Once your sunny adventure is over, it’s time to give your hair some extra TLC. After returning home, treat your hair to a nourishing deep conditioning treatment or a professional hair mask to restore any lost moisture and repair any damage. Of course, it depends on how long you’re gone, but using at least one hair mask is going to help your hair massively.
