Holidays do wonderful things for our wellbeing – but why is it that our summer trips in the sun are so unkind to our hair?
That post-holiday feeling of dull, dry, straw-like hair that’s lost all its tone and shine is something so many of us know far too well. But here’s what I truly believe: with the right approach, it is absolutely possible to come home from holiday with better hair than when you left. Let me show you how.
Clare Hansford, Headmasters Creative Director
Why Does the Sun Damage Hair?
Understanding what’s happening to your hair on holiday makes it so much easier to protect.
Hair strands have protective cuticle scales on the surface which, when laying flat, lock in colour and moisture and reflect light for natural shine. Unfortunately, UV rays, sea salt and chlorine all cause those protective scales to lift. Once they’re open, colour fades, moisture escapes and hair becomes dull, dry and frizzy.
The good news? Protecting against all three factors is completely achievable with the right products in your beach bag.
Out and About – Sightseeing and Sun Protection
If you’re out exploring and want to keep your hair loose and free, the Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirène is your new favourite travel companion.
This lightweight bi-phase oil mist can be spritzed through the hair throughout the day to protect against UV rays and the drying effects of heat and humidity. Additionally, it adds a beautiful weightless shine and a little texture. It takes up almost no space in your bag and makes a genuinely noticeable difference to how your hair looks and feels by the end of a long day in the sun.
Beach and Pool Days – Mask Up
For beach or poolside days, this is my number one tip – and it’s one that my clients always come back and thank me for! Apply a hair mask generously to towel-dried hair, twist it up into a chic bun and let it work its magic while you soak up the sun. You’re protecting your hair from the elements while deeply hydrating at the same time. It’s the ultimate two-in-one.
One of my favourites for this are the Redken ABC 5-Minute Mask for its brilliant added bond repair – perfect for colour-treated or lightened hair.
I also love the Kérastase Curl Manifesto Masque for its rich, deep nourishment, which is especially wonderful for wavy or curly hair that tends to really feel the effects of humidity and salt water.
If you’re going under the water in the pool or sea, rinse your hair as soon as you get out to remove every trace of salt and chlorine. Moreover, reapply your mask before twisting it back up. It takes two minutes and makes a huge difference to how your hair feels by the end of the day.
The Post-Holiday Ritual – Bring the Spa Home
Once you’re home, the relaxation doesn’t need to stop. Keep using your mask weekly and recreate the sun lounger effect by wrapping your hair in a towel after application. Give yourself ten minutes while it works its magic.
Better still – invest in a Heated Hair Bonnet. For under £20, this brilliant little tool heats your head while the mask it one, helping it penetrate the hair fibre far more deeply than it would at room temperature. Pop it on, sit back, close your eyes and daydream of sunshine for a few minutes. Your hair will thank you for it – and honestly, so will you.
Book a Post-Holiday Treatment
If your hair has already taken a hit this summer, an in-salon treatment is the fastest way to restore shine, strength and condition. Our Kérastase Fusio Dose + Serum delivers instant, visible results from the very first session. It is the perfect post-holiday reset for colour-treated hair. Book an appointment at your nearest Headmasters salon today.
For more summer hair care advice, read our full summer hair essentials guide here.
Love these tips? Keep an eye out for our Glam Guides on sections in your nearest Headmasters salon. These are a curated edit of the season’s best style trends, product picks and expert advice from our stylists. They are available to read in salons now.
