As spring arrives in Denver, some of us are already planning (or about to embark on) a spring break trip or early summer getaway. We’re all dreaming of a warm, sunny spot where we can rest, relax, and recuperate from the winter blues and work-related stress. But are you planning to protect your hair on vacation?
It may not be the first thing you think about, but a week on the beach or at the pool can wreak havoc on your hair. This is especially true for color-treated and chemically straightened locks. Even the healthiest hair can take a beating when exposed to high levels of chlorine in most swimming pools, and wind, sand, sun, and salt water don’t help much either!
Here are a few pointers on taking care of your hair while you’re busy soaking up the sun and frolicking in the waves.
Pack a Wide-Brimmed Hat
The best way to avoid sun-damaged hair is to cover it with a stylish, wide-brimmed hat. It’ll protect your hair, your scalp, and even your face. Plus, you’ll look chic and “beachy” at the same time!
Of course, with the promise of sun, sand, and adventure, we know it’s unreasonable to expect our clients to wear a sunhat every moment of vacation. So, let’s explore a few other recommendations to protect your hair on vacation.
Pack High-Quality Travel-Sized Hair Products
Forget the drugstore bargain travel-size bin. If you’re serious about keeping your hair healthy and happy, pack high-quality products. Some of our favorites brands (Oribe, Kevin Murphy, and Kérastase) offer superior formulas that remove build-up caused by sand, saltwater, and sunscreen. They also offer products designed to protect your strands from sun damage and chlorine exposure. Best of all, they come in perfectly portioned travel-sizes that fit in your carry-on.
One of our favorites for on-the-go care is Kevin Murphy’s RE.STORE. This top-of-the-line cleansing conditioner replenishes moisture that’s lost to the drying effects of sun and wind, bringing your hair back to bouncy, shiny and hydrated. For build-up, consider Oribe’s “The Cleanse” clarifying shampoo and conditioner. And don’t forget to pack a great color-protecting product from Kérastase. Our stylists love Bain Chromatique Riche multi-protecting shampoo and Fondant Chromatique multi-protecting conditioner. Ask your stylist for recommendations and for availability of travel-size preparations.
Limit Your Exposure
Too much of a good thing can be as bad as not enough, so limit your sun exposure, and be sure to protect your skin with a high-SPF sunscreen. Kérastase has a line of products called Soleil which – along with being super-nourishing – contain UV filters to protect your hair as well as your scalp. When your hair is exposed to the sun and UV-lights, its natural strength and fibers start to break down. With the Soleil range from Kérastase, chlorine and salt build-up is prevented while your color and fibers are protected from the damaging rays of the sun.
Don’t Neglect a Post-Pool/Beach Shower
It may not seem super important, but even a quick rinse can help rid your hair of debris and buildup. Don’t let all that gunk settle! Rinse off the sand, sweat, and salt with a quick post-swim shower. You’ll lessen the time that pollutants and grime sit on your hair and get perfectly authentic beachy waves in the process.
Visit Deseo Before You Go
A visit to your salon for a trim, a new cut, fresh color, etc., will ensure that you’re starting your vacation with the healthiest, best-looking hair possible. You’ve probably already spent some pre-trip time getting your beach body in shape, so doesn’t it make sense to do the same for your hair? And while you’re with your stylist, be sure to ask for more tips to care for your salon-fresh hair while you’re soaking up the sun and sipping Margaritas!
In Denver, your go-to salon is Deseo Salon & BlowDry. Our team of professional stylists and colorists are consistently on top of the latest style trends and hair-care breakthroughs, and we’re always ready to answer your questions and “prescribe” the right products for your individual styling and hair health needs! Book your appointment now, and get yourself head-to-toe ready for a little well-deserved fun in the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions: Protecting Your Hair on Vacation
Why is vacation especially damaging to color-treated or chemically straightened hair?
Color-treated and chemically straightened hair is already structurally more vulnerable than virgin hair because chemical processes open the hair cuticle and alter its natural composition. Exposure to chlorine, saltwater, UV rays, sand, and wind on vacation compounds this vulnerability, each element strips moisture, fades color, and weakens strands further. For chemically processed hair, a single beach week without proper protection can undo months of careful maintenance.
What is the best way to protect your hair from sun damage on vacation?
The simplest and most effective protection is a wide-brimmed hat, which shields your hair, scalp, and face simultaneously. For times when a hat isn’t practical, products with built-in UV filters are the next best line of defense. Kérastase’s Soleil line is specifically formulated to protect hair from UV rays, prevent chlorine and salt buildup, and nourish hair while you’re in the sun, making it a smart travel companion for any beach or pool vacation.
Should you bring professional hair products on vacation, or are drugstore travel products fine?
Professional travel-size products are worth packing, especially for color-treated hair. Brands like Oribe, Kevin Murphy, and Kérastase offer superior formulas in travel sizes that remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen buildup more effectively than drugstore alternatives. Kevin Murphy’s RE.STORE cleansing conditioner replenishes moisture lost to sun and wind. Oribe’s ‘The Cleanse’ clarifying shampoo removes buildup. And Kérastase’s Bain Chromatique Riche protects and maintains color vibrancy on the go.
What does Kevin Murphy RE.STORE do for vacation-damaged hair?
Kevin Murphy’s RE.STORE is a cleansing conditioner that replenishes the moisture lost to the drying effects of sun, wind, and salt during vacation. Unlike a standard shampoo that strips hair further, RE.STORE gently cleanses while simultaneously conditioning and rehydrating, making it ideal for daily use at the beach or pool. It restores bounce, shine, and hydration to hair that’s been exposed to multiple dehydrating elements throughout the day.
Why is rinsing your hair after swimming important, even without full shampoo?
Even a quick post-swim rinse with fresh water makes a significant difference. Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and sand all settle into the hair shaft if left to sit, causing cumulative damage and color fading over time. A quick rinse removes the bulk of these elements before they can penetrate further. As a bonus, rinsing salt water out of your hair while it’s still wet creates natural, authentic beachy waves without requiring any additional styling.
Should you get a salon appointment before going on vacation?
Yes, visiting your salon before a vacation ensures you’re starting your trip with the healthiest, best-conditioned hair possible. A fresh trim removes split ends that would otherwise worsen with vacation exposure, and a fresh color appointment maximizes how long your color stays vibrant before it fades in the sun. Your stylist can also recommend the specific travel-size products best suited to your hair type and the conditions you’ll encounter on your trip.
Where in Denver can you get a pre-vacation hair appointment and expert product recommendations for travel?
Deseo Salon & BlowDry in Denver is the ideal stop before any vacation. Their stylists and colorists can freshen your cut and color before your trip, recommend the right travel-size professional products from Kérastase, Kevin Murphy, and Oribe for your specific hair type, and give you personalized tips for protecting your hair throughout your time away. Located in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, Deseo serves clients from across the Denver metro area.
.