Holiday Hair Packing Checklist: Keep Your Locks Luscious in Sunny Climates

As the summer sun beckons and holiday plans come to life, it’s time to prepare for sun-soaked days and balmy nights. While you might be excited about sunbathing, swimming, and exploring, your hair might be in for a rough ride. Sunny climates can wreak havoc on your hair if you’re not prepared. Here’s your ultimate holiday hair packing checklist to ensure your locks remain luscious throughout your holiday.

What Can Harm Your Hair in Sunny Climates?

1. UV Rays

The sun’s UV rays can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and colour fading. Just like your skin, your hair and hair extensions need protection from harmful UV radiation. 

2. Saltwater

A dip in the sea is refreshing, but the high salt content can dry out your hair and scalp. Saltwater can also cause colour-treated hair, such as hair extensions to fade and become brittle.

3. Chlorine

Swimming pools are great for a cool-off, but chlorine can be incredibly damaging. It strips hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and potential discolouration, especially in chemically treated hair.

4. Humidity

While humidity can give you that beachy wave look, it can also lead to frizz and unmanageable hair. The increased moisture in the air causes the hair cuticle to swell, resulting in flyaways and a lack of smoothness.

5. Wind

Wind can tangle your hair and cause breakage. It can also contribute to dryness, especially when combined with the sun and saltwater.

6. Sunscreen

While sunscreen is an absolute essential to protect your skin from sun damage, many sunscreens can cause discolouration to hair extensions and highlighted hair if your hair comes into contact with your sunscreened skin due to the catchily named ingredient, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane.

Holiday Hair Packing Checklist

1. Extension-friendly sunscreen

Don’t compromise your skin protection to save your extensions, choose a sunscreen that doesn’t contain butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, such as Ultrasun SPF Extreme and keep your hair off your skin when using sunscreen by tying in a topknot.

2. Protective Accessories

Don’t forget to pack hats, scarves, and hairbands. These can protect your hair and scalp from direct sunlight and wind while adding a stylish touch to your holiday wardrobe.

3. Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

Opt for a premium hydrating shampoo and conditioner to use during your holiday. These products will help replenish moisture and keep your hair soft and manageable. Don’t risk it with the hotel freebies!  Hair Rehab’s Hair Extensions Shampoo and Conditioner are packed with top quality natural ingredients that will keep your hair nourished on holiday and is perfect for all hair types, whether you wear extensions or not.

4. Hair Mask

A Hydrating hair mask can work wonders. Use it once or twice a week to give your hair an intense moisture boost and repair any damage.

5. Wide-Tooth Comb

A wide-tooth comb is gentler on your hair, especially when it’s wet. It helps to detangle hair without causing breakage. 

6. Microfibre Towel

A microfibre towel is much gentler on your hair compared to regular towels. It reduces friction, helping to prevent frizz and breakage.

7. Hair Oil

Hair Rehab LDN® Nourishing Argan Oil Serum can provide much-needed nourishment and shine. It also helps to tame frizz and protect against environmental damage.

8. Travel-Sized Containers

For a few pounds you can stock up on some travel-sized containers to decant your favourite products into. This way, you can keep your hair care routine consistent without carrying bulky bottles.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair on Holiday

• Rinse Before and After Swimming: Rinse your hair with fresh water before taking a dip in the pool or sea and apply a generous coating of conditioner or a swimming cap to minimise absorption of chlorine or salt. Wash and condition thoroughly afterwards to remove any lingering chemicals or salt.
• Avoid Heat Styling: Give your hair a break from heat styling tools. The Hair Rehab Luxury Silk Heatless Curler is not only lighter-weight than your electric curling iron but there’s no need for an adapter plug and it comes with its own handy travel bag.
  
  
• Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
• Gentle Styling: Use gentle hair ties and avoid tight hairstyles that can stress your hair and scalp.  Hair Rehab Luxury Silk Scrunchies will hold your hair securely without causing damage.

By packing the right products and following these tips, you can enjoy your sunny holiday without sacrificing your hair’s health and beauty. So, grab your suitcase, check off this hair care checklist, and get ready to shine!

Main image credit: @ashleyleehair