A dip in the pool, salt water against the skin and warm summer days – it all sounds dreamy. That is until you get home and realise that combination isn’t quite so dreamy for your hair.
We all want to feel our best on a summer getaway and plenty of prep goes into it. Nails, tan, hair – we could go on. But we tend to think less about the aftermath once the sun, salt water and chlorine have taken their toll.
‘As we age, hair becomes more brittle, so add the environmental factors of a holiday to this, and you’ll definitely notice a difference in the texture of your hair,’ says top hairstylist and founder of Trinder Hair Studios, Marc Trinder.
He explains, ‘Hair can look noticeably more fragile after being baked in the sun. Split ends are one thing, but you can also get a build-up of salt, chlorine and lotion.’
So, once you’ve landed back on British soil, what can you do? (Besides avoiding the post-holiday washing pile, of course.)
Scrub summer away
First port of call? A good scrub. ‘In the same way that you might exfoliate your body to remove dry skin and make your skin glow, it’s a really good idea to give your hair and scalp a detox cleanse when you get home,’ says Marc.
This will help to shift the build-up of salt, chlorine and sun cream that’s made its way into your hair. For this, Marc recommends the Davines Detoxifying Scrub Shampoo.
Davines Natural Tech Detoxifying Scrub Shampoo
‘I also recommend the full Davines SU range as it is specifically designed for protecting hair in the sun, then replenishing it after it’s been exposed to sun and chlorine,’ he adds.
Give damaged strands a reset
Summer is, unfortunately, a recipe for dryness and split ends. To coax your hair back to its best, it’s worth giving it a proper post-holiday reset.
Of course, any good hair refresh starts in the salon chair. ‘A trim will instantly help revitalise your hair,’ says Marc. So say goodbye to those split ends (we promise they won’t be missed).
‘If you can, also have a little break from heat styling,’ Marc adds. It’s good advice at any time, but particularly when your hair has already faced a week or two against the elements. ‘If you have to, make sure you use a heat protection spray to protect the hair – especially when it’s already fragile.’
Get your colour back on track
They say blondes have more fun, but after a week in the pool, we could argue otherwise. If you have lighter strands, you might find they’ve brought home an unwanted holiday souvenir: a green or brassy tinge (gasp!).
‘This is caused by the copper in the water,’ explains Marc. ‘In order to remove the green tinge, you need to remove the copper elements.’
It all sounds a little like a science experiment, but thankfully, Marc tells us exactly how to tackle it.
‘The best way to do this is to deep-cleanse your hair or use shampoos that have metal purifiers in them. A clarifying shampoo should do the job nicely,’ he says.
But if you’re in need of an urgent fix, desperate times may call for desperate measures – don’t say we didn’t warn you.
‘If you’re really stuck, as awful as it sounds, tomato ketchup will help counteract the green tones,’ says Marc. ‘It’s the combination of the acid and red colour that makes it work so while it’s not pleasant, if you’re having a hair crisis and don’t have any clarifying shampoo, this could be a last-resort option!’
Might we suggest following up with a spritz of hair perfume?
Next time, get ahead of the damage
We might not be able to turn back time, but we can be a little more prepared for the next holiday. A few simple precautions can help spare your hair the post-holiday hassle.
‘In the same way that you protect your skin, it’s important to protect your hair and scalp on holiday,’ says Marc. ‘It can all be avoided with hair protection sprays, intensive moisture masks, wearing a hat during extreme heat.’ Consider these your carry-on essentials.
And the easiest measure of all? It’s quick and free, but something that's often overlooked. ‘Wet your hair before going in the pool,’ advises Marc. ‘Doing this beforehand means it will absorb less pool water.’
Your hair will thank you.
