A sun-soaked holiday is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and show off your gorgeous hair – especially if you’ve recently had highlights. However, if you’re not careful, your bright new color can quickly fade, turn brassy, or even become dry and brittle due to sun, sea, and chlorine exposure. That’s why a bit of holiday hair prep – and care – is essential to keep your highlights looking salon-fresh from takeoff to touchdown.
Here’s your complete guide to caring for highlighted or colored hair while you’re away – including when to book your appointment, the best products to use, and how to protect your locks from sun, sea, and pool water.
When’s the Best Time to Get Highlights Before a Holiday?
Timing is everything when it comes to coloring your hair before a trip. Ideally, you should get your highlights done 7–10 days before your holiday. This allows the color to settle, giving your hair time to recover from any potential dryness caused by the lightening process.
Avoid getting your hair colored the day before you travel – not only does it leave no room for adjustments or corrections, but freshly colored hair is also more porous, making it more vulnerable to UV damage, saltwater, and chlorine.
Shampoo Tips: Keep That Color Vibrant
Colored and highlighted hair requires extra care and attention, especially in hot climates. The proper shampoo can make a huge difference:
- Choose a sulphate-free, color-safe shampoo: Sulphates can strip your hair of its herbal oils and your gorgeous new color. Look for shampoos that are specifically labelled “safe for color-treated hair” or “for highlighted hair.”
- Use a purple or blue shampoo once per week: These are great for neutralising any unwanted brassy or yellow tones, especially if you’ve got blonde or ash highlights. But don’t overdo it – once or twice a week is plenty.
- Clarifying shampoo (use sparingly): If you’ve been swimming, a clarifying shampoo can help cast off chlorine or salt buildup. Just make sure to follow with a deep conditioner.
Pool and Sea: Protecting Your Highlights in Water
Swimming is one of the joys of being on holiday – but both saltwater and chlorinated pool water can wreak havoc on highlighted hair. Here’s how to stay protected:
Wet Your Hair First
Before leaping into the pool or ocean, wet your hair with clean, fresh water. Hair acts like a sponge – if it’s already saturated with clean water, it won’t absorb as much salt or chlorine.
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Mask
Use a leave-in conditioner or protective hair mask before swimming. Not only does this help shield your strands, but many products also create a barrier against harsh elements. Bonus tip: Choose a product with UV protection or sunscreen for hair – it helps protect the color from fading in the sun.
Wear a Swim Cap or Tie Your Hair Up
If you plan to do serious laps or spend a long time in the water, remember to wear a swim cap to defend your hair. Not your style? At least tie your hair into a bun or braid to minimise exposure and tangling.
Rinse Immediately After Swimming
Once you’re done swimming, rinse your hair straight away with freshwater. The longer salt or chlorine sits on your hair, the more damage it can cause.
Sun Protection for Hair: Yes, It’s a Thing Much like your skin, your hair can get sun-damaged. UV rays can fade your highlights, dry out your strands, and weaken the hair shaft.
Use hair products with UV filters: Sprays, oils, and creams with built-in sun protection act as a form of sunscreen for your hair.
Cover up: A hat, scarf, or head wrap not only makes a stylish statement but also gives your hair much-needed shade.
Daily conditioner or hair oil: Apply a lightweight conditioner or oil during the day to keep your strands hydrated and smooth.
Deep Conditioning and After-Sun Hair Care:
When you’re on holiday, your hair needs extra moisture to counteract dryness caused by heat, salt, and chlorine.
Use a deep conditioner or hair mask: 2–3 times a week for optimal results. Look for ingredients like keratin, argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.
Leave-in sprays and creams:can help detangle and smooth your hair after a day at the beach.
Avoid heat styling when possible: Give your hair a break from straighteners or curling irons while you’re in the sun – your strands are already dealing with enough stress.
Professional Care Before and After Your Holiday
To give your highlights the best chance of surviving your getaway intact, consider these professional tips:
Before Your Holiday:
Book a glossing treatment to add shine and seal the cuticle.
Ask your stylist for a bond-building treatment, such as Olaplex, to strengthen your hair before exposure to the sun and water.
After Your Holiday:
Schedule a toning or refreshing treatment if your highlights have gone brassy or dull.
Trim away any dry or split ends to maintain the health of your hair.
Final Thoughts
Highlights can instantly brighten your look and give you that sun-kissed glow – but keeping them vibrant and healthy while on holiday takes a little care and planning. With the right timing, products, and precautions, you can enjoy every moment in the sun without compromising your colour.
Whether you’re lounging poolside or diving into turquoise seas, your hair will thank you for the extra attention – and you’ll return from your trip glowing from head to toe.
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