Can you really have happy holiday hair? Well, no one understands potential holiday-hair hell more than our salon sisters, says beauty expert Jo Glanville-Blackburn, so she’s asked a few of the top international female hairdressers to share their secrets.
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Take control
“You know what, I actually think that you can have happy holiday hair,” says hair pro Lisa Shepherd. “In fact, for some of us – i.e. those with flat, thin hair – it may look better: salty sea spray = double the volume!” She obviously talks from experience but if, like me, your hair just seems to get wider whatever the weather, its a different story.
Top holiday hair tip: “Choose a styling cream instead of trendy hair oil, as these give more moisture and control.” “Dry hair is ageing,” says celebrity hairdresser Denise McAdam. “Summer hair is all about condition and, as a woman with curly hair, I have two choices: flatten it with a Brazilian-style salon treatment, or embrace my curls and take it on the chin!”
The No. 1 Trick
Leave in cream before, during and after a dip in the pool or sea to keep your hair protected from chlorine and saltwater. This will also leave it deeply nourished, because you’re harnessing the sun’s rays to open the hair cuticles, allowing the conditioner to penetrate further.
Massage Lee Stafford Here Come The Curls Creme Lite, R109,95 for 100ml, into damp hair to prevent crunchy curls. Give hair a moisture boost with Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Afro-Moisturising Butter, R79,95 for 250ml.
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Don’t stress, but…
“Do wash chlorine out of your hair every day you’re away,” says pro hair colourist Nicola Clarke, “otherwise it will build up and can turn blonde hair green.” Use a good-quality sulphate-free shampoo to help protect colour and get rid of chlorine and saltwater. We like the antioxidant-rich Hask Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Shampoo, R159,95 for 355ml.
Top holiday hair tip: “Don’t blow-dry your hair too much when you’re on holiday. Embrace a more relaxed, beachy look by applying some mousse to damp hair and simply letting it dry naturally,” says Denise.
Treat coloured hair well
Try intensely moisturising hair masks like Dove Nutritive Solutions Nourishing Oil Care Treatment Mask, R74,99 for 200ml, ideal for dry, frizzy hair. It takes five minutes, but on holiday, leave it on for 20.
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From the first time you use the L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Shampoo, R74,95 for 400ml, your hair will shine; it’s like smothering locks in liquid gold!
Top holiday hair tip: “While the majority of us wouldn’t dream of going into the sun without sunscreen on our skin, it amazes me to see how many people don’t think that their hair needs the same protection,” says Karine Jackson, an expert in organic hair colour. “It’s like exposing hair to a constant dryer on full heat – essentially sapping out moisture, leaving it coarse, frazzled and damaged.” Protect tresses with System Professional Solar Helio Spray, R398 for 125ml – it’s like SPF, but for your hair.
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Words: Jo Glanville-Blackburn. Additional Words: Martinique Stevens
