Hair repair: how to fix 3 types of summer holiday hair damage
Sun, sea, sand…and sizzled hair. Summer getaways are the perfect remedy for a frazzled mind, but the same isn't necessarily true for your hair!
There's a good chance you've noticed dryness, breakage, and brassiness since returning from your summer jaunt. If this sounds familiar, then fear not! We've got the rescue remedies you need to get your tresses back into tip-top condition, plus advice for protecting your hair in the future.
Why does my hair feel damaged after summer holidays?
Many of the things we enjoy most about our beach holidays — sun, sea, swimming pools, and sea breezes — can be extremely damaging to hair. Paul and the team often see clients back from their summer holidays, concerned over chlorine-damaged hair, sun-damaged hair, or brassiness.
UV rays and wind cause oxidative stress, which leads to breakage and colour fade. Saltwater and chlorine dry out the hair and sap moisture from your scalp. Throw heated styling and over-washing into the mix, and you've got a recipe for hair disaster.
Our stylists have handpicked a selection of tailored recommendations for the three top post-holiday concerns: damage, brassiness, and dryness.
Post-holiday hair repair at home
Dryness: Shu Uemura Urban Moisture
Dryness is one of the most common post-holiday hair complaints. Swimming in chlorine or salt water can strip your hair and scalp of hydration, not to mention the brittle dryness caused by long hours in the hot sun.
Paul recommends the Shu Uemura Urban Moisture range to give hair a post-holiday hydration boost. He suggests using the lightweight formula for up to a month before returning to your usual regime. For an even better hit of hydration, use the masque in place of a conditioner.
Brassy hair: Shu Uemura Yubi Blonde
Combat discolouration and unwanted yellow tones with a powerhouse neutraliser like Shu Uemura Yubi Blonde. It restores colour and deeply nourishes using two key infusions: Japanese cool pigment technology and rare white peony. Blue and purple pigments counteract the yellow and orange tones, while the peony infusion calms and cares for the hair.
If you're a brunette or like to touch up your grey roots, bring your colour back to full lustre with the Kérastase Chroma Absolu range. It's an acid-based care range formulated to exfoliate and seal the surface of the hair strand to reduce frizz, restore health, and protect colour.
Read more: banish brassy hair with these superstar neutralisers
Damage: Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Masque
Have you noticed breakage and damage after your holiday in the sun? Not to worry — Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Masque can repair the most damaged hair. It's enriched with Japanese-sourced rice extract and vital minerals to help fortify hair from root to tip. Ultimate Reset prevents breakage and is even safe to use on coloured hair. It's your go-to post-holiday hair repair treatment!
In-salon treatments for post-holiday hair
Collagen Infusion Treatment
Some post-holiday hair damage needs a professional touch before it can begin to heal. Book a Collagen Infusion Treatment and help restore your hair's moisture, strength, and shine. It's not just great for your hair — a few hours of being pampered in our salon also makes a wonderful remedy for post-holiday blues!
Haircut or trim
Repair damage and split ends by booking a haircut at the salon. Your stylist can remove split, dry ends with a simple trim and treat you to a complimentary mask at the backwash as part of your pre-cut cleanse.
Our experts will recommend a restorative or hydrating mask to help kickstart your hair's recovery. You can also request specialist treatments at the backwash to help solve any post-holiday hair issues you've been having!
Preventative measures for future holidays
Wear a hat
By simply wearing a hat, you can limit your hair's exposure to UV rays and wind. A glamorous, wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your hair and face and out of your eyes. You could even apply a treatment masque and pop your hat over it so no one's the wiser!
Use hair protection
You've got plenty of options when it comes to holiday hair defence! Spritz a light sunscreen like Heliocare 360 Invisible Spray onto your hair or apply Brush On Block® down your parting and around your hairline. Protective leave-in treatments like Kérastase Soleil Huile Siréne can be applied multiple times to keep hair moisturised and silky for up to 24 hours.
Read more: Sun safety for hair, body, and face
Avoid brushing wet hair
You might be tempted to detangle your hair after a quick dip, but don't! Hair is more elasticated while wet, so combing and detangling can overextend your strands and cause them to snap. To avoid beach tangles, try putting your hair into a loose plait.
Rinse, rinse, rinse
Remove build-up by regularly rinsing your hair before and after taking a dip in the pool or the sea. A pre-swim rinse can stop your hair from soaking up excess chlorine or salt water, and rinsing afterwards helps take off the worst of the residue to stop your hair from turning brittle.
Indulge in a poolside treatment
Keep on top of your holiday hair care by applying a treatment while lounging by the pool. Apply a moisturising, reparative, or protective hair masque, then slick your hair back and make it a statement 'wet' look. Is it boujee? Yes. Will your hair thank you for it? Absolutely.
Are you ready to start your post-holiday hair care routine? Book a specialist in-salon treatment today or head to the online shop and treat yourself to a restorative miracle worker.