The Ultimate Holiday Hair Guide: How To Keep Your Hair Looking Salon-Fresh All Summer
There is something wonderfully transformative about travel.
Whether it’s a week on the coast, a long-awaited city escape or a summer spent exploring somewhere new, holidays offer a chance to step away from routine and embrace a different pace of life.
Your hair, however, experiences something rather different. Sun exposure, humidity, sea water, chlorine, air conditioning and long-haul travel can all affect the condition, colour and manageability of your hair. It’s one of the reasons clients often tell us that their hair feels completely different by the time they return home.
At Paul Edmonds London, we believe great holiday hair starts long before you reach the airport.
With the right salon preparation, personalised aftercare and expertly chosen travel essentials, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair throughout your travels and beyond.
Why Your Hair Behaves Differently On Holiday
The environment you place your hair in has a significant impact on how it looks and feels.
UV exposure can accelerate colour fade, particularly in blondes, brunettes with glossing services and fashion colours. Salt water and chlorine can leave hair dehydrated, while heat and humidity often increase frizz and reduce styling longevity.
Even a short city break can expose hair to pollution, changing water quality and environmental stressors that differ from those at home.
This is why the products and routines that work beautifully in your everyday life may need adjusting when you travel.
As Paul Edmonds explains:
“One of the most common mistakes we see is clients investing in beautiful colour before their holiday but not adapting their haircare routine for the environment they’re travelling into. Whether you’re heading to the Mediterranean, enjoying a European city break or travelling further afield, the right aftercare can make a significant difference to how your hair looks and feels throughout your trip.”
Introducing The Paul Edmonds Holiday Hair Wardrobe
Just as you curate your holiday wardrobe, your haircare should be tailored to your destination.
Rather than overpacking products, we recommend choosing a collection of essentials designed to support your hair’s specific needs.
Our curated travel collections from Davines, Oribe, Kérastase and Shu Uemura make it easier than ever to maintain salon-quality hair wherever summer takes you.
For Beach Escapes
Sun, sea water and high temperatures can leave hair feeling dry, rough and difficult to manage.
Look for:
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Hydrating shampoos and conditioners
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Nourishing hair oils
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UV-protective products
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Leave-in treatments
Many clients preparing for beach holidays also enjoy reading our guide to maintaining healthy hair during the summer months and protecting colour between appointments.
For City Breaks
A city break often requires versatility. Hair needs to move effortlessly from sightseeing during the day to dinner and events in the evening.
Travel-sized styling products, lightweight oils and humidity-resistant formulas help maintain polished, effortless hair throughout your trip.
For Long-Haul Travel
Flights can be surprisingly dehydrating for both hair and scalp.
Overnight masks, nourishing oils and moisture-focused haircare can help preserve softness and shine during travel while minimising dryness caused by cabin air.
For Colour-Treated Hair
Protecting colour should be a priority throughout summer.
Clients investing in balayage, highlights, glossing services or colour transformations often see significantly better longevity when combining professional services with targeted homecare.
For inspiration, explore our articles on colour maintenance, glossing services and the latest colour trends currently loved by our clients.
Before You Travel: The Treatments We Recommend
One of the simplest ways to improve the condition of your hair throughout your holiday is to prepare it professionally before you leave.
K18 Treatment
Ideal for clients with damaged, highlighted or colour-treated hair seeking strength and resilience before travel.
Fusio Dose
A personalised treatment designed around your individual hair concerns, helping to boost hydration, softness and manageability.
Metal Detox Treatment
Particularly beneficial for swimmers and frequent travellers, helping to reduce the impact of mineral build-up and environmental aggressors.
Chronologiste Ritual
One of our most luxurious treatments, perfect for clients seeking exceptional softness, shine and scalp care before departure.
Davines Tailoring Treatments
Customised treatments that can be adapted to your hair’s changing seasonal needs.
The Travel Essentials Our Team Pack First
When it comes to travel, convenience matters.
Our collection of luxury travel-sized products and curated sets allows you to enjoy professional haircare without compromising valuable luggage space.
Discover travel essentials from:
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Davines
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Oribe
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Kérastase
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Shu Uemura
Each collection has been selected by the Paul Edmonds team to help support healthy, beautiful hair wherever your journey takes you.
Returning From Holiday? Your Hair Recovery Plan
The weeks immediately after your holiday are often the most important.
Hair may feel drier, colour can appear less vibrant and environmental exposure can leave hair needing additional care.
A post-holiday appointment can help restore condition, refresh colour and rebalance the hair following travel.
Depending on your needs, your stylist may recommend:
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A glossing service
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Collagen Treatment or S-A-M Treatment
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K18 treatment
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Fusio Dose treatment
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Chronologiste Ritual
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Colour refresh services
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Bespoke homecare recommendations
Continue Your Hair Journey
Looking for more expert advice?
Explore some of our most popular guides:
Each article has been created by the Paul Edmonds London team to help you achieve healthy, beautiful hair every day of the year.
Discover The Holiday Hair Edit
From luxury travel collections and professional treatments to personalised recommendations from our expert team, everything you need for healthy summer hair can be found at Paul Edmonds London.
Browse our Holiday Hair Edit online or speak with your stylist during your next appointment for a tailored recommendation designed around your destination, hair goals and travel plans.
Holiday Haircare FAQs Answered By Paul Edmonds London
What Hair Products Should I Take On Holiday?
The best travel haircare products depend on your destination, hair type and lifestyle. For most travellers, we recommend a nourishing shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatment and protective styling product. Travel-sized collections from Davines, Oribe, Kérastase and Shu Uemura make it easy to maintain your usual routine while travelling.
How Do I Stop My Hair Becoming Dry On Holiday?
Sun exposure, sea water, chlorine and air conditioning can all contribute to dehydration. Hydrating shampoos, conditioning treatments and nourishing oils help replenish moisture and maintain softness throughout your trip.
How Do I Protect Coloured Hair On Holiday?
Colour-treated hair benefits from UV protection, regular hydration and colour-safe formulas. Booking a professional treatment before travel can also help strengthen and protect the hair fibre before exposure to the elements.
What Is The Best Haircare Routine For A Beach Holiday?
For beach destinations, we recommend cleansing gently, replenishing moisture daily and using leave-in protection before prolonged sun exposure. A lightweight hair oil can also help combat dryness and frizz.
How Do I Protect My Hair From Chlorine And Salt Water?
Rinsing hair with fresh water before swimming can help minimise absorption. Following up with nourishing aftercare and a restorative treatment after your holiday helps maintain condition and shine.
Are Travel-Size Hair Products Worth Buying?
Travel-sized products allow you to continue using professional formulations without compromising luggage space. They are also an excellent way to discover new collections before committing to full-size products.
What Hair Products Should I Pack For Hand Luggage?
Products under airline liquid restrictions are ideal for carry-on travel. Mini shampoos, conditioners, hair oils and styling products ensure your haircare routine remains uninterrupted wherever you travel.
