The Experts Reveal How to Fix Your Post-Holiday Hair

You’re recently back from holiday, you can still taste the sangria, and smell the faint scent of sunscreen. As your tan starts to fade and the post-holiday glow begins to dim, you run your fingers through your recently coloured hair to realise it’s been completely destroyed, eek. Yep, chlorine, sun, sea and heat can take its toll on your locks making them appear dry, damaged and frazzled. This is made even worse if you recently blew the budget on a new set of highlights before your trip or spent a week battling your frizz with heated tools. If this resonates or you’re about to go abroad and want to prevent your hair getting damaged, then you’re in the right place.

I have gathered some of the leading hair experts to reveal their ultimate hair hacks to PS UK. Whether you’re taking a city break or hitting the beach, these tips will help you whatever the destination.

Experts Featured in This Article

Jake Unger is head of education at HOB Academy

Joshua Goldsworthy is a hair stylist at Goldsworthy Salon and three times Stylist of the Year

Cos Sakkas is global creative director at Toni & Guy

Inanch Emir is salon & creative director

Hairmare Destination: City Break

“When hair fibres are exposed to a high concentration of pollutants, including traffic fumes, smoke and general dirt and grime, damage to the hair cuticle, cortex and keratin proteins (that make up the hair) can occur,” says Jake Unger, head of education at HOB, “This can leave strands dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.” According to Unger the solution is to always pack at least one product designed to protect and repair your hair. “A damage repair shampoo will not only wash away the pollutants at the end of the day, but also help strengthen bonds and reduce brittleness,” says Unger.” “Pair this with a repair conditioner and, if you’re planning an extended break, a moisturising hair mask to apply at least once during the holiday.”

Unger recommends Wella Salon Professional Ultimate Repair Shampoo (£22) and Wella Salon Professional Ultimate Repair Mask (£27)

Hairmare Destination: Beach

If you’re heading on a beach holiday then you need to prep. “Before holiday, book an in-salon moisturising treatment to make sure hair is in top condition,” says hairstylist Joshua Goldsworthy. “Long-term exposure to the sun will dry out hair, leaving it dry and brittle and lacking in lustre.” If you have coloured hair you need to think about using UV protection too. “The sun will fade your hair colour,” says Goldsworthy. “Protect hair with styling products that contain UV protection and by starting each beach day by applying a leave-in condition or a moisturising mask,” he says. Goldsworthy recommends Kerastase Crème UV Sublime Hair Cream (£29).

He also suggests ditching shampoos which contain sulphates. “These will just add to the drying-out effects of the sun,” he explains. He also suggested adding a clariying shampoo to your hair roster after a beach day to rid hair of salt or sand.

Hairmare Destination: Poolside

It is no surprise that chlorine damages hair – we’ve all seen the videos or post swim green locks. “Chlorine in the pool strips hair of its natural oils, drying it out and leaving it weakened and prone to split ends and even breakage,” explains Cos Sakkas, global creative director at Toni & Guy. “These same chemicals can also irritate your scalp, particularly if you have sensitive skin.” As for why chlorine can make your hair green this is all down to its reaction with chemicals such as copper, which can be found in water, according to Sakkas. “Your number one ally for a pool holiday should be a swimming cap, but we know that’s not everyone’s idea of holiday style,” he says. “However, a top tip is before a dip in the pool, saturate your hair with clean, chlorine-free water as this will make it less likely to absorb water from the pool.”

Once you get out the pool give your locks a good coating of a leave-in conditioner spray, “This can help tame frizz and revive curls following a dip,” says Sakkas. “Make sure to wash hair with cleansing and hydrating shampoo at the end of the day too, ridding the hair of any chemical residue and replenishing some of the moisture lost during the day,” he explains. “Shampoo twice for a good cleanse, followed by a hydrating conditioner.”

Hairmare Destination: Adventure

If you’re off on an adventure holiday the chances are you’re probably packing light, it may also mean there’s not much time to fit in a shampoo let alone an indulgent hair mask. That’s when dry shampoo come in, especially as many come in a handy sizes, so will easily fit into a backpack without taking up much room. “Dry shampoo is great for absorbing sweat,” says Inanch Emir, salon and creative director. “Start every day with a generous application and, if access to running water is an issue, end the day with another dose to help soak up excess sebum that has been produced during the day’s activities,” she recommends. “If you have access to a shower, treat hair to an intense hydrating mask. Before setting out on a high-energy vacation, think about a practical hairstyle that will help keep your hair protected and looking presentable – plaits are a great option.”

Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.