While you may love coming back with a vacation glow, all that time in the sun can be hard on your hair. From the changes in the water PH levels and chlorine from the pool to styling your hair in a warmer destination that may have more humidity than back at home. To help keep your hair healthy while you travel, we sat down with a Dyson hair scientist tp learn how to better take care of our hair while on vacation.
Protect your scalp
Your hair can give the scalp some protection from ultraviolet radiation, the melanin inside the cortex absorbs the UV radiation from the sun to stop it from reaching the scalp and causing damage such as sunburn. However, any exposed skin is not protected, such as where your hair is parted. Consider applying sunscreen to these areas to protect your scalp from UV and its effects.
Find what works to keep your hair healthy
Haircuts help to keep your hair fresh and healthy. By removing split ends and increasing hair alignment, frizz can be reduced. Getting one before your vacation may help to keep your hair in check.
Melanin gives your hair its colour and protects against UV damage. Absorbing the UV radiation however it can break down the melanin in the cortex. This causes hair colour to become lighter (photobleaching), particularly in the summer. To help protect and keep the intensity of your natural colour, you could apply a sunscreen that is formulated for hair.
The UV light causes damage to the proteins within the hair, this can result in the hair becoming weaker and therefore more prone to breakage. The more time you spend in the sun the worse the damage to hair. Applying a sunscreen formulated for hair or a hat can help minimize this damage.
Chlorine
Chlorine can react with the hair cuticles making the surface of your hair become rougher. Some swimming pools also use copper algaecides to protect against algae. This can turn blonde and bleached hair slightly green. Therefore after you have been swimming we would recommend washing your hair as soon as possible with a mild shampoo to minimize the risk of damage.
Styling in humidity
During hotter times of the year, the air tends to be more humid which can make hair frizzier and reduce style retention as the high water levels in the air reset the bonds created during styling. To reduce frizz, first, blowdry your hair completely with the Dyson Supersonic™to dry your hair quickly with its fast and focused air drying. Then, use a light hair oil to make hair more supple; to improve retention, consider setting your style with a higher hold hairspray.
Sea and Sand
Salt from the sea will not cause significant chemical damage but can dry it out slightly and increase friction during combing and brushing. Sand is an abrasive material that can wear down the cuticle layers. To avoid his and keep your hair healthy, gently wash salt and sand out of your hair as soon as possible.
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The Dyson Supersonic™ is a unique hairdryer with intelligent heat control that can help prevent damage to hair, and help maintain a natural shine. It uses fast and focused airflow for quick drying. Styling with the Dyson Supersonic™ is made simple with three magnetic attachments including the styling concentrator, smoothing nozzle and diffuser, all of which rotate 360 degrees.
