Sunshine, sea air, and pool days are all part of the holiday experience – but they can take a toll on your hair. With the right preparation and aftercare, you can enjoy your break without compromising your hair’s health, shine or colour. A few simple habits can make a huge difference to how your hair looks during and after your trip.

Prep Your Hair Before You Travel

Healthy hair copes far better with sun, saltwater, and chlorine. Preparing your hair before you go ensures it’s in the best possible condition to handle environmental stress.

Before you travel:

• Book a trim to remove dry or split ends
• Refresh your toner or colour so it looks its best in the sun
• Add a strengthening or smoothing treatment for extra protection

This creates a strong, smooth foundation that’s easier to maintain while you’re away.

Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage

UV rays can fade colour, weaken the cuticle, and leave hair feeling dry or coarse. Just like your skin, your hair needs daily protection.

Holiday essentials:

• A UV-protective spray to shield the hair from sun exposure, we recommend our Kevin Murphy Everlasting Colour range. Our Kevin Murphy Heated defence also provides UV protection:
• A nourishing leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture, we recommend our Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Masque
• A wide-brimmed hat for midday sun, when UV levels peak

Products with natural UV filters and antioxidant-rich ingredients help maintain softness and shine.

Rinse Before and After Swimming

Saltwater and chlorine strip moisture from the hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Rinsing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your hair.

Your routine:

• Rinse hair with clean water before entering the pool or sea – this reduces how much salt or chlorine it absorbs
• Apply a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier, we recommend our Kevin Murphy Everlasting Colour Leave In treatment
• Rinse again immediately after swimming to remove residue

This prevents dryness and helps maintain colour vibrancy.

Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Wet hair is more fragile and stretches easily, making it prone to snapping. Tight hairstyles can cause unnecessary tension, especially when combined with heat and humidity.

Choose:

• Loose braids that keep hair tidy without pulling
• Low buns that protect the ends
• Soft scrunchies instead of elastics to avoid breakage

These styles keep your hair secure while minimising stress on the strands.

Use Lightweight, Hydrating Products

Holiday haircare should be simple, effective and gentle. Lightweight formulas prevent build-up in hot weather while keeping the hair nourished.

Pack:

• A sulphate-free shampoo
• A hydrating conditioner
• A repair mask for mid-week moisture
• A UV/heat protector
• A wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling

This combination keeps your hair soft, manageable and protected throughout your trip.

Be Gentle with Wet Hair

Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet, especially after swimming or showering.

Do:

• Pat dry with a microfibre towel instead of rubbing
• Detangle from ends upward to avoid snapping
• Use a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristle brush

This reduces breakage and helps maintain the hair’s natural texture.

Book a Post-Holiday Recovery Treatment

After a week of sun, salt and chlorine, your hair will benefit from a professional hydration or repair treatment. This restores softness, shine and strength, helping your hair recover quickly and look its best again.

We’re Here to Support Your Holiday Haircare

If you’d like personalised guidance on preparing your hair for sun, sea and travel, our stylists are always happy to help. Book an appointment and we’ll create a tailored routine that keeps your hair healthy, hydrated, and beautifully maintained throughout your holiday and beyond.