THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CARING FOR YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS ON VACATION

Jetting off for a well-deserved holiday? Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise, a bustling city, or a relaxing retreat by the sea, your hair extensions need special care to stay looking flawless. Travelling exposes your hair to sun, saltwater, chlorine, and various environmental factors that can affect their quality and appearance. Follow our expert recommendations to ensure your extensions remain as stunning as when you first applied them.

Protecting Hair Extensions from Sun Exposure

Just like natural hair, hair extensions can suffer from sun damage. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can dry out the hair, causing it to become brittle and faded. Here’s how to protect them:

• Wear a hat or scarf: A stylish wide-brimmed hat or a light scarf will not only shield your hair from the sun but also keep your scalp cool.
• Use UV-protectant sprays: Invest in a hair sunscreen spray to protect against sun damage. Look for products specifically formulated for natural hair.
• Keep your hair hydrated: Sun exposure can strip moisture from your extensions. A leave-in conditioner or a lightweight hair oil will help maintain softness and shine.

 

 

Avoiding Discolouration from Chlorine and Saltwater

Swimming in pools and the ocean is one of the highlights of a holiday, but chlorinated water and saltwater can alter the colour of hair extensions. This is a natural reaction, and certain shades may turn brassy or develop an orange or green tint.

How to Prevent Discolouration:

• Wet your hair before swimming: Saturating your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before diving in will reduce absorption of harsh chemicals.
• Use a protective leave-in conditioner: A silicone-based leave-in conditioner acts as a barrier against chlorine and salt.
• Wear a swimming cap: If you plan on swimming frequently, a stylish swimming cap is a great investment.

How to Fix Discolouration:

• If your extensions have changed colour, we recommend using products from the Malibu C line. The Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Kit is perfect for removing chlorine buildup and restoring hair to its natural shade.
• Avoid harsh clarifying shampoos, as they can strip moisture from the extensions, making them dry and unmanageable.   

 

 

 

 

The Impact of Self-Tanners and Sunscreens on Hair Extensions

Many holiday-goers don’t realise that self-tanners and sun creams can cause hair extensions to discolour. Ingredients such as DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in self-tanners and certain oils in sunscreen can leave extensions with an unpleasant orange or pink tint.

How to Prevent Product-Related Discolouration:

• Apply self-tanner before installing clip-in extensions and wash your hands thoroughly to prevent staining.
• Tie your hair up before applying sunscreen and let the product absorb before letting your hair down.
• Use mineral-based sunscreens that are less likely to stain hair.

 

How to Fix It:

• Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo is effective in removing unwanted residues.
• For severe staining, a purple or blue toning shampoo may help neutralise unwanted tones, but use it sparingly to avoid over-toning.

Essential Hair Care Routine for Holidays

Daily Maintenance Tips:

• Detangle with care: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for hair extensions to gently remove knots.
• Avoid excessive heat styling: If you must style your hair, always use a heat protectant to minimise damage.
• Keep your hair moisturised: The sun and salty air can dry out extensions, so apply a nourishing serum or leave-in conditioner daily.

 

Night-time Protection:

• Braid or tie hair in a loose ponytail: This will help prevent tangling while you sleep.
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase: This reduces friction, keeping your extensions smooth and tangle-free.

 

Travel-Friendly Hair Care Essentials

Packing smart is key to maintaining gorgeous hair on holiday. Here’s what to bring:

• Leave-in conditioner – Protects from sun and prevents dryness.
• UV-protectant spray – Shields hair from sun damage.
• Wide-tooth comb or extension brush – For gentle detangling.
• Malibu C Hair Treatment – In case of discolouration from chlorine or salt.
• Silk scrunchies – To avoid hair breakage.
• Dry shampoo – Keeps hair fresh between washes.

 

Taking a little extra care while on holiday will ensure your hair extensions remain vibrant, soft, and tangle-free. By protecting your hair from sun, chlorine, saltwater, and product stains, you’ll return home with hair just as fabulous as when you left. Whether you’re rocking clip-in, tape-in, or weft extensions, following these tips will help you enjoy your trip without worrying about hair mishaps.

For more expert advice and high-quality hair care products, explore our range at Viola Hair Extensions. Happy travels and flawless hair days ahead!