After more than a year of hitting pause on so much of life, folks are ready to hit the road, hit the beach, and hit long-delayed travel plans. As the pandemic begins to recede, you may be one of those people who is more than ready to pack your bags for a much-deserved vacation. But as you dig those suitcases out of storage, you may also need to remind yourself of how to stay healthy while traveling. This includes taking care of your hair.
The disruption of traveling and the more relaxed attitudes that we hopefully adopt while on vacation can damage our hair if we’re not careful. So keep these healthy hair tips in mind as you head out to see the world in 2021.
Use Scalp Sunscreen and Wear Hats
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a scalp left exposed and unprotected from the sun can suffer skin damage in just 15 minutes. If you plan on spending time in the sun on your travels, scalp sunscreen can be the easiest way to both protect and hydrate your scalp.
There are numerous sunscreen products specifically formulated for application on the hair and scalp. Look for oils with UVA/UVB protection incorporated so you don’t wind up with greasy strands full of thick, white sunscreen. These products also protect the hair itself from the sun, which can fade color when it oxidizes.
To protect your scalp, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and again after every two hours outside. If you go swimming or sweat a lot, reapply the sunscreen that was diluted or washed away by that moisture. For even more protection, wear a baseball cap or stylish sunhat or baseball cap, which simultaneously protects both your skin and your hair follicles.
Protect Your Hair From Water Damage
The saltwater in the ocean and the chlorine in swimming pools won’t do your hair any favors. Before taking a dip at the beach, rub some marine-safe oil on your hair, as it will allow your follicles to absorb the oil so there isn’t much room to absorb the saltwater that can dry out your hair.
Similarly, to protect your hair from soaking up damaging chlorine, mix a dollop of leave-in conditioner with a glass of water and put it in a spray bottle. Keep it by your lounge chair and spray your hair before each dip in the pool.
Brush or Comb Regularly
Unless you want dreadlocks by the end of your trip, you’ll need to make sure you brush or comb your hair regularly, even if not as frequently as you do at home. Tangled hair is more prone to breakage, so don’t go more than a day or so before brushing or combing.
BYOP (Bring Your Own Product)
Yes, your hotel will have those complimentary bottles of shampoo and conditioner, but bringing your own products (in travel size bottles) can ensure that your hair gets the nourishment it needs while also minimizing the potential of an allergic reaction from the hotel products.
Schedule a Hair Loss Evaluation Today at The Miami Hair Institute
At the Miami Hair Institute, we know how ready all of us are to get out and reconnect with the world. We also know that many people with hair loss may have put their hair restoration plans on hold. Now is the time to get those plans back on track.
To schedule your personalized hair loss evaluation and begin your hair restoration journey, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.