A little planning before your trip can make a huge difference in how your hair looks and feels once you’re there. Between sun exposure, chlorine, saltwater, humidity, and heat, vacation can be tough on your hair. The good news? A few simple steps before, during, and after your trip can help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and manageable all summer long.
Before Vacation
Vacation prep starts before your suitcase is packed.
If your color is less than fresh, a gloss appointment is one of our favorite ways to refresh tone and add shine before a trip. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, or somewhere in between, a gloss can help your color look vibrant and polished while you’re away.
If summer humidity tends to take over your hair, this is also a great time to consider a Brazilian Blowout or KC Max treatment. Both can help reduce frizz, speed up styling time, and make your hair easier to manage throughout your trip. Brazilian Blowouts are ideal for clients wanting smoother, shinier hair while maintaining movement, while KC Max offers a stronger smoothing effect for those wanting a straighter finish.
Before you leave, make sure you’re packed with products that support healthy summer hair. We recommend bringing a leave-in conditioner and a hydrating mask. Products like the Vitamino Color 10-in-1 Spray help protect against heat and environmental stress while supporting color longevity. The added UV protection is especially helpful during long days spent outdoors. For extra hydration before swimming, a leave-in like Miracle Creator can also help keep hair feeling protected and manageable.
During Vacation
Your vacation hair routine doesn’t have to be complicated.
One of the easiest things you can do before getting into the pool or ocean is wet your hair with fresh water first. Hair acts like a sponge, and when it’s already saturated with clean water, it may absorb less chlorine or saltwater.
You can also apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming for an extra layer of protection. If your hair tends to dry out easily, a small amount of your favorite mask through the mid-lengths and ends can help create a barrier while keeping hair hydrated.
A few vacation essentials we always recommend packing:
• A leave-in conditioner
• A hydrating mask
• A detangling brush
• A claw clip or hair tie
• A hat for extra sun protection
Claw clips are one of our favorite vacation accessories because they make it easy to throw your hair up, keep it out of the chlorine or salt water, give it a break from styling, and help minimize tangles on windy beach days. We love the Teleties flat clips, making it easy to lay out to get some sun or driving around without getting in the way.
Whenever possible, try to rinse your hair after swimming. Removing chlorine, salt, and sunscreen buildup can go a long way in preserving both your color and the overall health of your hair.
After Vacation
Even the best vacation hair routine can leave your hair needing a little extra love once you’re home.
Start by focusing on hydration. A nourishing mask can help restore moisture and softness after days spent in the sun, pool, or ocean. The Absolut Repair or Metal Detox mask would be a great choice, or even Curl Expressions if you have textured hair.
If your hair feels dull, dry, or slightly off in tone, a gloss appointment can be the perfect refresh. Glosses help restore shine, revive color, and bring life back into your hair after summer travel.
This is also a great time to consider a Metal Detox treatment. Summer often means exposure to pool chemicals, hard water, and mineral buildup, all of which can leave hair feeling less than its best. Metal Detox helps remove unwanted buildup while leaving hair feeling cleaner, healthier, and more manageable.
The goal isn’t perfect vacation hair. It’s healthy hair that still feels beautiful when you get home.
A little preparation before your trip, a few smart habits while you’re away, and a little extra care afterward can help your hair stay healthier, shinier, and easier to manage all summer long.