By Donna Chapman
Two-weeks of total exposure to the tress trashing trinity of sun, sand and seawater can create more hair havoc than the other 50 weeks of the year combined. UV rays deplete natural oils and moisture levels, and a combination of stiff breezes and salt residues encourages tangles, breakage and split ends, with the stakes particularly stacked against sun-lounger or scuba junkies with coloured, fine, curly, or frizzy hair.
In terms of damage limitation, holing up in a hotel room like a fugitive from justice is unsurpassed, but unappealing when you've been planning your escape to a sun-drenched destination for months! Identifying that most of us prefer to be reckless rather than reclusive on vacation, the hair industry produces a plethora of summer-specific products to combat the damage created by these challenging conditions.
Hair, sea rescue
UV filters are among the core ingredients found in holiday hair ranges. L'anza Healing Haircare Swim & Sun Shampoo, from £16.75, 0845 130 4580, www.lanza.com is one of a trio of products packed with both UVA and UVB protection. Redken's UV Rescue Range includes Blonde Guard Color-Saving Swim Cream, and Shimmering Defense, £14.85 each, 0800 444 880. Kérastase Masque UV Défense Active, £24, 0800 316 4400, www.kerastase.co.uk is a replenishing after-sun treatment. Effective leave-in parasol products include Frédéric Fekkai Sunshine Shield Spray, £18, www.spacenk.com, 020 8740 2085, Davines Su Oil, Protective Moisturizing Sun Oil, £18, 020 7663 8080 and Paul Lebrecque Repair Style, £16, www.beautyexpert.co.uk. Mini marvels for big dippers include salt and chlorine removing Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three, £3.95, 0845 659 0012, and Mark Hill's Holiday Hair Range, from £3.49, Boots.
Playful plaits and swish ponytails
The laid back looking waved styles that swayed along the summer runways are effortlessly adaptable to bohemian beach life. Skinny and chunky braids, half ups, texture and volume are the epitome of alfresco cool. "Sienna Miller and Kate Hudson style plaits are my favourite summer look," comments Mark Leeson, of Mark Leeson Hair Body and Mind, Mansfield, www.markleeson.co.uk. "Take small sections as this will make the plait neater and tighter. Unwashed hair is best, and a few plaits will give you an effortless summer look in seconds. Unpick the plaits and you have effortlessly sexy beach hair for nighttime." Keep your hair off your face and simultaneously exude fashion kudos with Hothair 's Braided Headband, £9.95, www.hothair.co.uk, 0207 403 4422, available in 8 natural shades, including a blonde and brunette combo for an authentic sun-kissed effect. The perfect accessory for giving a simple ponytail a couture twist and one that requires minimal dexterity.
When tying or securing your hair back stick to damage free elastics and avoid metal hair combs and clips as they'll absorb the heat from the sun and burn your scalp. Don't be tempted to drag wet hair into a tight ponytail, leave it to dry naturally before styling and use a Goody Ouchless Gel Vent Brush, £8.99, www.goody.com for a painless pro finish. "The ends of your hair are the oldest and the weakest and get bleached a lighter colour," explains Scott Smurthwaite of the Cream salons in Gloucester and Cheltenham, www.creamhair.co.uk. "Tie loosely at the nape of the neck and create a loop of hair through your elastic Eva Longoria-Parker style, so ends are tucked underneath out of the firing line."
Siren of the surf
Enjoy an extended mermaid moment with a salt infused texturiser such as John Masters Organics Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray, £16, www.johnmasters.co.uk with essential oil of lavender. Enhance the effects by randomly rolling and twisting hair from root to tip. For fabulously fragranced follicles drench them in Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche Hair Mist, £23, or stroke on the subtle golden lustre of Dior Bronze Gelée de Monoï Beautifying Moisturiser for Body and Hair, £22, with the heady scent of Polynesian flowers.
Top 5 tips
- Mantra rays - make these simple style-preserving rules a priority.
- L'eau loader - tinted or highlighted blondes can avoid a chlorine induced green tinge by saturating hair pre-dip with bottled water, the wetter it is the less chlorine absorption occurs.
- Hattitude - pack a straw Stetson, à la Cheryl Cole, as a trouble-shooter when heat's most intense.
- Beach vs. bleach - the bleaching effect of sunlight means it's advisable to wait until after your holiday before booking in for an expensive colour treatment.
- Slide rules - bright, bold hair accessories rock, so don't forget to tie one - or two - on.
