Beach Ready
Protecting your skin against UV damage by applying sunscreen is a neccessity, but did you know that being under the sun for hours on end can also damage your hair?
UV rays can break down hair proteins which will cause the hair to weaken, leading to damaged hair in the long run. Although those with thicker hair may have more natural resilience compared to those with finer hair, sun protection for both hair types is equally important in preventing sun damage on hair. For those with dyed hair, extra care should be taken to protect and prevent the colour pigments from breaking down and fading, especially if you are going to be exposing your hair to the sun and to the chlorine in the pool.
Besides hitting the waves in the morning, make waves in your hair by gathering damp hair into buns or braids the night before. Simply unravel them when you wake up for heatless curls!
For a glamorous beach look, try a sleek top knot. Pair the look with statement earrings for a trip to the beach bar with the girls.
When applied to the hair, this product forms a protective film that shields your tresses from the effects of the sun, sea and even swimming pool water. Containing two filters against UVA and UVB rays, it provides optimal protection for natural, coloured, bleached and highlighted hair. Sisley Rituel Hair Protective Fluid, $120 (50 ml).
Extend the vibrancy of colour-treated hair with this gentle plantinfused shampoo with 100 per cent organic aroma. It helps to protect colour-treated hair from the damaging effects of sun, water and environmental stressors. Aveda Colour Conserve Shampoo, $47 (200 ml).
Repair damaged beached hair with this sulfate-free and paraben-free mask, it revitalises hair in 10 minutes and promises to strengthen, treat and condition locks for a smooth and shiny mane. Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, $65 (212 ml).
Know Your Water
Don’t underestimate the effects which water has on your hair after you shampoo. While travelling to a different country means being exposed to different types of water, here are some properties of hard and soft water you need to know.
SOFTNESS YOU CAN FEEL
If you’re staying near the lakes, rivers or streams which get their water from melted ice caps, it’s likely that these water are pure, with traces of sodium. While they have a slight moisturising effect, it may weigh down fine hair.
Must use hair products: Made with pine needles and fermented mint to help purify and condition the scalp, this conditioner from Ryo will help to control excess sebum and remove the minerals to help keep hair soft and silky. Ryo Scalp Deep Cleansing Conditioner, $16.90 (400 ml).
• Enriched with softening active ingredients, the Shiseido Professional THC Airy Flow Shampoo cleanses with a rich leather, leaving hair light, soft and easy to manage. Shiseido Professional THC Airy Flow Shampoo, $36 (250 ml).
Winter Wonderland
Snowy landscapes may be your winter dream-come-true but the wind and frigid temperatures can deal serious damage to your locks.
Cold and dry weather causes dehydration not only to your skin but also to your hair and scalp. When exposed to the cold air, hair cuticles can become brittle and dry. Coupled with strong winds, which causes friction between hair strands, and static, split ends would start to form, making hair appear dull and frizzy compared to being in Singapore. Read on to see what you should bring along to battle against the elements.
Made with 100 per cent organic pure rosehip oil and zero silicons, parabens and artificial colorants, get airy-light, soft and silky smooth hair with this shampoo in winter. Lux Botanifique Damage Repair Shampoo, $19.90 (510 ml).
Ideal for use in cold climates, this intensive hair mask is formulated with an Intra Lipid Complex to help balance hair lipid levels. Working in tandem with the Repair System, it instantly restores damaged hair structures from within. Goldwell Rich Repair Intensive Mask, $104 (1,000 ml).
Give your hair some colour to brighten up your look for the next winter vacation especially if you tend to wear darker coloured coats and jackets.
To keep your hair hydrated and shiny like Alexa Chung’s, bring along a travel-sized hair serum or oil to prevent dry hair and split-ends as and when you feel like your hair is getting harder to manage.
All Hiked Up
Fresh air and lush green surroundings may offer a cool respite from the urban landscapes we are used to, but not every city dweller likes the feeling of having sweat pour down their hair and face during a hike.
If you’re going on a half-day hike, pack along a bottle of dry shampoo so that you can refresh both your scalp and hair and take away any bad hair odours as well.
If you want to travel light on long camping trips, bring along a solid bar shampoo as it’s light and portable, cleaning away grime and dirt easily without fear of spillage.
A shampoo bar is great for the outdoors as it is light and portable, best of all we love that it contains natural ingredients. Lush Bar Shampoo, $26.50 (55 g).
Made with a combination of bamboo and rice powder, this helps to remove excess sebum on scalp especially on a hot day. A’kin Dry Shampoo, $14.90 (150 ml).
At the start of your hike you can tie up your hair in an easy half updo. For those with medium to long bangs, this will help to prevent your fringe from turning clumpy from the perspiration.
Hair tip: Bring along a headband to keep your hair off your face when you are atop a hill with strong winds whipping at your hair. It will also help to absorb perspiration off your scalp, so you won't have it dripping into your eyes during your hike.
HARD ON YOUR HAIR
If you are going to visit a hot spring, you will most likely be exposed to hard water. London’s tap water is also known to dispense hard water due to the chalk and limestone which the water passes through underground. Hard water consists of a myriad of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, and although some minerals are known to be beneficial for the skin, too much of it can lead to buildup and impede the efficiency of your shampoos. Research has even shown that it may also cause coloured hair to fade faster.
Must use hair products: Great for thick to coarse hair, this shampoo helps clean away impurities while maintaining a vibrant hair colour and improving on colour luminosity. Goldwell Colour Extra Rich Brilliance Shampoo, $30 (250 ml).
• Containing rosemary extracts which have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties and pineapple ceramide to deeply hydrate and strengthen hair elasticity, try the Moist Diane Botanical Refresh & Smooth Shampoo, $18.90 (480 ml).
