vacation hair!

[Chamy]

I am going on a vacation in a month, to thailand, im thrilled, it is going to be so much fun. :cheese:
But i am starting to worry about what to do with my hair in the sun/pool/ocean. What do you do to protect your hair when on vacation in a tropical climate? The problem is that i dont want to feel restriced, i want to be able to dive and swim and play, is that even possible if i want to keep my hair healthy? I CO, do i need to shampoo to get the clorine and salty water out of my hair?

Thank you :)

[xoxophelia]

Well I used to be a swimmer and had longer hair than I do now. It is a good idea to shampoo right after you get out of the pool. Otherwise, my hair would become dry, tangle, and crunch a little. If possible you can wear a swim cap.

One trick is to always wet your hair with normal water first in the shower, rub in a bit of conditioner into your hair and then swim (with or without a cap).

[MotherConfessor]

spend some time babying your hair now, and do consider a swim cap. If they look too funny for you, try oiling your hair and putting it in a tight braid. Then make sure to pre-wet it with good water (distilled is best).

[SpinDance]

Thanks for asking about this. I'll be in the ocean in a few weeks and was trying to figure out what I'd do to protect my hair.

[Xandergrammy]

My advice to you is to go to Thailand and have a wonderful time. Take reasonable care of your hair but don't fret over it. Have fun!!!

[Chamy]

My advice to you is to go to Thailand and have a wonderful time. Take reasonable care of your hair but don't fret over it. Have fun!!!

Thank you for the advice, i think i am going to do exactly this, and baby the hair before and after instead.

[newbiewink]

I used to be a competitive swimmer and Ultra Swim shampoo worked pretty well to remove chlorine. Not sure how everyone else feels about ultra swim but it was decent for me back in the day...

[violeteyes]

I would just put a little oil and leave in conditioner in it and cover it with a swim cap when you swim, or just put it up in a bun for sightseeing : )

[pepperminttea]

When I swim I generally give it a good oiling beforehand, then saturate with shower water before I get in the pool; I don't wear a swim cap, because I can't find one large enough, but it's a good idea. Not sure how this will work in the ocean, but generally, it's nothing a bit of love and attention (and a lot of conditioner ;) ) can't fix when you get home. I hope you have a wonderful time! :)

[Dars]

When I went to Europe for 2 months in the summer I CO'ed the entire time, not even one use of shampoo. I swam a lot at the beaches and my hair did not suffer, most of the time I could only do a quick water rinse! I came back home with great hair because it was all benign neglect...it works a treat. :) Enjoy your trip.

[julliams]

Have a wonderful time. Be mindful of your hair but don't worry too much about it. I get wicked curls from going into the surf and letting my hair air dry. Enjoy the change. Remember your hair will behave totally different in a different climate so have some hair toys along with you so that you can do updos if it's not working out. Another good idea is sporting a headband for the trip. Keeps your hair out of your way and looks great.

[Natalia]

Seems you already have plenty of replies but i just thought id chime in with what i keep in my travel kit. Ok i dont go to tropical/humid climates very often but it gets me through jacuzies, hard water, wind, and heat.

Small tin of coconut oil. Its mostly solid so it stores better than others and i dont have to worry about leaks if i toss it on my purse. I put it on before any pool/jacuzi or prolonged outdoor heat exposure.

Good reliable conditioner. Even in a different climate chances are good old reliable will still work pretty well.

Travel bottle of ACV. If your in a hard water area and your routine just isnt cutting it it can help. Besides when your only using a tablespoon or so a wash you dont need to carry much. Oh and to go with this i take a big clear plastic dollor store cup with me to dilute it in.

A spray bottle. As long as you have this you can fix nearly anything. If your hair gets crispy mix up some kimberlily's spray (if you have aloe that is). Otherwise just the water ad some liquid oil will do. If you need to restyle just mist with water or water and aloe for nice braid bun waves. If you already have waved just mist and comb straight.

As far as styles part of my kit is a large mint tin with 15 bobby pins, 10 small hair ties, 4 large hair ties, and one of my bent knitting needle forks. That can give you lots of bun, braids, pony's, and a few nicer updoes. If you want to go curly some rag peices or soft foam curlers are nice additions.
I hope you enjoy your vacation! Dont worry about your hair you can always give it some nice pampering when you get back. Being slightly neglected for a short time isnt going to do anything hugely damaging but i understand your concern. I have very fragile hair so no matter where i am i take my protective methods seriosuly :).

[Little_Bird]

Last year I went to Cabo Verde for a week I think, I went to the sea and pool every single day. I used a special shampoo and conditioner from Elvive, specially for these kind of exposures. I tried to stay away from the sun, and wore a headband all the time to protect my hair. I also tried to keep it braiding and kept putting my UV protective oil on and on all day long.

My hair seemed to react well, I didn't notice damage at all. Still, I was a little conservative about things because of it, so I do advise you not to be and have lots of fun. If you are carefull, nothing major will happen to your hair!

Have fun and visit lots of places! Thailand must be an amazing country! Wish I could go there ;) Hope I helped :flower:

[Chamy]

I also tried to keep it braiding and kept putting my UV protective oil on and on all day long.


Thank you for the advice :flower:

What kind of oil did you use for uv protection?