Can You Go on Holiday With Hair Extensions?
Can You Go on Holiday With Hair Extensions?
Yes, absolutely. Hair extensions are designed to fit around everyday life, and that includes holidays.
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, exploring a city or spending time on the beach, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy your holiday with professionally fitted extensions.
However, holidays expose your hair to conditions it may not normally experience at home. Strong sunshine, swimming pools, sea water, sunscreen and higher temperatures can all affect the condition and appearance of human hair over time.
Fortunately, a little preparation before you travel and a few simple habits while you’re away can make a significant difference.
Sunshine Can Affect Human Hair Extensions
Human hair extensions respond to sunlight in much the same way as your own hair.
Prolonged exposure to strong UV can gradually fade colour, particularly on lighter shades.
At the same time, sunshine can contribute to dryness, especially when combined with heat styling and frequent swimming.
Although spending time outdoors is part of enjoying your holiday, limiting unnecessary sun exposure to your hair wherever possible will help preserve both its colour and condition.
Wearing a hat during the hottest part of the day provides additional protection while also helping to protect your scalp.
Be Careful Around Swimming Pools
Pool water contains chemicals that may gradually dry extension hair and contribute to unwanted colour changes.
For that reason, we generally recommend avoiding submerging your extensions wherever possible.
If you plan to swim, thoroughly soak your hair with clean, fresh water first, secure it into a loose braid and wrap it into a low bun.
Ideally, wear a well-fitting swimming cap to reduce direct exposure to chlorinated water.
Once you’ve finished swimming, rinse the hair thoroughly before following your normal washing and aftercare routine.
Can You Swim With Hair Extensions?
Sea Water Can Leave Hair Feeling Dry
Sea water is often gentler than chlorinated pool water, but it can still affect extension hair.
Salt left on the hair may gradually reduce softness and leave the extensions feeling drier if it is not rinsed away.
Consequently, it’s a good idea to rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming in the sea.
Following this with your normal washing routine helps restore moisture and remove any remaining salt.
SPF Is One of the Biggest Causes of Extension Discolouration
Many people are surprised to discover that sunscreen can affect lighter hair extensions.
Certain SPF ingredients, particularly Avobenzone and Octocrylene, have been associated with orange, peach or pink discolouration on blonde shades.
Importantly, sunscreen doesn’t have to be applied directly onto the hair.
Transfer from your hands, face, neck, shoulders or clothing may be enough for it to come into contact with the extensions.
After applying sunscreen, wash your hands before touching your hair whenever possible.
Likewise, allow sunscreen to absorb fully before letting long hair rest against your skin.
Why Do Extensions Change Colour?
Heat Styling Requires Extra Care
Holiday hairstyles often involve frequent blow-drying, curling or straightening.
Combined with strong sunshine, repeated heat styling can gradually dry the hair and encourage colour fading.
For that reason, always apply a suitable heat protection product before using heated styling tools.
Equally important, use the lowest effective temperature rather than automatically selecting the hottest setting.
Reducing unnecessary heat helps preserve both softness and colour.
Continue Using Your Normal Aftercare Products
Although you’re away from home, your extensions still need the same care routine.
Use the shampoo, conditioner and leave-in products recommended by the extension brand whenever possible.
Professional aftercare products are formulated to work with the extension hair and help maintain its softness, manageability and lifespan.
For brands that offer a quality guarantee, following their recommended aftercare may also be one of the conditions of that guarantee.
What Aftercare Gives the Best Lifespan?
Dry the Attachment Points Properly
After washing your hair, gently blot it with a towel rather than rubbing it dry.
Next, apply your leave-in feed spray through the mid-lengths and ends before drying the attachment points thoroughly with a hairdryer.
Leaving the roots damp for long periods may increase the likelihood of tangling around the attachments.
Although the lengths can sometimes be allowed to dry naturally for a short time, the attachment areas should always be dried properly.
Can You Air Dry Hair Extensions?
Pack the Right Haircare Before You Travel
Preparing before you leave makes holiday haircare much easier.
Consider packing:
- extension-safe shampoo
- extension-safe conditioner
- leave-in feed spray
- heat protection spray
- extension brush
- soft hair ties
- swimming cap if you plan to swim
- a wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling
Having the correct products with you means you’re less likely to rely on unfamiliar hotel toiletries that may not be suitable for your extensions.
Brush Little and Often
Holiday activities often expose your hair to wind, humidity and long days outdoors.
Consequently, brushing regularly helps prevent small tangles becoming larger knots.
Always begin at the ends before gradually working upwards, supporting the hair as you brush.
Gentle, regular brushing places far less stress on both the extensions and your natural hair than trying to remove heavy tangles later.
How Often Should You Brush Hair Extensions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Holidays and Hair Extensions
Can You Go Abroad With Hair Extensions?
Yes.
Professionally fitted extensions are perfectly suitable for travelling, provided you continue following the correct aftercare routine.
Is Sunshine Bad for Hair Extensions?
Strong UV exposure can gradually contribute to colour fading and dryness.
Protecting your hair with a hat and limiting unnecessary exposure helps reduce these effects.
Should You Swim Every Day on Holiday?
If possible, avoid repeatedly submerging your extensions.
Occasional swimming is usually manageable with good aftercare, but frequent exposure to chlorine or salt water may shorten the lifespan of the hair.
Can Sunscreen Affect Hair Extensions?
Yes.
Certain SPF ingredients can contribute to orange or peach discolouration, particularly on lighter shades.
Avoid transferring sunscreen from your skin onto the hair wherever possible.
Do You Need Different Hair Products on Holiday?
No.
Continue using the aftercare products recommended for your extensions rather than switching to unfamiliar products while you’re away.
Can Holidays Shorten the Lifespan of Hair Extensions?
They can if the hair is repeatedly exposed to chlorine, sea water, intense sunshine and unsuitable aftercare.
Fortunately, good preparation significantly reduces those risks.
Enjoy Your Holiday Without Compromising Your Hair
A holiday should be something you look forward to, not something that makes you worry about your extensions.
By protecting your hair from excessive sunshine, limiting exposure to chlorine, rinsing away salt water, being mindful of SPF and maintaining your usual aftercare routine, you can keep your extensions looking beautiful throughout your trip.
The small amount of extra care you give your hair while you’re away often pays off long after you’ve returned home.
Ultimately, prevention is always easier than trying to correct dryness, colour changes or unnecessary wear afterwards.
If you’re planning to stay active during your holiday or simply want to know how exercise affects professional extensions, continue with our next guide below.
