Whether you're going on a business trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway- traveling without proper hair care is a death sentence for your hair extensions. So we’re going to help you establish a solid vacation hair care routine.
Follow our 5 step guide to reduce the odds of bad hair days while on vacation.
1. Pack a clarifying shampoo
A clarifying shampoo should be at the top of your must-have travel items list if you're visiting a hot and humid place. Sweat and dirt can collect at the base of your extensions as a result of the high temperatures. This can result in matting and tangles that are near impossible to get out. Pack a travel-size bottle of clarifying shampoo and wash your hair extensions as needed during your vacation to avoid this.
We love The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo by Oribe. This product purifies your hair and scalp without depriving them of their natural oils. This purifying mousse is powered by volcanic ash, which cleanses away grime, oil, and product buildup. Hair is repaired and has a new inner radiance.
2. Pack your favorite detangling brush
Keep an extension-friendly brush with you at all times to keep your extensions healthy on your travels. This will allow you to keep your hair extensions tangle-free for the duration of your vacation, reducing the risk of long-term hair extension damage.
Here at Sierra & Sage we carry two different brushes, perfect for your natural hair and extensions. Our Smooth Talker Brush is a smooth talker you’ll actually want to keep around! This brush is a combination of Boar Bristles and Nylon Bristles with a wooden handle for durability. Perfect for extensions and natural hair; it is great for smoothing & detangling. Our Don't Make Me Blush is the brush that will have you feeling giddy all the time. This brush is excellent for wet or dry hair, but she really shines when detangling wet hair!
3. Don’t forget your go-to detangler and leave-in conditioner
When swimming on a regular basis, it's critical to do deep conditioning treatments. Leave-in conditioners are an excellent way to restore moisture to your hair after swimming because your extensions cannot produce their own oils. Swimming also tangles your hair in ways that are impossible to brush out. Try to avoid swimming in saltwater or chlorine but if you do, make sure to have a detangler on hand.
A go-to we recommend to all clients is the Unite 7 Seconds Detangler and Leave-in Spray. 7 Seconds Detangler instantly detangles, preps, and protects hair. The protein-based compound in this hair detangler leaves hair strong and healthy. It also protects hair from heat and UV rays by sealing the cuticle. For all hair types, this is a must-have.
4. A must have: silk scrunchie
Scrunchies are wonderful for everyday wear because you can wear them all day, even while sleeping. Using a silk scrunchie while sleeping keeps your hair healthy and prevents tangling. This could be especially useful for hair extensions that need to be up in a ponytail or in a braid while sleeping.
5. You always need to use a mineral based sunscreen
Sunscreens are full of different ingredients, however there are two in particular that cause big problems. These are Avebenzone, sometimes called Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, and Octocrylene.
If these ingredients are combined with water that has a high iron content, which is most of the water we shower in, the iron in the water can cause oxidation, aka a rust stain. This is why exposing your hair to sunscreen over a number of days during hot weather will cause this chemical reaction, and the end result...pink/orange hair extensions.
Sun Bum is a great option to avoid your extensions from discoloring… or any other mineral based sunscreen!
Keeping your hair extensions healthy and looking fresh should always be a priority, but it’s especially important when traveling. Vacation is a time for relaxing but also ensuring that you are maintaining your investment. Always remember to book a move-up or express move-up the week before your trip to make sure your extensions are in the best shape possible. Don’t forget to discuss vacation care with your hairstylist!
Brilliant!