When you’re travelling, your hair can become a major issue as it doesn’t perform quite the same as when you are at home. There are many factors that cause this, chief amongst them is climate extremes.
“Humidity, intense sun/heat and dry climates are the toughest to manage,” says hairstylist Jason Lee, founder and creator of Mela & Kera haircare and owner of Jason Lee Salon in Toronto. “You need to research your destination to learn what type of climate conditions you will be dealing with as they can take a toll on your hair.”
Hairstylist Jason Lee
Read on for Lee’s thoughts on the issues you may have with your vacation hair, and what products to pack to ensure good hair days.
How can extreme humidity, heat and dryness wreak havoc on your hair?
“If you have curl, frizz or wavy hair and try to straighten it in humid climates you will never win.” Lee says. “Water in the air gets into the hair and will immediately work against any stretched-out, straightened hair and cause it to go back to its natural hair texture. Often humid environments can bring out even more frizz and curl to someone’s hair. Extreme sun and heat can ultimately alter your hair colour because UV rays from the sun can penetrate the hair and cause hair to bleach out and make it feel rough and parched. Dry climates are equally harsh because any extreme amount of dryness will dehydrate hair; if it’s cold and dry it can cause a lot of static to the hair.”
FOR HUMIDITY
Moisture-blocking spray for cutting frizz and adding shine. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, $14 for 50ml, colorwow.com
This is the gold standard of finishing creams. A leave-in creme that repairs and protects balayaged hair from breakage caused by chemical damage. Mela & Kera Balayage Exceptional Smooth Ends, $46 for 50ml, melaandkera.com
Do you recommend packing your own hot tools when travelling to up your styling game?
“I think it’s great to try heatless hairstyles because tools take up space,” Lee shares. “Try wearing your hair in a big braid that, when pulled out, can reveal cool and interesting undone waves. You could pack a few Velcro rollers and set your hair and allow to air dry for a smooth look. There are tons of TikTok videos to show you cool hacks like wrapping your hair around socks to set your hair without heat into a bouncy, brushed out hairstyle. Ponytails, buns and braids are always on trend and a great way to control and keep your hair up and off your face. If you need a dressier style, try a top knot or bun finished with a small hair accessory that fits easily in your luggage.”
FOR SUN
Spritz this one on your hair before and after a day at the beach to keep it feeling soft and silky. Moroccan Oil Protect and Prevent Spray, $16 for 50ml, moroccanoil.com
Don’t head for the sun without this iconic UV-protecting shampoo, which will prevent colour fading. Kerastase Soleil Bain Après Soleil Shampoo, $55 for 250ml, kerastase.ca
What are your choice hair product picks to pack for travelling?
“These are some key products that will definitely help your hair on the road,” Lee explains. “If you don’t have your favourites in travel size, pick up some travel size bottles to fill so you have your essentials with you.”
FOR DRYNESS
This luxury oil will keep your scalp hydrated and prevent any hair breakage caused by extremely dry climates. Pattern Jojoba Hair and Scalp Oil Blend, $32 for 115ml, sephora.com
This incredibly luxe conditioner imbues hair with weightless moisture and luminosity. Mela & Kera Touche Velours Conditioner, $46 for 200ml, melaandkera.com
