It is always thrilling to go on a trip in order to satiate the urge of wanderlust. However, travel can become an occupational hazard for those perpetually on the go as the prolonged exposure to the sun, wind and dust can prove detrimental to the hair.
So how do you take care of hair while on the move? To begin with, it is important to understand what the most common causes of hair concerns are and the issues that arise when travelling frequently. If you don’t know what you stand to face and lose, you won’t be prepared to tackle the problem.
As stated above there could be multiple factors involved ranging from pollution, city smog to food and water. Your mode of travel also impacts hair differently and you need to take measures to protect it accordingly.
Remember, you may not be able to control the surroundings when you travel, but you can definitely take steps to curtail hair damage. So here are some tips to help you keep your tresses shining and healthy while on the road.
Adopt a regular haircare routine
Get the oiling,shampooing and conditioning regime right and stick to it as much as you possibly can, because even if there are sudden changes to your schedule,then your regime will ensure to withstand it all and keep your hair safe.
Close to your travel date, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo that does not contain the harmful chemicals that traditional shampoos have. Use a herbal hair wrap on the cuticles to help retain moisture for the next few days. Apply a leave-in conditioner to prevent the hair from drying up, especially if you or on a long haul flight.
On arrival, use a light moisturiser to smoothen the hair. If you are unsure about the water quality at your destination, use a portable water filter. Carry all your hair products with you in travel-size cases and avoid using complimentary hair products in the hotels.
Hydration and diet
Pay attention to your diet before and after you travel and consider it as a part of your hair care regimen. Eat a balanced diet, consume adequate water to ensure that your hair does not react inadvertently to the hectic travel schedule.
While on the go, stick to small food servings and include sizeable portions of salads and fruits with measured portions of carbs. Drink 2-3 litres of water per day, especially on flights as the hair can easily get dehydrated from the recycled air within the aircraft. Once you reach your destination, continue with the same routine as far as possible.
Consider the environment
While out in the sun, wear a hat and oil your hair lightly if you intend to get into salty water. If your hair gets wet because of rains, dry it up quickly as different environments require different demands for the hair. Hair care for outdoorsy chicks can be tricky but possible.
Use detangling products and leave-in conditioners to help manage the hair but make sure to wash regularly to ensure that there is no build up. Also, if you travel a lot, trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends and maintain overall hygiene.