Article: The Beach Lover’s Guide to Haircare Essentials.
Discover the best beach haircare essentials with Love of Beaches. Keep fragile hair strong, nourished, and protected from sun, salt, and sea on your next tropical escape.
Top Tips for Protecting Your Hair on Sun-Soaked Escapes.
Let us get straight to the root of it. I am certainly not someone who can boast of glossy, long cascading hair, because the truth is, I do not possess it. Years of travelling to sun-drenched destinations have left their mark. Stepping into my forties only seemed to worsen the condition, with each drop in collagen, and the joys of hormonal imbalance, my hair has thinned, lost volume, and has grown increasingly fragile.
These days, I treat my hair in the sun with the same level of care as I do my skin. I believe protecting my scalp, lengths and ends is no less essential than applying SPF to my face and body. Through experience, I have learned that hair, much like skin, demands a thoughtful routine, especially when faced with the triple challenge of UV rays, salty sea swims, and that pesky pool chlorine.
As a beach destination specialist, I have made it my mission to identify what truly works when it comes to holiday haircare. These are not simply theories; they are tried, tested, and approved by someone who has criss-crossed the globe in pursuit of the world’s finest beaches, returning not only with memories and insights, but also with hair in no worse condition than when I set out.
How I Protect My Precious Locks While Chasing the Sun.
Here is my personal guide to keeping your hair as healthy as possible and untroubled by the elements, while still fully embracing the joy of a luxurious, sun-soaked escape.
A 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
This is, without question, my number one tip. I have travelled with the same ivory silk pillowcase for over 15-years, washed of course between trips. It reduces friction, minimises frizz and breakage, and feels wonderfully indulgent after a day on the beach. The only drawback? It’s so subtle that more than once a hotel housekeeper has mistaken it for their own linen. Cue an awkward conversation at the front desk about a missing pillowcase. Thankfully, brands such as SLIP now offer printed versions that might just eliminate the risk of losing your hair’s most devoted overnight protector. Check out their colourful designs here
Jersey Cotton Hair Towel
I only discovered the magic of a jersey cotton hair towel recently, and it’s transformed my at-home haircare routine. I’ve now added one to my travel packing list, too. Gentle on fragile strands, quick-drying and space-saving, it’s a must for anyone looking to reduce post-shower friction and frizz.
After trying a few cheap and cheerful versions from Etsy and Amazon, I just wasn’t convinced the t-shirt method worked. Then the lovely people at Good Wash Day sent me theirs to try in ‘Hot Pink’ and I instantly fell head-over-heels in love.
As seen on Dragon’s Den, the texture and size is perfect, and using this every time I wash my hair has helped to improve the overall condition of my delicate lengths and ends.
Click here to buy yours today from £30.00
The Hairbrush Perfect for Fine, Delicate Hair
Lightweight, compact and incredibly gentle, this pastel delight is a beach bag essential that has revolutionised how I care for my fine hair on holiday. Thanks to the Tangle Teezer patented two-tiered soft-flex teeth, it glides through post-swim tangles without tugging, breaking or snapping strands.
Get yours from here direct from Tangle Teezer
UV Protection Cream
Calypso Sun-Sea Protection Leave-In Conditioner
Just as we protect our skin in the sun, our hair deserves the same commitment. My go-to for years has been Kérastase Soleil Creme UV Sublime, it’s fantastic but it’s not the cheapest.
I recently tested a version by Calypso and was genuinely impressed. It’s light, effective and surprisingly affordable.
Calypso Scalp Protection Clear Protection Spray
It is all too easy to forget your scalp, yet it’s incredibly vulnerable to sunburn. While facial SPF can work in a pinch, it tends to leave a visible residue. Dedicated scalp sprays, such as this one by Calypso feel far more subtle and avoid that glossy, slightly sweaty look we could all do without at breakfast.
Amazon offer both these products at very reasonable prices.
UV Serum for Coloured Hair
I don’t have any colour or bleach in my hair at the moment, but during the years when I did, the COLOUR WOW Lock and Pop UV Serum was nothing short of a saviour. It adds instant gloss, tames frizz, and shields colour from the fading effects of the sun.
Lightweight and versatile, it works beautifully on both wet and dry hair, leaving a sleek, polished finish while helping to temporarily smooth split ends. For anyone travelling with coloured hair, it is a holiday essential.
Shampoo and Conditioner for Sun-Exposed Hair
Salt, chlorine, and UV rays can quickly strip hair of its moisture and vibrancy, leaving it dry, brittle, and faded in colour. The key is to choose products specifically formulated for sun-exposed hair, those that gently remove salt and chlorine build-up while deeply hydrating and strengthening the hair fibre.
For my latest beach trip, I tried the Charles Worthington Sunshine Protect range, a recommendation that proved spot on. It delivered excellent results at a fraction of the price of many luxury brands and comes in super-handy travel sizes, making it perfect for packing light. I bought mine from BOOTS, part of a 3 for 2 offer.
Vintage Silk Scarves
Stylish, sustainable and protective. I adore sourcing vintage silk scarves before a trip. They shield hair and scalp from the midday sun, elevate even the simplest outfit, and offer a bit of nostalgia and character in a world of branded sameness.
TOP TIP: I tend to source my silk scarves from charity shops, Vinted and eBay often costing less than a fiver. A sustainable option that saves the pennies, and looks good.
Wide-brimmed Hats
Functional, yes, but also deeply chic when chosen well. Go for something wide-brimmed and breathable. A good beach hat is an investment in both glamour and prevention of sun damage. Melissa Odabash always has some great options, such as the Fedora in Beige.
Leave-In Protection Oil
Leave in hair oils keep sun-parched strands soft, supple, and well-nourished. For my last trip to the beach, I packed No. 7 Bonding Oil, which is a leave-in treatment from Olaplex. It’s packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, offers heat protection up to 450°F/232°C, and works wonders on taming flyaways during humid evenings.
I simply smoothed it through the lengths and ends of towel-dried hair in the evening and let its restorative formula work its magic overnight.
Deep Conditioning Masks
At home (at least once or twice a week) I treat my hair to a proper conditioning ritual. I personally rate L’Oréal Metal Detox, particularly after days spent in and out of the ocean. It leaves hair silky without feeling weighed down. When travelling, I tend to apply this more frequently, typically every other day.
Keeping Hydrated is Key
Hydration is the unsung hero of a successful beach holiday. In hot climates, your body is working overtime just to stay cool, so every sip of water counts. Long flights only make things worse. Hours in a cabin where the air is drier than the Sahara will leave skin and hair gasping for moisture before you’ve even unpacked your suitcase. Treat drinking water like applying sunscreen, a non-negotiable.
And as for heated tools, I simply leave them at home…
When it comes to styling my hair on a beach escape, I favour a simple approach. If I blow-dry, it is on a gentle setting and at a warm, rather than hot, temperature. Aggressive heat styling has no place in my suitcase: no straighteners, no curling wands, and certainly nothing that sizzles on contact.
Let’s Ask the Experts
And because I believe in advice that extends beyond personal habit, I sought the insight of two exceptional haircare professionals to ask their top tips and recommendations.
Tracey Ann Smith: Multi award-winning hairdresser, Educator and Creative Director at Mood Hair Colour, plus the owner of Belper based salon French & Ivi.
Tracey Says…
My must-have beach holiday essential is the MOOD Solution Suncare No-Rinse 10-in-One Spray Milk. Think of it as a multitasker: it protects against sun exposure while nourishing with a cocktail of vitamins and minerals. A quick spritz on damp hair delivers hydration, shine, and heat protection, keeping your locks soft and silky even after long beach days.
I’m also loving the MOOD Solution Suncare Hair & Body Cleanser. After a dip in the sea or pool, it gently washes away salt and chlorine while rehydrating both hair and body. It’s the perfect two-in-one companion for those who like to pack light but still look polished.
You can book an appointment with Tracey here
Kat de Rozario (Principal Stylist at Josh Wood Atelier, Holland Park, London)
Kat says…
Getting your hair trimmed before going on holiday can be beneficial for your hair health, especially if your hair is damaged or has split ends. A trim helps remove breakage, prevent further splitting, and keeps your hair looking healthy. Healthier hair is better able to withstand the stress of environmental exposure, such as sun, chlorine, or saltwater, which are common during holidays!
You can book an appointment with Kat here
In Summary
Looking after your hair while on a beach holiday is about respecting it as much as you do your skin or your overall wellbeing. It’s not about perfection, but preservation. And with the right summer hair essentials, your locks can stay glossy, nourished, and as radiant as your holiday glow.
Have your own favourite travel hair heroes?
Email your suggestions to hello@loveofbeaches.com - I’d love to know what works for you. After all, we beach lovers have to stick together.
Happy Travelling, Amanda
