How to Care for Extensions on Holiday for Stunning Locks Everywhere You Go
|
|
Time to read 8 min
We know holidays are all about relaxing and not thinking, but unfortunately, girls, you need to keep your extensions in the back of your mind. Whether you wear semi-permanent or temporary extensions, we'll tell you how to care for your extensions, even on holiday.
Let's be honest, while you're on holiday, you can't help but get 1000 Insta pics in your bikini or before you go out for tea. But is it really worth it if your hair looks like it's seen better days?
We don't think so.
So after your packet of Lays and can of Lemon Fanta on the balcony, you need to put some work into maintaining your extensions. But don't worry, it's easy.
Before we get into our expert advice, below is a selection of products you'll need to keep your luxurious hair in 10/10 condition. Shop today and get 10% off *!
What's the Risk With Hair Extensions While Travelling?
When we talk about hair extensions while travelling, we're not just talking about taking your hair extensions to a 5* resort somewhere hot.
We also mean taking your hair extensions with you when you travel for work or to visit long-distance friends.
Whether you're travelling 30 minutes up the road or across time zones, you need to protect and carry out hair extension maintenance.
So, what are the risks, and why should you be cautious about your hair extensions while you travel? Let us set the scene…
Tangles & matting — Long journeys can cause extensions to tangle, especially if they aren't stored properly, or you're wearing them and fall asleep in an awkward position. Different weather conditions can also increase knots.
Maintenance challenges — You don't always have access to your go-to haircare products while you're away, so maintenance and care can be a little tricky.
Dryness — Air travel can be dehydrating for hair extensions, so it's important to keep them protected, especially human hair extensions. You've all heard of plane hair — it can happen with extensions too.
Damage or loss — If you haven't properly stored your extensions, they might get tangled amongst your belongings or even fall out of your luggage.
Water & humidity exposure — Chlorine from pools and salt water can damage extensions, leading to frizz, breakage, discolouration, you name it. Humidity from tropical climates can also weaken bonds, especially tapes.
Heat & sun damage — Prolonged UV exposure can make hair extensions more brittle and even cause discolouration. Plus, if it's hot, excessive sweating can loosen tapes or glue.
Taking your hair extensions on holiday sounds like risky business, right? Don't worry, though, because if you follow our expert advice, your hair extensions will keep their usual luxuriously stunning look .
Hair Care for Extensions on Holiday: Clip-Ins
The way you care for your clip-ins on holiday will be slightly different from the way you care for your semi-permanent hair extensions. Don't say we didn't warn you.
You probably know by now that you can't wash your hair with synthetic clip-in hair extensions , much less use products, so this is where things can get difficult. Especially when there's sun-cream involved.
Here are our do's and don'ts for caring for your synthetic clip-in hair extensions while you're on holiday:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Travel with your extensions in our hair extension storage Hanger & Bag Combo to keep them protected, especially on a flight. | Chuck them into a bag and hope for the best. |
| Detangle your extensions regularly with our Deluxe Hair Extension Brush to keep them in perfect condition. If you have one of our pre-styled RiRi clip-ins, you can revamp the curls with this brush, too. |
Let them get matted or tangled. Always keep a brush near you, especially if you wear them to the beach. |
| Take your clip-in extensions out if you want to go swimming or before you wash your hair after a day in the sun. | Don't go swimming. Just don't even think about it. You will end up in a tangled, matted mess, and trying to remove them will be hell. We don't even wanna think about it. |
| If you wear your extensions in prolonged sun, either plait them, wear a hat, or get regular shade for protection. | Never apply UV or heat protectant to your synthetics. Or any product for that matter. |
| Take your extensions out before you go to sleep. Duhhhh. | Don't sleep in your clip-ins. Ever. We thought this would be the perfect time to remind you. |
Hair Care for Extensions on Holiday: Semi-Permanent
Clip-in hair extensions are super versatile on holiday because you can clip in and clip out whenever you please, but the same can't be said for semi-permanent human hair extensions like tape-ins.
They need a little more care and attention, but don't worry, it's manageable.
Here are our do's and don'ts for caring for your semi-permanent extensions while you're away:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Travel with your extensions in our hair extension storage Hanger & Bag Combo to keep them protected, especially on a flight. | Leave your hair down or chuck it into a messy hairstyle that can cause tangles and matting. |
| Detangle your hair extensions regularly with our Deluxe Hair Extension Brush to combat knots. | Let them get too tangled or matted. Always keep a brush near you, especially if you wear them to the beach. |
| Before swimming, you should rinse your hair in fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner or mask to help protect your extensions against saltwater or chlorine. | You shouldn’t spend too much time in the water or go in without protecting your extensions first. |
| Apply a UV or heat protectant if you plan on sunbathing for a long time. You should wear a hat or find shade where you can, though. | Never stay in the sun for too long without applying protection. At least put your hair in a protective style, like a plait. |
| Wash your extensions thoroughly with a hair extension-safe shampoo and conditioner to remove any product build-up from the day. Remember, on holiday, your hair will be exposed to sweat, sun cream, heat protectants, chlorine, and much more. |
Don't ever leave a large build-up of product in your hair, you should always wash it out. You should also never sleep with your hair wet, as it can cause serious tangling and matting. Try to air dry it if you can, but blow drying on a low setting is also an option. |
Top tip: Our Hair Extensions Care Full Set includes travel-sized versions of our shampoo and conditioner for short trips away! Plus tons of other goodies. Shop below!
Holiday Must-Haves
We mentioned a few products above that are totally essential for your trip, so we want to make sure you know exactly what they are and why they're necessary.
Think of this as your holiday hair checklist .
Hanger & Bag Combo — An absolute essential for travelling safely with your clip-ins.
Deluxe Hair Extension Brush — For gently brushing out tangles and knots.
Silk scrunchies — You'll need to put your hair in protective styles, and a silk or satin scrunchie will reduce rips.
Sun hat — Getting some shade from the sun is important for protecting your extensions.
Nourishing leave-in conditioner or mask — To protect your semi-permanent extensions while swimming.
UV or heat protectant spray — To protect your semi-permanent extensions while catching rays.
Extension-safe shampoo & conditioner — For washing out all the products at the end of the day.
Final Words: Caring for Your Hair Extensions on Holiday
Don't worry, ladies, you won't have to go without. Taking your hair extensions on holiday is literally what they're made for —you always want to look your best on vacay!
You just need to make sure you're taking the proper precautions and not neglecting your RiRi's. You don't want to have to replace them when you get home just because you forgot to give them a bit of love.
If you've got a trip planned and suddenly realise you don't have any protection or maintenance products for your extensions, don't fear, below is a selection of our must-haves. Shop today with next-day delivery available, so you’re set even for last-minute trips!
*Get 10% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter
FAQs
How Do I Protect My Hair Extensions in the Sun?
There are plenty of ways to still enjoy the sun while wearing extensions, including wearing a hat, using protective UV or heat protectant spray (only on non-synthetic extensions), braiding your hair, and getting shade throughout the day where you can.
How Do You Care for Hair Extensions at the Beach?
The best way to care for hair extensions at the beach is to put them in a protective hairstyle , like a braid. This will minimise sun exposure and prevent knots or tangles from forming.
We also recommend not swimming too long in saltwater , as it can affect bonding. If you're wearing clip-ins or synthetic extensions, we don't recommend getting your extensions wet at all .
Is it Okay to Swim With Extensions?
We don't recommend swimming if you have clip-ins or synthetic extensions , as this can cause significant damage and reduce their lifespan.
However, if you have tape-ins or another kind of permanent hair extension, it's absolutely fine to swim. There are just a few precautions you should take. Read more in the post above!
Do You Have Anything That Helps Care for Extensions While Travelling?
We do! Our Deluxe Extension Brush will help you keep your extensions in gorg condition while travelling, making sure they're free from knots and tangles. It can also help enhance the curl on our curly extensions if they've dropped a little.
We also have hair extension hangers with clips and a hair extension bag to keep your extensions nicely stored while you travel. This will keep them free from dirt and tangles and allow you to keep them safe in their bag at the end of the day.
Nancy Pinder
Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions.
Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!
