The Easy (and Free) Way to Protect Your Hair On Vacation

If you're heading somewhere hot and sunny this year and plan to spend time in the pool or the sea, spare a thought for your hair. Chlorine, salt, and sun exposure can do serious damage to your delicate strands, particularly if your hair is bleached or chemically treated in any way. Luckily, there are plenty of protective products out there that can help to limit the damage, as well as specifically designed postswim deep conditioners that'll clean and nourish your hair, leaving it shiny, smooth, and ready to fight another day.

However, the best tip for giving your hair a fighting chance poolside is actually completely free. Those outdoor showers you'll find beside the pool and on the beach aren't just there to wash off excess sweat or sun cream, or to rid yourself of sand and salt after swimming. Before you swim, step under the shower and soak your hair through so it's completely saturated.

Your hair can only hold so much water, so if you really soak it in clean water before swimming, it will soak up less of the damaging pool or sea water. Rinse again as soon as you get out of the pool, and reapply your favorite UV-defense spray and your hair will hopefully stay in much better shape throughout your trip!