When going on a vacation, many women focus on packing and making plans for the perfect holiday but tend to neglect protection for their hair, skin and nails during this period.

A holiday spent outdoors and by the beach means hair and skin problems caused due to being exposed to the sun, chlorine and humidity.

Arab News spoke to Dr. Jeni Thomas, a scientist with P&G for 12 years involved in research related to hair and scalp heath, to learn more about the best ways to protect hair in the summer season. Here’s what she had to say:

Before going on a holiday, what are the things one should do to protect hair from chlorine and the sun?

Our research has shown that hair that already contains mineral impurities will undergo more damage from sun exposure. At least two weeks before your vacation, be sure to use your preferred Pantene shampoo with damage blocking technology.

Do you recommend a certain hair treatment?

Home treatments can be just as effective as salon treatments for protecting your hair against summer damage. What’s most important is that the treatments (daily conditioners, intensive masks, leave-on treatments, etc.) are used along the full lengths of hair. Some women apply the treatments only to the mid-lengths and below or just to the tips; however, summer damage occurs from root to tip.

What should women do during their summer vacation to constantly protect their hair?

Block UV exposure by using umbrellas and wearing scarves and condition thoroughly and regularly to makeup for the damage your hair will naturally encounter — these will help to minimize vacation hair damage without interfering with your vacation plans!

How often do you recommend women to apply hair products and chemicals during their vacations?

In addition to daily washing (to rinse hair of damaging pool/ocean water) and conditioning (to help repair the frequent styling damage), it also helps to wet your hair then cover it with a rinse-off conditioner or mask before getting into the pool or ocean water. This will help to slow the movement of chlorinated or salt water into your fiber core, where it can cause damage.

How can women protect their hair from all the heat, whether it the sun, a hair dryer or styling rods?

Use a conditioner along the length of the hair wherever heat will be applied. Pantene’s conditioners have ingredients known to protect hair from heat-styling damage. It also helps to lower the heat you are using to style your hair — if possible, embrace your hair’s natural texture or try new hairstyles that require less heat to create. Once your hair is dry, running a leave-in treatment like Pantene’s Oil Replacement over the style will help to keep it smooth.

When is the best time for a haircut — before traveling or after coming back?

As long as you are happy with the way your hair will look in all of your vacation photos, save the haircut for when you get back. Vacation can be a stressful time for hair — spending more time in the water, in the sun, and more frequent styling can add to noticeable damage. Trimming the damaged ends when you return home will give your hair a fresh start followed with the daily care that is easier to fit into your normal routine.

How can one protect her hair dye from changing during vacation and if so, what should one do when returning from the vacation?

While on vacation, block your hair from sun exposure as much as possible (umbrellas, hats, scarves, etc.) to help protect your hair color. UV exposure can have a drastic effect on hair dyes. The other step you can take is to wash with Pantene shampoos with damage blockers. This technology will help to cleanse your hair of impurities that can amplify the color-damaging effects of UV. And once you are back from vacation, condition, condition, condition. Even if your hair color has changed during your vacation, having a smooth, well-aligned style will bring out the best of your hair’s color and shine.

What are the treatments you would recommend after a long holiday?

If you haven’t already been conditioning along the full length, be sure to do so now. And before styling, use leave-in conditioners like Pantene’s Oil Replacement to help repair damage and leave hair even smoother. If you have held off on getting a trim, this is a good time to give your hair a fresh start by cutting off damaged ends.

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