HOLIDAY HAIR 101: THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS YOU NEED TO KNOW

4 min read

HOW TO NIX CHLORINE DAMAGE, FORGO THE FRIZZ AND FAKE SUNKISSED STREAKS… HAIRCARE EXPERT MARIA DOWLING GIVES MOJEH HER MANE ADVICE FOR SUMMER

Maria Dowling, Creative Director of Maria Dowling Salon

YOU SHOULD NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… “I always take my Mariadowling Hair Clay with me to remove any toxins and product build-up whilst away. I also take the Cloud 9 Original Curling Wand and do any treatment from Kerastase, as they’re good to keep hair super-soft and protected on the beach.”

Cloud Nine Curling Wand (Dhs835 at Namshi.com)

IN-FLIGHT ESSENTIALS “Travel-size products such as Label.m are great for those on a tight luggage allowance. For in-flight haircare, a few drops of Kerastase Elixir Ultime is great, as it’s made up of essential oils and will nourish hair during the flight, without making it oily. And use dry shampoo from Label.m after you come off the flight to give your hair some lift.”

Kerastase Elixir Ultime (Dhs130, Kerastase at Noon.com)

TOP TRAVEL HAIRCARE TIPS “Protect, protect, protect. Apply any Kerastase treatment during the day so you work on the moisture and then condition the hair using Kerastase’s Discipline (Anti-frizz) range. Also use a heat protector before blowdrying and a UV protector when on the beach – I love the range from Label.m. Take your own hairdryer for familiarity – the Dyson SuperSonic is so small and light, so good to travel with; Do a hair botox treatment before you go – it makes it much easier to manage and you can leave the irons at home and give your hair a holiday.”

Dyson Supersonic (Dhs1,579 at Dyson.ae)

HOLIDAY HAIR HEAT PROTECTION “Label.m does a great range which all has UV protection and comes in handy travel size packs. The Salt Spray, Texturizing Spray and Shine Mist are my current favourites.”

Label.m Heat Protection Spray (Dhs138 at Noon.com)

KEEP YOUR COLOUR COOL “Protect your colour on holiday by tying up or covering up your hair wherever possible. Opt for a colour specific shampoo and paraben-free where you can. Avoid harsh shampoos or anything with sodium chloride, as it will strip the colour. Also use a heat protector when styling. And if you’re a fan of pastel colours, take a colour refresh with you, as the sun and chlorine will strip your current colour. Crazy Colour works really well.”

Crazy Color (Dhs20 at Amazon.ae)

CHLORINE, SEA SALT & SUN CARE “The first thing to do is wet your hair in the shower before you go in the pool. When the hair is already wet it will protect the cuticles from chlorine or salt overload. Always apply a treatment to wet hair before going in the sun, then tie up in a braid or topknot. And rub sunscreen onto your scalp, or avoid wearing a parting so your scalp won’t burn.”

Avene Eau Thermale SPF (Dhs132)

THE BEST HAIRSTYLES FOR SUMMER “Braids never go out of style, and I love the long braids at MaxMara and Erdem. I also love the natural waves at Etro and Chanel for polished boho at its best. And scarves in topknots, as seen at Dolce & Gabbana, are perfect Italian Riviera chic.”

Braids at Max Mara, bohemian waves at Chanel and scarves at Dolce & Gabbana

GET SUN-KISSED HIGHLIGHTS AWAY FROM THE SALON “A few year’s ago we used lemon juice, but you ended up with hair like straw. Now, with Colour Wow’s Blonde Colour Palette, you can make highlights on your parting. Otherwise, go to a professional who can sun-kiss your hair safely and without damage.”

Colour Wow Root Cover Up (Dhs220 at Nisnass.ae)

Now get all your summer hair inspo here

  • Words: Emily Baxter-Priest