If you’re lucky this summer, you’ll be spending some time at the beach, whether you’re catching an icy wave in Cornwall or swanning off to the Caribbean. However, this is a recipe for dry hair and sunburnt skin.
I know from experience, specifically going on holiday to America with bleached, damaged white blonde hair, that the sun can be a blessing for your tan but a curse for your tresses. Here are some handy tips that can help you stay looking daisy-fresh on your travels.
Olive Oil
This is cheap or free, we all have olive oil knocking about in our cupboards and this is a handy trick for dry hair and a cure for split ends. It turned my dry, frazzled hair cashmere-soft. Simply slather your hair in oil then wrap it in clingfilm, chillax for an hour or so then shampoo it out thoroughly. It’s
magical. Avocado works well too if you’re not too tempted to eat it.
SPF Foundation
I don’t know about you, but I hate having to put on suncream over makeup. Luckily, quite a few foundations have an SPF value. Be sure to pick one that is SPF 15 or higher. My current favourite is L’Oreal True Match, at £10. There are so many shades and it isn’t too thick or cloggy; it’s light but gives good coverage and won’t let you get sunburnt as it is SPF 17! If you have a bit more cash to flash, Clarins Ever Matte is probably the nicest foundation I’ve ever used. It’s around £35 and is light, moisturising and a little goes a long way if you use a brush to apply it. It made my skin look radiant yet natural and is definitely worth the price.
Haircare spray
Sun protection spray works like a dream, and at £3.99 Boots Soltan Head and Hair spray won’t break the bank. It protects colour, so the sea won’t fade dyed tresses, and contains conditioner to protect it from salt water and keep it soft. It also protects your scalp from getting sunburnt. Marks Hill’s Holiday Hair spray is similarly cheap, at £3.49 and it is nourishing, keeps your hair soft and contains an SPF to keep the sun at bay. It smells great, too.
Tinted moisturiser
Ever feel less of an English Rose and more of a pallid, anaemic freak around local beach goddesses? Cheat a little, then with a tinted moisturiser to give a natural-looking glow. Nivea’s Tinted Day Cream, £3.50, is a quick fix and the moisturiser will prevent the sun from drying out your skin. For body, use an everyday tanning lotion. I like Garnier’s Summer body, at £2.55. It gives a natural build-up, and doesn’t leave streaks like spray tan does. It’ll give you a little more of a tan every day, so you won’t be going from snow white pale to TOWIE orange in a day and it’ll make your tan look natural.
Homemade face masks
Treat yourself on your holiday cheaply and avoid dry skin with a banana and yoghurt mask. Crush 1/4 of a ripe banana and mix with a dollop of yoghurt and a spoon of honey. Apply to your face and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will be soft, moisturised and radiant. You’ll smell like pudding, too.