Protecting hair when on a hiking trip is crucial In order to prevent it from getting dull, dry and brittle once we return home.
Moreover, hiking involves prolonged exposure to the typical outdoor elements such as heat, wind, sand and sunlight.
So whether you are trekking in the mountains or strolling on the beach, here are some essential tips to keep your hair looking splendid and radiant, once your sojourn is over.
(Consider a single product for both hair and body as you will have to limit the stuff you carry in your backpack. In case you have very little space, try a kit with two SU travel sizes)
Prepare for sun protection before stepping out
It is very important to protect hair from sun damage as the rays can not only damage the structure of the hair, but can change it’s colour as well, whether cosmetic or natural.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use appropriate measures for sun protection for hair like a sun-protecting leave in hair spray.
Its softening invisible ink is enriched with UV protection filters that safeguards the hair color and keeps the scalp hydrated during exposure, leaving it soft, light and easy to comb.
As this product is formulated to safeguard against sun exposure, apply it to the entire hair length as well as the ends, whether on dry or wet hair.
After shampoo, spray all over the hair, as a leave-on conditioner, and comb to distribute the product evenly, without rinsing off.
Wash hair with fresh water at the end of the day
At the end of the day’s trek, as soon as you rerun to your place of stay, immediately wash your hair with fresh water.
After a day out in the sun, consider using a gentle product such as, a foaming SU hair and body wash, which acts as a multi-benefit shower shampoo, especially for the hair skin exposed to the sun.
Formulated for specific sun exposure, the shampoo gently cleanses the hair and leaves it hydrated and soft because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Simply apply the shampoo to the wet hair and massage it gently into the scalp and rinse. Repeat the application and follow with a conditioner SU milk or SU hair mask, depending on your hair needs.
Don’t forget the hair mask
Masks are like an elixir for our hair, so during your trek, consider applying a regenerating hair mask once or twice in a week to revitalize the hair which may have been exposed to the sun, wind, rain or intense heat.
Use an SU hair mask that will detangle your strands and leave them soft, shiny and manageable, even to the driest and dull-looking hair with its antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, it has a moisturizing regenerating cosmetic effect, specific anti-aging action, especially for hair which has been damaged by the sun and other environmental factors.
You can apply the mask to towel-dried hair after shampooing your hair. Leave on the scalp for about fifteen minutes then rinse thoroughly and dry your hair. This treatment is effective for using both during and after sun exposure.
Apply 5-10 sprays on your towel-dried hair and then comb thoroughly and follow up with your desired styling tool and hiking hairstyle.
Dry your hair gently
After a long day out in the sun, you may feel like wringing your hair and rubbing it with a towel as soon as you return from your trek.
Instead, adopt a gentle approach once you have washed your hair. Let it dry naturally as far as possible and refrain from using hair blowers or straightening irons to prevent hair damage.
If you have no option, adjust the temperature at the lowest level and for added protection apply a heat protectant to act as a barrier between the hair and the heat.
Consider a hair shield which is suitable to protect all types of hair from the stress caused by the blow dryer or straightener. The spray will effectively protect hair from temperature as high as 230 degree C/ 450 degree F.
What to avoid before going on the trek
After advising you on how to product your hair from the elements when on a hike, here are some tips to best de-stress your hair before you leave home.
- Before going on your hiking vacation, do not have any aggressive hair treatments done. For instance, if you intend to dye your hair, unlike bleaching or straightening which tends to weaken sensitive hair, it is better to wait till you are back home.
- Do not let your hair down, especially if you have long hair, at the beach or in the pool. This is not just for convenience, but hair which is tied up gently, but not too tightly, can help defend the strands from burns and also prevent the hair from getting tangled, especially in windy conditions. Consider ponytails, braids or buns for best results.
