Thursday 30 July 2015

Caring for Your Hair and Scalp on Holiday


When we leave the London rat race behind and head off on holiday, most of us are hoping to enjoy plenty of sunshine. We're often also looking forward to swimming in the sea or a pool. It's well-known that the sun can take a toll on our skin – but sometimes people forget to think about the effects of sun and water on hair and the scalp. There's a need to take particular care if you are experiencing male hair loss, as this means your scalp is more exposed and can become burnt or irritated.

Here are some top tips to ensure that, while you're relaxing, your hair isn't being unnecessary stressed by the heat and the water. If you are becoming concerned over thinning hair, remember The London Centre of Trichology is here to help and can provide expert hair loss diagnosis and advice.

Hair Loss Diagnosis –  Follow the link to find out more about  programmes for hair and scalp conditions.

Sun Risks – and How to Combat Them 
Effective protection against the sun on holiday for your hair and scalp is vital. The sun and heat can make hair brittle and possibly exacerbate male hair loss, or could also make it greasy. You also risk increasing chances of skin cancer and causing undue pain and peeling to your scalp.

The most effective way of protecting the scalp and hair against the sun and heat is by simply wearing a hat. This isn't just for the beach, but also while sightseeing on a city break, for example, as the risks exist everywhere! Don't worry, since with the huge variety in styles of hat available you will be sure to find something that suits you. Hats are very fashionable and worn for their stylishness, as well as to give protection.

If you have thinning hair, when not wearing a hat, remember to apply sunscreen to your scalp to avoid burning. One option is a clear high factor spray, which can be targeted directly onto the scalp to provide maximum protection.

Protecting Hair in the Water 
A large number of holiday-goers this year will be spending time swimming. However, you may not know that the chlorine found in all pools can make hair dry and cause split ends. So how can you prevent these issues while still being able to enjoy time in the water?

One of the most simple and effective solutions is to not allow your hair to come into contact with chlorine, by wearing a swimming cap. And there's no need to worry, since swimming caps have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, providing much more comfort than in the past

Another protective measure is to rinse your hair in clear water by going under the shower just before getting into the pool. This stops hair from absorbing as much chlorine as you would by getting into the pool with dry hair. Jump back into that shower straight after swimming to wash your hair, and it's equally important to do this after swimming in the sea, as the salt can dry out your hair and make it sticky.

There's also a whole host of products on the market designed to combat the effects of chlorine, such as shampoos formulated for swimming or conditioners to apply before you go in. So keep an eye out for those before setting off on holiday.

Easy Care Styles
Nobody wants to spend a lot of time looking after their hair on holiday, so it's a good idea to keep it simple. There are typically two methods of approaching the holiday hair decision, 'Let it Grow' or 'Cut it Short'.

Typically most men would have their hair cut short just before a holiday in order to minimise the amount of styling required while away, and why not? The hairstyle reduces unsightly tan lines and means less time maintaining and more time in the sun. However there is a second option with a slightly more 'messy look', allowing the hair to grow longer while away. This can  be a refreshing change and give a cool laid back look.

Don't forget your favourite hair products while you are away, since it may be hard to find them while travelling abroad. Most cosmetics products now come in a smaller, more handy size for taking away with you.

If you are concerned about thinning hair, there's no need to feel embarrassed or worry about it on your own. The London Centre of Trichology is here to help and offers expert services  for both female and male hair loss, including male pattern balding and alopecia diagnosis.

Male Hair Loss London – Follow the link to find out how you can book your free initial consultation with one of our experts.