15 Holiday Hair Hacks Worth Knowing

“This is a quick hair hack and it works – flip your parting onto the opposite side before you leave the house. It instantly lifts the roots because they’ve been trained to sit the other way. No teasing, no backcombing needed. I also recommend using a good mousse on dry hair in the heat. Just a little scrunched in gives hair texture and an effortless look that requires no heat.” – Luke Hersheson, hairstylist & Hersheson's CEO

"The warmth of the sun can encourage hair growth, so make the most of it by protecting your hair at the same time. I recommend using a multitasking leave-in treatment, such as Loya Ultra Strands Leave-In. It protects against UV damage, helps reduce frizz, restores the hair cuticle and is full of biotin to support healthy growth. Apply it generously before slicking your hair back or twisting it into a bun for effortless protection." – Zoë Irwin, hairdresser & John Frieda creative colour director

"Most people think humidity creates frizz. It doesn't – it simply exposes dry hair. Hair is like a sponge: if it's dehydrated, it'll pull moisture from the air and swell. The answer isn't more hairspray; it's giving your hair enough moisture before you even step outside, so layer up the masks, use oil drops or whatever your hair responds well to in terms of hydration." – Luke 

"Take your hairstyle from the beach to dinner by adding a little shine. I love NUXE Huile Prodigieuse – smooth it through the lengths over your leave-in treatment, then use a wide-tooth comb to pull hair into a sleek ponytail, braid or bun. It gives hair a glossy, sleek finish and works beautifully on the body too." – Zoë

"The biggest mistake people make on holiday is trying to recreate the hair they have at home. If your hair wants to wave, let it wave. If it wants volume, work with it. Holiday hair should be an elevated version of your natural texture, not a battle against it. I also recommend the t-shirt trick for holidays. Wring water out of wet hair with an old one instead of a beach towel. This will help your hair soak up moisture and dry with a nicer texture, too. Towels are too rough and cause frizz. " – Luke 

"Silk scarves instantly elevate any holiday hairstyle. Wrap one around a ponytail or twisted bun, or weave it through a braid for a chic finish. Even the finest hair benefits and when you take it out later, you'll be left with soft, natural waves. It's effortless, very Alexa Chung and has that cool Saint-Tropez feel." – Zoë 

"You can spend all the money you like on products and then ruin the result by constantly touching your hair while it's drying. Every time you run your fingers through damp hair, you disrupt the cuticle and create frizz. Leave it completely alone until it's 100% dry, then break it up at the end. It always looks better." – Luke 

"If the heat leaves your roots looking flat or oily, a texture spray is your best friend. I love Sam McKnight's Cool Girl  or Easy Up Do sprays – they refresh the roots, add volume and enhance that effortless, beachy texture without making hair feel heavy." – Zoë 

"Everyone focuses on thickening the lengths, but the areas people actually notice are the hairline and parting. If those look dense, your whole head of hair appears fuller. A little root powder or root touch-up worked into the scalp can genuinely make it look like you've got twice as much hair." – Luke 

"The sun naturally lifts hair colour, so I always recommend packing a gloss or toning treatment. Pearl blonde shades help neutralise brassiness, while richer tones keep brunettes and redheads looking fresh. As an added bonus, most formulas also top up hydration." – Zoë 

"Not every sweaty head needs shampoo. On holiday, especially, people wash their hair far too often. If your scalp feels clean but your hair feels salty or sweaty, give it a thorough rinse with water, massage your scalp with your fingertips, then apply conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends. Your hair will thank you." – Luke

"One of my favourite backstage tricks is to pour a bottle of Evian through the hair after the final rinse. It leaves hair feeling softer – because the water itself is softer – and creates the perfect base for a natural, effortless style." – Zoë

"Before blow-drying, add a few drops of hair oil directly onto your brush. As you style, it helps smooth away fluff and flyaways while leaving the hair with a glossier finish that's perfect for warm summer evenings." – Zoë 

"Forgot your hair protector? Coat your lengths with coconut oil and shea butter before swimming. Oil and water don't mix, so this creates a protective barrier that helps minimise damage from salt water and chlorine, while coconut oil is small enough to penetrate the hair shaft and nourish from within." – Zoë

"Chlorine creates a barrier around the hair that stops hydrating products from penetrating properly. To remove it, mix vitamin C powder with water, soak the hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. It's a simple trick that helps restore softness and shine." – Zoë

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