Breadcrumbs [Home](/) > [Why Your Hair Always Looks Better On Holiday](/markdownify/node/4485) ![Why Your Hair Always Looks Better On Holiday](https://media.slman.com/gPdtySTVW071zbuBk1MWSSw0R3M=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fslman-site-assets-190826-thumbhero-holiday-hair.jpg) Image: The Vault Stock [Grooming](/grooming) / 19 August 2026 # Why Your Hair Always Looks Better On Holiday The effect is real: salt water and sunshine make hair look noticeably better on holiday. The causes can be less obvious. Here’s what’s going on – and how to get the same effect once you’re home. Image: The Vault Stock All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. 01 ## Salt Adds Volume Ever emerged dripping from the ocean only to find half an hour later your hair has dried naturally and looks better than ever? You have salt water – otherwise known as nature’s volumiser – to thank. The salt absorbs some of the oil and moisture from the hair, giving it more grip and an effortless, slightly lived-in texture. But beware of the crunch: salt water can dry out the hair and lead to breakage. To recreate the look at home, hair stylist [Sam McKnight](https://www.instagram.com/sammcknight1/?hl=en) recommends trying a texturiser spray that’s boosted with conditioning ingredients to keep your hair feeling soft. “A styler like my [Sundaze](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fsundaze-sea-spray-UK200036411.html) protects the hair from UVA and UVB damage while natural sea salt enhances and defines texture. Then conditioning ingredients such as pro-vitamin B5, hibiscus flower extract and castor oil create that soft, beachy finish.” 02 ## Moisture Encourages Curls Holiday weather tends to bring out natural curls because dry hair absorbs moisture from the atmosphere – especially in humid climates. “The moisture then penetrates the hair shaft, breaking and re-routing the temporary hydrogen bonds with keratin protein,” explains Andy Heasman, international creative director at [RUSH Hair.](https://www.rush.co.uk/) “This in turn forces the hair strand to bend, spring back and then flex into the hair’s natural texture and pattern.” For hair stylist [Larry King](https://www.instagram.com/larrykinghair/?hl=en), men with natural movement or curls shouldn’t try to fight them. “Work with what your hair naturally wants to do,” he advises. “After washing, don’t aggressively towel-dry your hair. Gently squeeze out the excess water and apply a small amount of my [curl cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29063&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fp%2Flarry-king-hair-care-nourishing-curl-enhancer-150ml%2F13880632%2F) or a lightweight styling product while the hair is still damp. Then leave it alone as much as possible. You can scrunch the hair with your hands to encourage the curl or use a diffuser on a low heat and low speed if you want more definition. Most importantly, don’t keep touching it while it’s drying, as that’s when you create frizz. A good haircut makes a huge difference too. If the shape is right, your natural texture will do most of the work for you.” 03 ## Sun Creates Highlights Even a few days of sun exposure can subtly lighten your hair, creating natural highlights that often have a fresh, youthful effect. “Lighter locks work well with your complexion, giving your look an overall golden, sun-kissed appeal,” says Andy. “Natural highlights also create more dimension, add uniqueness and allow a more seamless blend of tones throughout.” If you’re looking to lean into that subtle, post-holiday lightness via a trip to the salon, Larry recommends keeping things natural rather than going for an all-over colour change. “Ask your colourist for fine, strategically placed highlights or balayage around the face and through the mid-lengths and ends,” he advises. “You want the effect to look as though the sun has naturally picked up the hair, rather than like you’ve had a full head of highlights. For men especially, a few lighter pieces can make a huge difference. I love a very subtle, sun-kissed effect through the top of the hair – it adds dimension and makes the natural texture look even better. The key is keeping the contrast soft and working with your natural base colour.” 04 ## Water Gives Softness If you live in a hard-water area, you probably know how it can affect your hair. If you’re unfamiliar, hard water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals – primarily calcium and magnesium – that it picks up as it moves through rock and soil before reaching your tap. “The harder the water, the higher the mineral load,” explains Karlee Zhang, founder of [Hello Klean](https://helloklean.com/). “Soft water, by contrast, has a much lower mineral content, either naturally or because it’s been treated to remove those ions.” The key? Enjoy the better water quality while you’re away, but then when you come home, do what you can to retain your hair’s softness. “Filtering at source is the most effective first step because it addresses as much of the problem as possible before it reaches your hair and skin, rather than trying to correct the damage afterwards,” says Karlee. “Calcium and magnesium require a different approach since they can’t be removed by a shower filter. Look for shampoos (and body washes) with gentler chelators like phytic acid or sodium gluconate rather than harsher options. Lowering your rinse water temperature also helps, as hot water causes the cuticle to expand and absorb more minerals.” 05 ## Oil Lends Shine While you’re on holiday, the warmer temperatures can increase oil production within the scalp. A little extra sebum can make your hair look healthier and shinier, without necessarily looking greasy. To nourish a dry scalp and boost oil production without overdoing it you need lightweight products, according to Andy. “Using heavier products such as gels or weighty hair creams can suffocate the scalp and prevent it from breathing which is exactly what it needs to remain healthy. Look out for scalp-specific formulas that nourish or help rejuvenate the oil gland. One I recommend is L’Oréal Professionnel [Serie Expert Advanced Anti-Discomfort Hair Treatment](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Floreal-professionnel-serie-expert-scalp-advanced-anti-discomfort-hair-treatment-for-sensitive-scalps-200ml-10332543).” To address the root issue, Larry suggests reconsidering how you’re actually washing your hair. “Very hot water and overly harsh shampoos can strip the scalp of its natural oils, so keep the water warm rather than hot and opt for a gentle, nourishing shampoo,” he says. “Incorporating a scalp treatment or oil into your routine once a week is worth the effort. Massage it gently into the scalp with your fingertips – this helps to nourish the skin and is also a great way to stimulate circulation. Just make sure you’re not aggressively scratching or scrubbing, as that can make an irritated scalp feel even worse. Think about your scalp as an extension of your skincare routine. It needs cleansing, hydration and a little bit of care.” Visit [HelloKlean.com](http://helloklean.com), [LarryKingHair.com](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=122002&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flarrykinghair.com%2F), [Rush.co.uk](http://rush.co.uk) & [SamMcKnight.com](http://sammcknight.com) [Skip to the rest of this article](#sidebar-bottom) ## We think you might like [Grooming](/grooming) [## How To Beat Back Acne ](/grooming/how-to-beat-back-acne) ![How To Beat Back Acne](https://media.slman.com/VuNnGfn63y9LPvun8QrnmMo_970=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fslman-site-assets-110826-thumbhero-back-acne.jpg) [Grooming](/grooming) [## 6 Shampoos For Fuller-Looking Hair ](/grooming/best-shampoo-men) ![6 Shampoos For Fuller-Looking Hair](https://media.slman.com/LS3dKhsWUwHW1ux0l4mucisF5Xk=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fslman-email-050826-thickening-shampoos-3.jpg) [Grooming](/grooming) [## The Best Grooming Products To Buy At The Airport ](/grooming/the-best-grooming-products-to-buy-at-the-airport) ![The Best Grooming Products To Buy At The Airport](https://media.slman.com/DUnQLG2-xwalCv5cLWUgM1xW7w0=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-man-290726-site-assets-duty-free-grooming-picks-hero-thumb.jpg) --- ## SHOP THE EDIT ![Sundaze Sea Spray from Hair By Sam McKnight](https://media.slman.com/V6tnv3joLV48mF6uq04-opQSrKs=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fhair-by-sam-mcknight-sundaze-sea-spray.png) [#### Sundaze Sea Spray](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fsundaze-sea-spray-UK200036411.html) ##### Hair By Sam McKnight £19.60 *(was £28)* ![Cold Processed Scalp Detox from Act+Acre](https://media.slman.com/JFSDJesKxIBqDHFs4LFthejAc6s=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Factacre-cold-processed-scalp-detox.png) [#### Cold Processed Scalp Detox](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3836078-12527506?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Factacre-cold-processed-scalp-detox%2Fdp%2FACTC-WU3%2F) ##### Act+Acre £43 ![Supersonic R Straight & Wavy Hair Dryer from Dyson](https://media.slman.com/TValeY1AL9TrFNTzU8TqI7xcPiE=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fdyson-supersonic-rtm-hair-dryer-curlycoily-jasper-plum.png) [#### Supersonic R Straight & Wavy Hair Dryer](https://www.dyson.co.uk/hair-care/hair-dryers/supersonic-r/straight-wavy-jasper-plum) ##### Dyson £449.99 ![Full Cover Anti-Thinning Shampoo from Hello Klean](https://media.slman.com/YMUqWYNKjDp2r-foWVcSGnO5V48=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fhello-klean-full-cover-anti-thinning-hard-water-shampoo.png) [#### Full Cover Anti-Thinning Shampoo](https://selfridges.prf.hn/click/camref:1100loTp9/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selfridges.com%2FGB%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Fhello-klean-full-cover-anti-thinning-shampoo-380ml_R04388562%2F) ##### Hello Klean £22 ![Haircare Gift Card from Larry King Haircare](https://media.slman.com/vTjvcHzQ2en5e8js0yIbToQg7rY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Flarry-king-haircare-gift-card.png) [#### Haircare Gift Card](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=122002&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flarrykinghair.com%2Fproducts%2Flarry-king-haircare-gift-card%3Fvariant%3D57345761182079) ##### Larry King Haircare From £10 ![Shower Head Plus from Hello Klean](https://media.slman.com/5j1c5-lLrTPdxOZzwwW9SqdDH9w=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Fhello-klean-shower-head-plus.png) [#### Shower Head Plus](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=22320&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fhealf.com%2Fen-uk%2Fproducts%2Fhello-klean-shower-head-plus-brushed-chrome%3Fvariant%3D49637396119791) ##### Hello Klean £120 ![Serié Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Discomfort Hair Treatment from L'Oréal Professionnel ](https://media.slman.com/8S0CH9GKDo_brvieHFL2EYG4rGI=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Floreal-professionnel-serie-expert-scalp-advanced-anti-discomfort-hair-treatment.png) [#### Serié Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Discomfort Hair Treatment](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Floreal-professionnel-serie-expert-scalp-advanced-anti-discomfort-hair-treatment-for-sensitive-scalps-200ml-10332543) ##### L'Oréal Professionnel £27.50 ![Nourishing Curl Enhancer from Larry King Haircare](https://media.slman.com/_06W-7llrNW9yv8ehMKsxQZ7Frc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F08%2Flarry-king-haircare-nourishing-curl-enhancer.png) [#### Nourishing Curl Enhancer](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=122002&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flarrykinghair.com%2Fproducts%2Fnourishing-curl-enhancer%3Fvariant%3D43420715155587) ##### Larry King Haircare £26 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. 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