Aveda Theory Hair Salon

Vacations are good for the soul, but they can be rough on your hair. Sun exposure, salty ocean water, chlorine, hotel shampoos, and skipped routines all add up. If your hair feels dry, dull, or harder to manage now that you’re home, you’re not imagining it. The good news is that with a little focused care, you can bring it back to life quickly.

Here’s how to give your hair the reset it deserves after a holiday.

1. Start With a Gentle Cleanse

After traveling, your scalp often needs just as much attention as your strands. Product buildup, sunscreen residue, sweat, and pollution can clog the scalp and weigh hair down. Use a gentle clarifying shampoo once to remove buildup, but don’t overdo it. Follow with a moisturizing shampoo for the rest of the week to avoid stripping your hair of natural oils.

If your scalp feels itchy or flaky, look for a shampoo with soothing ingredients like aloe or tea tree. Healthy hair starts at the scalp.

2. Deep Condition Like You Mean It

Holiday hair is usually thirsty hair. Sun and water exposure weaken the hair cuticle, leading to dryness and frizz. A deep conditioning mask is non-negotiable. Use one to two times a week, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.

If your hair is color-treated or chemically processed, choose a mask with protein and moisture to help rebuild strength. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes. Longer if the instructions allow. This is not the time to rush.

3. Trim the Damage

Even if you were careful, vacation life often leads to split ends. Heat styling, air-drying in the sun, and constant ponytails take their toll. A small trim can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels.

You don’t need a dramatic cut. Removing even a quarter inch helps prevent splits from traveling up the hair shaft and keeps styles looking polished.

4. Give Heat Styling a Break

If your hair feels fragile, now is the time to ease up on hot tools. Let your hair air-dry when possible and try low-manipulation styles like loose braids, buns, or natural texture looks.

When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant and keep the temperature moderate. Your hair is already recovering. Don’t make it work harder than it has to.

5. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Post-holiday hair care isn’t just topical. Travel often means less water and more cocktails, which can dehydrate your hair. Drink plenty of water, eat foods rich in healthy fats, and don’t underestimate the power of good sleep. Hair repair happens faster when your body is supported.

6. Reset Your Routine

Finally, take this moment to reassess your products. If your hair feels different than it did before your trip, it may need different care now. Switching to more hydrating products or adding a weekly treatment can keep your hair looking healthy long after the holiday glow fades.

Your vacation may be over, but great hair doesn’t have to be. With the right care, your strands can look refreshed, shiny, and ready for whatever comes next.