Avoid These 5 Damaging Holiday Hair Trends, Experts Warn

As holiday season approaches, hairstylists are raising alarms about popular TikTok trends that can harm your hair. According to celebrity hairstylist Adem Oygur, these viral styles may seem appealing but could lead to significant damage while you enjoy your vacation.

Many TikTok users are sharing various hair hacks, such as using socks for curling or detangling underwater, which have garnered millions of views. While some methods are beneficial, others may cause irreversible harm. Oygur states, “Some of the viral hacks are actually great, like ditching heat tools or using overnight oil wraps. But others, like brushing wet hair aggressively or tying it tightly straight from the sea, are fast-tracking damage.”

Essential Hair Care Tips for Vacationers

To help maintain healthy hair during summer trips, experts like Oygur and beauty editor Laura Sutcliffe recommend avoiding common pitfalls. Here are five crucial tips to keep your hair looking revitalized upon your return.

1. Rinse After Swimming
Chlorine and saltwater can severely damage hair, especially for those who invest in color or keratin treatments. Oygur advises rinsing hair with fresh water immediately after swimming. “This simple step preserves softness, shine, and elasticity,” he explains.

2. Avoid Overwashing
While it’s essential to cleanse hair after a swim, overdoing it can strip natural oils. Oygur cautions against daily washing, which can lead to dryness and frizz. Instead, he suggests a gentle cleansing routine tailored to individual hair types, supplemented with dry shampoo between washes.

3. Protect Against Sun Damage
Sutcliffe emphasizes the importance of protecting hair from sun exposure. “The sun is so drying on your hair, making it coarse and crispy,” she warns. To combat this, she recommends using leave-in conditioner and tying hair back, as well as applying water spray when in and out of the pool.

Combatting Hotel Water and Hair Care Myths

Traveling can present unique challenges for hair care. Oygur notes that hard water in hotels can lead to dullness and dryness. He suggests using a portable shower filter or a chelating shampoo upon returning home to remove mineral deposits effectively.

4. Avoid Tying Wet Hair
After swimming or showering, it may be tempting to tie hair up to prevent dripping. Oygur warns against this practice, stating that hair is most fragile when wet. Tying it up can cause breakage and permanent creases. Instead, he recommends allowing hair to air-dry partially or entirely before securing it with gentle silk scrunchies or clips.

By following these guidelines from experts, vacationers can enjoy their time away without sacrificing the health of their hair. As summer approaches, this advice serves as a reminder that maintaining hair health requires thoughtful care, especially during holiday travels.