Summer
is flying by and if time has finally come for your vacation
(it has for us at Believe.
We'll be closed July 17 through July 21 and again July 27thand
28th so book your appointments now!) here's some
tips to help you hit the road with ease and grace and still have
fabulous hair:
Get
cut and color now: This is where "better the devil you know
comes into play." By now you trust all of us little devils at
Believe with your
precious locks and the same can't be said for a stylist wherever you
are traveling. This is not the time to experiment! Getting your hair
corn-rowed on some Jamaican beach is one thing (everybody deserve a
Bo Derek moment once or twice) but don't let anyone near your hair
with scissors or dye. We've cleaned up too many bad cuts and seen too
many allergic reactions over the years. Let us at Believe
get your hair in super shape before you vacation, so we don't
have to save it for you after you come home.
Packing
light: If you are flying, TSA will restrict your liquids (or
gels) to one quart size Ziploc bag in your carry-on. You can pack
more in your suitcase, but be sure to avoid pressurized cans and have
everything tightly locked in a Ziploc inside your suitcase. Even
then, be prepared for a gooey mess inside the bag when you
land--pressurization does strange things to containers you could have
sworn were closed tightly. So try your best to stick with the carry
on. Go buy travel size containers in 2-3 ounce sizes for your
favorite products (don't buy those cheap alcohol-based hair products
that come in travel sizes. They may be the right size, but can wreck
havoc with your hair. Its much better if you put good products--like
those we sell at Believe--in
small bottles.) If you are driving, don't be lazy and just empty
everything from your bathroom counter into your bag. Make a list and
stick to it.
Play
it smart: Call ahead to the hotel or check the website to see
that they have a hairdryer in the room. That will save you from
having to pack one--though, if you must, pack a foldable travel dryer
(and if you are headed to another country, make sure you have a
convertor with you.) If you are traveling with family, make sure you
aren't duplicating what someone else is bringing (everyone doesn't
need their own hairdryer or curling iron, for example.)
Absolutely
take: A good moisturizing shampoo like Agadir Morrocan Oil or
Aestelance Moisture Cream. A versatile conditioner like Aestelance
Mud Masque. A leave-in conditioner like Chromastics Tri Organic Leave
In. For curly hair, a frizz-reducing styling get like Alcohol Free
Aestelance Hydrogel. For straight hair, a styling gel for volume like
Aestelance Alcohol Free Volume. A small bottle of spray suitable to
the hold you want. One good brush (rounded for styling) and, perhaps
one curling iron or flat iron (but do consider: how much time do
your really want to spend on vacation styling your hair?)
On
the plane: Apply some leave-in conditioner before you board to
avoid drying up your hair. Try Aestelance Hair Cream which we sell at
Believe and the dry
air of the plane won't leave your hair feeling like straw. Rinse it
out when you get to your destination.
At
the beach or pool: Work in a product like Aestelance Hair Cream
to help protect your hair from the sun. Make sure to rinse the salt
or chlorine out of your hair with a Clarifying Shampoo right away
when you get back to the hotel. (Beware: Beachside showers often use
salt water!)
Maintain,
don't duplicate: Your regular look may require hot rollers or
tons of products that just won't be practical in the small bathroom
of a cruise ship or your favorite campground. Don't try to duplicate
your usual style. Think more of maintaining healthy hair and know
that changing conditions (including water, humidity and even
elevation) can change how your hair performs.
When
it comes to styling less is more: Go for easy styles on vacation
(saving you trouble and time.) Even letting hair air-dry after
washing can create a great look. Or for short hair, a good pomade
like Butter can add texture and style to your strands. Medium hair
can take a good scrunching while drying for volume or go for a low
ponytail with sleek edges for a look that can go from shopping in
Paris to dinner out in Rio. Longer hair can look chic (and be out of
the way) in a chignon, messy bun or even a high ponytail or try
braiding your hair before bed. In the morning, unbraid and add some
volume with TriOrganic Leave In for a wavy style that can last for
days.
Rein
it in and cover it up: Small combs, clips, and covered elastic
bands will fit easily in your suitcase and will help hide a multitude
of sins. Scarfs are great too, and since hats are a pain to take on a
plane, wait till you get where you are going to buy an inexpensive
straw hat from a street vendor (bargain!) and leave it behind when
you go home or, if you are in a car, carry it back as a great (and
useful) souvenir of your travels.
Quick!
Call for your Believe
appointment now and then get out there and have a fabulous (and
restful) vacation—and we will too. Enjoy!