The Vacation Guide For Your Hair
Heading to the beach or pool with extensions? Here’s how to protect your investment and still enjoy your vacation.
Pre-vacation prep Talk to your stylist before you go. Ask for product recommendations (I love Milk_Shake leave-in and detangled formulas). A quick DIY: mix water and your regular conditioner in a spray bottle for an easy leave-in mist. Before you hit the sand or pool, saturate your hair with tap water so salt or chlorine won’t be able to saturate the hair cuticle as much. For extra protection, apply a deep-conditioning mask before exposure.
Remove vs. keep: choose what’s right for you Remove: If you want a stress-free vacation, remove your extensions. No worrying about dry tracks, visible bonds, or extra maintenance. This is my favorite option for warm-weather travel and when you expect frequent washes or lots of sun and sweat.
Keep them in: care tips if you leave extensions in If you decide to keep extensions, follow these steps:
Rinse hair with fresh water immediately after swimming to remove salt/chlorine.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner.
Apply a leave-in or barrier product before swimming (oils or silicone-based shields can help).
Detangle carefully, starting from ends and working up, ideally with a wide-tooth comb or brush made for extensions.
Minimize heat styling and use UV-protectant sprays.
A third option: chop and keep for fullness Some clients use vacation as a chance to cut their natural hair shorter and keep a few extensions for added volume and shape. It’s a great compromise: less daily upkeep but still the fullness you love.
Final tips Prioritize scalp health—wash more often if you’re sweating. Embrace low-maintenance styles like slick-backs or braids. When in doubt, consult your stylist about the best plan for your extension type (especially if they’re corrective or medical).
Enjoy your vacation — and keep those extensions looking amazing.
xo Maddy
