As I am usually on the go, I never really pay much attention to personal care when I am traveling. I just bring my usual face wash and shampoo and that’s it. However, my recent trips this year prodded me to pay more attention, especially with the hair. I noticed my scalp really drying up as I was traversing the arid but bitterly cold conditions of Mongolia. Ditto for my trips around Southeast Asia where the heat had caused some painful acne to appear on my scalp.
As I am no expert in hair, I have collaborated with the folks at Beijing 101 for some hair care tips while on the go. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom for a chance to win shopping vouchers and free hair and scalp consultation sessions.
Wear a hat
Prolonged sun exposure can dry your scalp or worse – cause discoloration. Wearing a hat is a great way to avoid hair damage whenever there is direct sun exposure.
Put sunscreen on your hair
beach volleyball by diego david garcia | cc 2.0
For folks who have greasy hair, do note that the heat can stimulate your scalp’s oil producing glands and can trigger folliculitis or hair acne. If you prefer to let your hair down uncovered, an alternative is to use sunscreen. Spray-on types work best for the hair instead of cream-based ones. The former is also easier to use.
Wash your hair frequently
If you happen to be traveling around a humid and hot country – most places around the region fall within this category – you would do well by washing your hair in the evenings after coming back from a day around town. This can help wash away dirt and excess sebum from your scalp – too much of which could lead to hair loss.
Be careful about pool water
Pool water is often filled with lots of chlorine that can unnecessarily dry up and damage your hair. One way to keep your hair from soaking up pool water is by using a swimming cap. Alternatively, slathering your hair with conditioner / moisturizer before a swim can help protect against the chlorine drying up your hair.
Just chill
Holidays are experiences to enjoy and cherish but sometimes, unforeseen circumstances could spell disaster. Prolonged periods of stress could lead to hair loss so remember to chill.
Consider going for scalp treatment after your trip
Traveling can expose you to foreign bodies or climates which your body is not accustomed to. This can have varying effects on your scalp – from excessive dryness or greasiness. In my case, my recent trips to Mongolia and Russia – places which are very dry – sapped my scalp of moisture. Going for a scalp treatment after your trip, especially when you visit places that are vastly different from Singapore in terms of weather, could help restore your hair to healthier conditions quicker. It will also enable you to identify any serious conditions before they become chronic.
Exclusive Promotion for my readers! Enjoy a Hair Gro Treatment for S$42 w/ GST (UP: S$366) and stand to WIN a Hair Care Hamper worth S$240. Sign up HERE.*
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This post is brought to you by Beijing 101
