There is something magical about the perfect beach waves but there is nothing magical about the process of achieving them. The alabaster sand and turquoise water of the Philippines beg for enviable photos but we know when your hair is out of whack, posing for photos is the last thing you want to do.
The hot and humid weather of the Philippines takes a toll on your locks and your mane will be prone to breakage, frizziness, dryness, and damage. However, with the right haircare routine and products, you can keep your hair healthy and shiny even on the hottest and most humid days. In this article, we’ll share some tips for maintaining healthy hair in a tropical climate.
Here are a few haircare tips to help you treat your tresses on your next holiday to the Philippines and look picture-perfect every day.
What causes bad hair in the Philippines?
The heat and humidity of a tropical location like the Philippines cause the keratin in your hair to act up. Keratin is a protein and its bond structure changes when exposed to this extreme climate. The moisture in the hair will break the weak hydrogen bonds in your hair and cause it to frizz or curl in a new way. For people from dry climates, this can be quite a shock and the idea of unruly hair is a daunting one.
How to save humidity-hair
Forget about extreme treatments or hours of effort, here are a few easy tips to incorporate into our normal routine to ensure your hair looks flawless in the Philippines.
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner
The first step to maintaining healthy hair is using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Look for sulfate-free products with natural and healing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or argan oil. Sulfates are harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness, frizziness, and breakage. Natural ingredients, on the other hand, can nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it soft and shiny. It won’t hurt to try and incorporate these gentler shampoos before your holiday to help your hair get used to the new products.
Don’t wash your hair too often
Washing your hair every day can strip it of its natural oils and cause dryness and breakage. In a tropical climate, you may be tempted to wash your hair more often due to the heat and humidity, but it’s not necessary. Instead, try washing your hair every other day or every two days. If you have oily hair, use a dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair. Dry shampoo can also add volume and texture to your hair, making it easier to style.
When washing your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can damage your hair and scalp, causing dryness and irritation. Also, be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all the shampoo and conditioner buildup and residue.
Protect your hair from the sun
The sun’s UV rays can damage your hair, causing dryness, breakage, and fading of color. To protect your hair from the sun, you can wear a hat or a scarf when you’re outdoors. You can also use hair products that contain UV filters to shield your hair from the sun’s harmful rays. There are wonderful hair and scalp sunscreens on the market that give you some extra protection for those long days on the beach.
Avoid heat styling
Hot tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage your hair, especially if you use them frequently. In a tropical climate, it’s best to let your hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer. If you need to use a hot tool, make sure to use a heat protectant spray first. This will help to reduce damage to your hair and keep it healthy.
Use hair masks and treatments
Hair masks and treatments can help to nourish and hydrate your hair, keeping it healthy and shiny. You can use a hair mask once a week or once every two weeks, depending on your hair’s condition. Look for masks and treatments that contain natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, or avocado oil. This is a good habit to have outside of holiday times too so keep this routine up.
You can also try DIY hair masks using ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, such as eggs, yogurt, and olive oil. These natural ingredients can help to repair and strengthen your hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy hair in a tropical climate requires a gentle haircare routine, protection from the sun, and regular maintenance.
By following these tips, you can keep your hair looking and feeling healthy and vibrant, no matter how hot and humid the weather gets.
Remember to be patient and consistent with your haircare routine, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for your hair type and texture.