Your Spring Break Hair Guide
How to Protect Your Hair from Sun, Salt, and Chlorine
If you’re heading somewhere warm this season, your packing list probably includes sunscreen, swimsuits, and a good book — but what about your hair?
At Maude in Herndon, we see firsthand how travel, sun exposure, and water can impact both hair health and color. Between saltwater, chlorine, and long days outside, spring break can leave hair feeling dry, dull, and harder to manage.
The good news is that a few simple habits and the right products can help protect your hair so it still feels soft, healthy, and looks beautiful when you return home.
Start with a Simple Habit: Rinse Before You Swim
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your hair.
Before getting into the pool or ocean, rinse your hair with clean water. Hair acts like a sponge, so when it’s already saturated, it absorbs less chlorine or saltwater. This is especially important for blondes and anyone with color-treated hair.
Yes, Your Hair Needs UV Protection Too
We talk a lot about protecting our skin from the sun, but your hair needs protection too.
UV exposure can fade your color, dry out your strands, and leave hair feeling brittle. One of our go-to recommendations at our Northern Virginia salon is the Eleven Australia Miracle Treatment Spray.
It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect to keep in your beach bag. Spray it through your hair before heading out to help:
Hydrate and condition
Protect against sun exposure
Reduce absorption of chlorine and saltwater
It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your hair while still keeping your routine easy.
Cleanse Away Build-Up (The Right Way)
After a day in the pool or ocean, your hair needs a reset.
We recommend using a clarifying shampoo a few times during your trip to remove buildup from chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and product. Look for options like:
Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash
Follow with a rich conditioner or mask to restore moisture:
This combination helps maintain the health and longevity of your color, especially after exposure to harsh elements.
A Little Extra Care Goes a Long Way
A few small habits can make a big difference:
Gently detangle, especially when hair is wet
Wear loose braids or buns to prevent tangling
Let your natural texture air dry when possible
When you’re traveling, your hair routine should feel simple and supportive, not time-consuming.
Your Spring Break Essentials, Curated
If you’re packing for your trip, we’ve curated a collection of our favorite travel essentials; from haircare to sunscreen to beach reads, all in one place.
Explore our favorites through our ShopMy page and take the guesswork out of what to bring.
Back to the Salon
When you return, a quick refresh can make all the difference. Many of our Herndon and Northern Virginia clients opt for a gloss or deep conditioning treatment after travel to restore shine and hydration. A gloss is especially good for blondes, since the sun, chlorine and saltwater can strip or fade the toner in your hair. No need to wait for your next blonding appointment to get it corrected! A glossing appointment is quick and easy.
If your hair needs a reset, we’d love to take care of you.
Final Thought
A little intention while you’re away goes a long way.
Protect your hair, enjoy your trip, and come back feeling just as good about your hair as you did when you left.