Holiday Hair Care Tips for Extension Wearers

Holidays are a time to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun but they can also present a few challenges for your hair extensions. Between the sun, saltwater, pool chlorine, and heat styling, your extensions go through a lot while you're away. But don’t worry, keeping your SWAY hair extensions in top condition while travelling is easier than you might think. With a few simple holiday hair care tips and the right products in your suitcase, you can enjoy your holiday without compromising on hair quality, style, or shine.

Pre-Holiday Prep

Before you even step on the plane, some preparation goes a long way in keeping your extensions healthy throughout your trip. First things first: if you're close to your maintenance window, get your extensions professionally refitted or trimmed before you jet off. This prevents matting or slippage while you’re away and ensures the bonds are secure.

Next, give your hair a moisture boost before exposing it to dry cabin air and sun. Using a nourishing deep conditioning treatment will help strengthen your natural hair and your extensions. Our Hydrate Mask at SWAY is an ideal pre-travel treatment to revitalise dry ends and leave your hair soft, glossy, and manageable.

It’s also wise to apply a protective, restorative product like The Hair Hero before flying. Not only does it shield your hair from dehydration, but it also makes post-flight detangling a breeze. Add these to your packing list for the flight and beyond.

Protecting Extensions in the Sun

We all love a little sunshine, but UV rays can be harsh on both natural hair and extensions. Prolonged sun exposure may cause fading, dryness, and brittleness. The solution? SPF for your strands. Use a Heat Protection Spray that offers a barrier against thermal and UV stress and delivers active defence by reinforcing the hair’s structure, leaving it ultra-conditioned, glossy, and touchably soft.

Pair this with physical protection, too. A wide-brimmed hat or a silk scarf not only keeps your hair shaded from the sun but also helps reduce colour fade and heat damage. When you’re lounging poolside or sightseeing all day, this small step makes a big difference.

Swimming & Water Protection

Chlorine from pools and salt from the sea can wreak havoc on extensions. They dry out the hair, weaken bonds, and lead to tangling or matting. The best way to protect your hair is to avoid submerging it entirely. But if you do go for a dip, braid your hair beforehand to minimise movement and knotting.

Once you’re out of the water, rinse your hair thoroughly as soon as possible with clean, lukewarm water. Follow up with a gentle wash using the SWAY Hydrate Shampoo, which is specially designed to cleanse without stripping essential moisture. Pair it with our Hydrate Conditioner to replenish hydration and keep hair smooth and soft. These post-swim steps are vital for preserving the integrity of your extensions.

For more holiday hair care tips on swimming and water protection, check out our blog on ‘How to Protect Your Hair Extensions from Sun and Chlorine Damage’.

Styling Advice While Travelling

When you’re travelling, convenience is key. Opt for low-maintenance hairstyles like braids, buns, and beachy waves that don’t require daily heat styling. Not only are these styles easy to manage, but they also help protect your hair from tangles and breakage.

If you do need to use heat styling tools, make sure you never skip a heat protectant so you can achieve your desired look without compromising the health of your extensions. Go an extra step further and combine your styling routine with our daily Hair Oil that nourishes every strand with its rich blend of Argan Oil, Vitamin E and fatty acids, leaving your hair frizz-free with a mirror like shine.

Night-Time Tips

Night-time care is essential to prevent tangles, matting, or damage. Before bed, gently brush your hair with the SWAY Professional Paddle Brush or Oval Brush and secure it in a loose braid or ponytail to avoid unnecessary friction while you sleep. This simple step helps maintain the structure and smoothness of your extensions.

You could even consider swapping out cotton pillowcases for silk or satin alternatives, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf. This reduces friction and moisture loss overnight, and is especially important in warm, dry climates. For ease on the go, pack the Travel Trio from SWAY, this ensures you can keep up your haircare routine wherever your travels take you.

Aftercare Once You’re Home

Once you're back from your holiday, your extensions will likely need a bit of TLC. Start with a clarifying rinse to remove any build-up from SPF, styling products, and pool or sea residue. Our sulphate-free shampoo offers a deep yet gentle clean, perfect for restoring balance without compromising the bonds.

Follow this with a hydration-heavy treatment like the SWAY Hydrate Mask to replenish lost moisture and restore silkiness. It’s also a good time to book your next professional maintenance appointment to have your extensions checked and refitted if needed.

Time to Pack the Perfect Haircare Travel Kit

Jetting off soon? Make sure your extensions are holiday-ready. Explore our hair care sets and travel essentials at SWAY to keep your hair looking flawless from takeoff to touchdown. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more expert holiday hair care tips and exclusive offers. Alternatively, get in touch with our experts for more advice and we’ll be happy to help you prepare your hair for your upcoming travels.

Holiday Hair Care Tips FAQs

Can I go swimming with my hair extensions in?

Yes, but it’s best to avoid full submersion if possible. Always tie your hair into a braid to minimise movement, rinse thoroughly after swimming, and use a sulphate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair gently.

For more holiday hair care tips on swimming and water protection, check out our blog on ‘How to Protect Your Hair Extensions from Sun and Chlorine Damage’.

What products should I take on holiday to care for my extensions?

We recommend the SWAY Hydrate Hair Mask, Heat Protection Spray, Hair Oil, Sulphate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner as real essentials. We do offer travel-sized options and our Travel Trio to make it easy to stay consistent with your hair care routine, no matter where in the world you may be.

Will the sun damage my hair extensions?

Yes, prolonged sun exposure can lead to dryness, colour fade, and brittleness of your hair extensions. We encourage you to use our Heat Protection Spray everyday, and wear a hat or scarf to shield your hair from direct sun and heat damage.

How do I stop my extensions from tangling while I sleep on holiday?

Secure your hair in a loose braid or ponytail and use a silk or satin pillowcase or wrap to reduce friction and prevent matting overnight.

How often should I wash my extensions while I’m away?

This depends on your activities, but ideally every 2–3 days using sulphate-free shampoo. If you've been swimming or using SPF sprays, wash sooner to avoid build-up and dryness.