Whether you’re headed to a tropical beach, European escape or are just setting up shop next to the air conditioner, summer (and the hot temps that come with it) isn’t over. While the combination of sun, salt and the sheer heat and humidity can throw your usual routine into chaos, effortless vacation hair is not just a myth reserved for influencers posting from Portofino. With the right tips (and a little prep), your hair can keep up with the adventure—no matter where your passport takes you.
Spray Away
“Vacation hair, or summer hair, is supposed to feel effortless and carefree, yet stylish,” says Emmaus, PA hair colorist Kenneth Adams. “It’s all about low-maintenance and an easygoing vibe.” One of his go-to product picks: “A texturizing sea salt spray, like Paul Mitchell Sea Salt Spray ($28), is great for that fresh-out-of-the-ocean look. You can spray it on damp hair and let it air-dry or blow-dry with a diffuser to create effortlessly beachy waves.”
Raven Hurtado, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, is also a fan of the salt spay. “An easy hairstyle to do if you’re looking for very minimal effort is to use a salt spray, like OUAI Wave Spray ($30), to enhance natural, beachy-like waves, while protecting hair from frizz and providing shine.”
Buns + Braids
Another cute option is a messy bun, perfect for hot summer days or lounging by the pool, says Adams. “Braids are also an alternative for those who don’t want to use a lot of heat on their hair,” he says but stresses one particular product that you shouldn’t leave behind: “No matter what you do, don’t forget to pack leave-in conditioners and UV protection sprays for your hair—it is so important and almost no one ever thinks about it.”
Hurtado also points to inspiration via Cierra Ortega from Love Island, who wore hairstyles that incorporated accessories that gives vacation vibes. “Most of these styles consists of a braid or braids out, while wearing hair half up half down or in a messy bun. You can also add a seashell extensions like RPZL Seashell Extension ($29) or a pony cuff like RPZL Morgan Marble Cuff ($30) for a boho vibe. I also like LEILEIXI Hair Cuffs for Braids ($6).
Clip On
Everything old is new again and Stephanie Angelone, celebrity stylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in New York, says the claw clip is still very much in in the time frame called now. “Vacation hair should be effortless and be a look that can easily transform from day to night. Summer is also the time of year when your hair needs to be up at all times so I love that claw clips are so back! A claw clip makes it easy to instantly look pulled together. Half up, half down is one of my favorite effortless ways to wear a claw clip and RPZL The Mini Shelly x Bella Gerardis ($25) the perfect size for a half head of hair as it’s smaller than a full size claw clip. The seashells in gold and silver are also beach chic.”
Treatments + Tools
Sometimes, we also want to embrace our own hair texture when we go on vacation, but another alternative for those who don’t want to deal with frizziness is a Brazilian Blowout, says Adams. “This is still a game-changer. I have clients who just get a Brazilian Blowout in the beginning of the summer months here in the Northeast. I also have people wanting them if they are going on a trip abroad and want ‘frizz-free hair’ all vacation long! You can wear your hair with its natural texture without the frizz, or create a beautiful blowout that will last in almost any humidity.”
If you’re looking for more polished waves, Hurtado recommends using Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X ($89), which works on both short and long hair. “It’s slim, easy to pack in your carry-on and works like a flat iron, making it effortless to use.”
