Discover these after-beach hair care tips from Morocco to Mexico

Holiday hair protection is always easier if your locks are in good condition before you set off. Most stylists recommend a trim every couple of months to keep ends neat and strong. And it isn’t just the beach that can take a toll. Every day elements, from city pollution to heat styling, all leave their mark. Arrive with your hair healthy and well-tended, and you’ll spend far less time worrying about post-sun damage when you’re away.

There’s nothing more refreshing than plunging into the sea or pool on holiday, but frequent dunking can take its toll on your hair. If you are worried about your hair looking like straw after a week spent poolside, a clever trick is to rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming. This way, your locks absorb clean moisture first, reducing the amount of salt or chlorine they take in. This is especially important if your hair is dry, highlighted, or colour-treated, as it tends to be more vulnerable to chlorine damage.

If your hair feels parched after a long beach day, organic virgin coconut oil is one of the simplest and most effective products for hair care after the beach. Pack a small pot in your luggage and, once back at your hotel, smooth it generously through your lengths before wrapping your hair in a towel. Leave it to work while you relax on the balcony or freshen up for dinner. The soft, tropical scent makes it feel like a holiday ritual in itself, and once rinsed, hair is left silky, supple and ready for more sunshine. Coconut oil is also a brilliant multitasker on the beach, acting as a natural barrier against salt water and UV, preventing damage before it starts.

If you are looking for the ultimate hair oil for beach hair, batana oil is a beauty essential. Venture on vacation to the Riviera Maya and uncover some of the world’s best-kept beauty secrets as you explore the lush landscapes, steeped in ancient Mayan culture. Batana oil is derived from the American palm tree and this rich, amber-hued oil has long been used by the indigenous Miskito people of Central America, celebrated for its remarkable ability to restore shine and strength to even the most damaged hair. When it comes to a beach hair oil that will stand up to endless days dipping in and out of cenotes and the blissful Caribbean sea, batana oil works wonders to revive tired strands by sealing in moisture and leaving hair soft. Many luxury spas across the Riviera Maya now incorporate batana oil into their rituals, but you can also pick up a bottle as a souvenir and reminder of your tropical Caribbean escape. 

Anyone who has shopped for souvenirs in Morocco will have experienced the wealth of beauty products available in the souks. From heady essential oils and delicate rose water to musk bars, Moroccan beauty is famous for its natural opulence. Argan oil, however, is the standout product that all beauty enthusiasts must know about, especially when it comes to post-beach hair care. Harvested by women from the kernels of the argan tree, which thrives only in Morocco, this golden oil is prized for its deeply nourishing properties.

Rub a few drops of this liquid gold into sun-parched ends and watch how it transforms brittle, salt-laden strands into glossy locks. Since it is light, use it daily as a protector against the effects of the sea and sun during your Moroccan holidays. Or, for a more intense treatment, use it as a beach hair mask while staying by the coast. Argan oil remains the ultimate Moroccan elixir for reviving holiday hair.

Good quality brushes can be pricey, but they’re worth their weight in gold. When you have sun-damaged, beach hair, you need a brush that’s going to detangle gently and distribute oils through your hair without causing more breakage. It’s tempting to leave your favourite brush behind to save suitcase space, but making room for one is worth it if smooth, glossy holiday hair is a priority.

Guests at the Barceló Bavaró Palace resort never need to worry about a bad hair day thanks to the hotel’s state-of-the-art beauty salon and top hair care tips. Set against the backdrop of Bávaro Beach’s powdery sands and turquoise waters, the salon provides the perfect antidote to a day spent under the Caribbean sun. The deep gold hair treatment in particular is designed to replenish lost moisture and restore shine, leaving hair silky and resilient against the elements. It’s little wonder that brides flock to the resort for its tailored styling services, safe in the knowledge that their tresses will look immaculate from ceremony to sunset. 

The Dominican Republic is also famous for its sugarcane plantations and the juice of this plant boasts a wealth of benefits for your hair. Top up your after-beach hair care routine by either drinking a glass of sugarcane juice or applying it topically to your hair to promote growth and boost scalp health. Sugarcane juice is rich in B12, iron and other essential nutrients, so whether you’re seeking a quick refresh after the waves or a full indulgent ritual, Punta Cana ensures your hair remains as radiant as the destination itself.

Something as simple as wearing a hat can be an amazing way to protect your hair from sun damage. Scarves work wonderfully too. Invest in a cute hat or scarf that goes beautifully with your swimming costumes. It’ll add a certain something to your beach look as well as protect you. Hats are also great for stopping your hair from getting too tangled if it’s a windy day at the beach. Sometimes, keeping your hair untangled has nothing to do with the best hair products for after the beach. Wearing a hat can help, but so can plaiting your hair. Keeping your hair from getting knotty in the wind means you won’t end up damaging your hair when trying to brush it out later on. It makes after-beach hair care a breeze.

Bathed in African sunshine and graced with the roaring Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands are a great place to enjoy a beach break all year round. Thanks to their climate, they are also blessed with an abundance of aloe vera, thriving in the archipelago’s volcanic soils. Renowned for its cooling, restorative properties, aloe vera gel is as effective on parched hair as it is on sun-warmed skin.

If your locks are feeling a little dry and crispy after too many hours in the sunshine, apply a small amount to tame frizz and soothe your scalp, leaving hair refreshed without heaviness. Many Canary Island hotels incorporate aloe-based products into their spa menus, ensuring guests leave the beach not only bronzed but beautifully revived.