The beauty of North Africa comes with its sun-soaked deserts and vibrant cities, but that scorching heat? It can be a real test for your hair! Even though basically anywhere around the world can also damage your hair and scalp, those UV rays do some extra damage in North Africa. Actually, hair issues are even more common among the locals, and they have their own remedies to solve this, such as Morrocan Argon oil.
Now, with all of that said, whether you’re strolling through the crowded markets of Marrakech, traveling around the coast of Tunisia, or even adventuring through the Sahara (especially as a first-timer traveling through North Africa) then protecting your and maintaining your healthy locks from the North African heat is essential. Now, with all of that said, here’s how to make sure your hair survives—and thrives—during your travels!
Hydration is Key
Now, you really need to understand that North African heat can be brutal and not just for your skin. Your hair gets thirsty, too! The sun and dry air can quickly strip your hair of its moisture, leaving it brittle, dry, and frizzy.
This is exactly why hydrating your hair is an absolute must, so make sure you pack a hydrating shampoo and conditioner with ingredients like argan oil (this one is highly recommended), shea butter, or aloe vera. If there are hair products that work perfectly for you, then you may want to pack a few up during your travels.
Use Sun Protection for Your Hair
You wouldn’t step outside without sunscreen, right? Well, your hair needs sun protection, too! So, just like your skin, your hair can get sunburned. UV rays can weaken your hair, causing dryness, split ends, and colour fading. Plus, those sunburns on your scalp can be incredibly uncomfortable.
There are plenty of UV-protectant hair sprays designed to keep your hair safe from the sun. You can usually find these in local pharmacies, but it doesn’t hurt to pack some prior to your trip. But if you do this (and it’s highly recommended), just be sure to reapply if you’re going to be out for hours. It’s really the best way to prevent hair loss due to UV rays.
But you can also throw on a cute hat or scarf—not only will it protect your hair, but it’ll keep you looking stylish. Besides, it gives you a chance to buy something unique and locally made anyway.
Choose Your Styles Wisely
When it’s 40 degrees and climbing (especially if you’re there in the summer months), the last thing you want is your hair sticking to the back of your neck. So it’s really going to be in your best interest to instead just opt for easy, breezy hairstyles that keep your hair off your face and neck while still looking cute. But it’s also going to help if you have an idea of what your hair type is because this can help prevent breakage (and add ease) to your hair.
Besides, there is everything you need to know about caring for Type 1B hair if you have that (as well as other hair types), so it’s highly recommended to have a general understanding of what your hair type is and how you can properly take care of it. This is also the best thing you can do when it comes to protecting it from UV rays, as some hair types are susceptible to more damage when in the sun (and heat) for too long.
Oil it Up!
Hair oil was already mentioned, but this still deserves more recognition. Now, a good hair oil is a lifesaver when battling heat and humidity. Not only does it lock in moisture, but it can help protect your hair from damage caused by dry winds and excessive sun exposure.
Besides, lightweight oils like argan or jojoba are perfect for travel—just a few drops can leave your hair soft and shiny, while keeping frizz at bay. This is one of the best souvenirs that you can give yourself too.
Rinse Away the Salt and Sand
The ocean might be calling your name, and a camel ride through the desert might be on your itinerary, but both saltwater and sand can wreak havoc on your hair. It’s really important to understand that saltwater strips hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and crunchy, while sand can make your scalp itchy and irritated.
When you get the chance, just try and wash your hair immediately once you get back to your hotel room. The grains of sands can cause breakage to your hair.
