Highlights / Olaplex / Sun and Pool holiday - recommendations for hair protection please!

[JemimaPyjamas]

After a struggle with Thyroid issues and various other things, my hair is now finally looking good again. I have also been having pale blonde highlights which look great but I am now off on our much postponed holiday in a month and need to protect it.

Within reason, I don't mind what it costs as long as it works (and it'd probably be far cheaper than trying to undo any problems.) I use Olaplex shampoo and conditioner at the moment (love the shampoo but not as impressed with the conditioner), and also the Olaplex 6 bonding cream - I mention this as I know Olaplex isn't compatible with sulphates and I am guessing also not great with silicone but I might be wrong on that count. I also do a hair mask a couple of times a week (not a fancy brand, whatever might be on offer!)

Can anyone recommend me any products to check out?

I have quite fine, highlighted hair (but lots of it). Have always rated Redken's sun protection ranges over the years (they've changed names a few times think it's UV rescue now).

The best possible thing I've found is to keep your hair covered where possible, even if you're a sun worshipper. I take a few silk scarves away with me and pop my hair in a bun with a scarf over, ensuring all hair is covered (even if I've got sun protection stuff in). This works well both around the pool and out & about during the day. If it's particularly hot, I dip the scarf in cold water and squeeze out before using.

For swimming, I slather my hair in a leave in conditioner / swim cream (the swim cream in the Redken range is excellent but I believe Boots do a decent one that's much cheaper).

If you can, avoid blow drying / straightening as much as possible. My hair is naturally wavy and I really cba on a sunny holiday to be sweating to get it straight, so I just have natural 'holiday hair'. It always feel lovely and soft, even if it doesn't look quite as nice.

Have a lovely time!

Osmo intensive deep repair mask

Good point re the scarves. I tend not to blow dry or straighten anyway tbh, so that aspect is okay. I will have a look at the Redken stuff now.

I've used Osmo before and liked, rather than loved, it, but wasn't sure if it's Olaplex friendly - I best check first!

I loved Mythic Oil and Mythic Oil mask when I was double process blonde.
I didn't put my hair in the pool or the sea, used to put it in milkmaid plaits to protect it.

The best shampoo for this is the Aveda orange bottle one. It's for after swimming in salt or chlorine so yes use the protection sprays etc but wash your hair with this after and then condition.

I'm a swimmer and use this regularly.