Oh, the irony. There’s so much stress in planning a relaxing holiday. After booking flights and working out how many suitcases I can get away with comes the angst of personal preparation. I have to remember to use Cellulite-Pro turbo on my thighs every night in wishful attempt to vanish dimples.
I need to find a flattering new bikini so as not to look like a sea cow in the surf. Then I need to book an all-over body wax so I’m smoother than a varnished coffee table, followed by a bronze fake tan. Then there is the hair and whether to colour pre-trip or not to colour at all.
It is a quandary of Shakespearean proportions. I would say most of my friends either sport all-over colour or highlight their hair. To create the ideal hue, one chum religiously has hers “done” every six weeks and spends more annually than BP’s Gulf oil-spill fund.
“You should have highlights done before you go away, so you already have a sun-kissed effect,” says Oscar Mercaldi, art director of Aldo Coppola salon, which specialises in colour. "The sun will lighten the hair further, so it’s important to ensure the colour is slightly darker in tone so it will be naturally lightened to just the right shade.”
Repeated sun, sea and chlorine turns my usually soft, glossy locks into an appetiser for Shergar. But is it worth shelling out on expensive haircare products before trotting off for a sunshine-fest?
“Have a silicone wrap treatment straight after the colour as it will form a film that acts like a barrier to protect hair,” Mercaldi advises. “Each day, use products with a UV filter that will add further protection. It’s important to use natural products because the skin and scalp are more prone to irritations in the sun.”
Anyone who is naturally blonde may be haunted by childhood holiday disasters – chlorine’s magical powers ruining hair colour.
“Always rinse the hair in fresh water when coming out of the sea or pool, to limit damage by chemicals or salt,” suggests Mercaldi. “Wash and condition every evening with specific sun-protection products. They will protect and nourish the hair structure. Remember to treat your hair as you treat your skin when away.” This advice should be heeded by everyone, as brunettes can develop a reddish hue and redheads can look brassy. Otherwise, repairing your hair will end up on that post-holiday to-do list.