How My Hair System Held Up on a 2-Week Holiday in Far North Queensland
As the owner of Liberty Hair Co. and a seasoned hair system wearer, I know firsthand how crucial it is for a hair system to stand up to the elements, especially during an active holiday.
Recently, I took a two-week trip with my family to Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia, where we spent nearly every day at the beach, in the pool, or hiking under the hot sun. Naturally, I was curious to see how my hair system would hold up under these intense conditions, so I cut in a fresh one for the trip and I’m happy to report that it exceeded my expectations!
Here’s a breakdown of how my hair system performed and some tips to help you enjoy your next holiday without worrying about your hair.
Prepping for the Trip
Before we left for Queensland, I cut in and applied my hair system, I went with a hybrid system (lace front and middle with poly around) for airflow. Making sure it was securely bonded. I used samples of our new tape we have in the works 🫢. I chose tape in case I needed to change easily knowing we’d be spending a lot of time in water and under the sun.
I packed my essentials: SPF leave-in conditioner, a conditioning mask, spare tape and some alcohol for easy removal and cleaning if needed.
My goal was to keep my hair system intact for the entire two-week trip without having to remove it or reapply adhesive🤞🏼
Daily Care Routine
Every morning, before heading out to the beach or pool, I applied SPF leave-in conditioner to my hair system. This not only protected my natural hair but also shielded the system’s hair from UV rays. I knew from past experience how quickly sun exposure could fade color, but with daily use of the SPF conditioner, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the color stayed vibrant throughout the trip.
After every swim in the ocean or pool, I made sure to rinse out the saltwater or chlorine. This simple step prevented buildup that could damage the system or weaken the bond. I washed my hair system twice during the trip—once midway through and once toward the end. I used a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo my partner had with her and used my hair system/extension specific conditioning mask.
How My System Performed
In the Water
I spent a lot of time in the water, and I was impressed by how well the adhesive held up. Whether swimming in the ocean or splashing around in the pool with my kids, the system stayed secure the entire time. I didn’t experience any lifting or discomfort, which was a huge relief.
The combination of rinsing after swimming and applying leave-in conditioner kept my hair system feeling soft and manageable. There was no sign of dryness or tangling, even after consecutive days in the sun and saltwater.
Under the Sun
Far North Queensland is known for its intense sun, but thanks to my daily application of SPF leave-in conditioner, and wearing a hat when I wasn’t in the water, my hair system didn’t experience the noticeable color fade that I’ve encountered in the past. The hair stayed true to its original shade, and I didn’t have to worry about coming home with a faded, brassy look.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Aside from water activities, we also went hiking and did a lot of walking under the hot sun. Despite sweating and being in humid conditions, the hair system remained secure and comfortable. I think the key here was choosing a good quality hypoallergenic, adhesive designed for extended wear and paired it with some max hold sport scalp protection, which really made a difference in these active conditions.
Removal Back in Melbourne
After returning home to Melbourne, I removed my hair system to give my scalp a break. I’m happy to say that the removal process was smooth, with some expected residue left behind. My scalp felt healthy, and the hair system itself was in great condition—ready for my next wear.
Key Takeaways for Holiday-Proofing Your Hair System
1. Use SPF Leave-In Conditioner and a cap/hat: Protecting your hair system from UV rays is crucial, especially when spending a lot of time outdoors. Daily use of SPF leave-in conditioner kept my hair color from fading and maintained its softness.
2. Rinse After Swimming: Whether you’re in saltwater or chlorinated pools, make it a habit to rinse your hair system thoroughly after each swim to prevent buildup and damage.
3. Choose the Right Adhesive: If you plan on being active, opt for an adhesive designed for extended wear. Mine held up perfectly, even with all the swimming, sweating, and sun exposure.
4. Minimal Washing: While it’s important to wash your system occasionally, don’t overdo it. Washing it twice during my two-week trip was enough to keep it fresh without stripping it of moisture.
Final Thoughts
I went into this holiday curious about how my hair system would hold up under the elements, and I’m happy to report that it performed brilliantly. With the right care and preparation, you can enjoy an active, fun-filled holiday without worrying about your hair system. Whether you’re swimming, hiking, or just relaxing by the beach, your hair system can look great and stay secure throughout your trip.
If you’re planning a holiday and have any questions about how to care for your hair system, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share tips and advice!
For anyone who cares - The hair system I used was one of our blended hair systems sourced from a quality wholesale only supplier. Colour 1b30 (30% grey).
Benny.