Every so often on Patch, Salon Hype owner Ross Bartolomei answers a question about the ubiquitous discussion topic that is our hair. 

Got a question for Ross? Email it to joe.odonnell@patch.com.

Question: With the holidays approaching and many people getting away to the beach for vacation, should you get your hair colored and treated before you leave, or wait until you return?

Answer: We get this question all the time—especially now!

Most people think they should get their hair colored when they come back. But the truth of the matter is you have so much fading and bleaching from the sun that if you wait until you get back to fix it, it's a lot more trouble and expense. Fresh hair color holds up so much better in the sun and is much more receptive to using the proper sunscreen. The hair really soaks it in and it's super effective.

There are many sunscreen products for hair on the market now, that well treated hair can come away almost unscathed from the harsh sun and chlorine. We think Kerastase makes the best hair sunscreen product, but there are many out there. If you wait until you come home to color your hair, you may have to have your color reformulated due to the fading, and you will most likely need your ends glazed, which is an extra expense.

So, if you are wondering if you should touch up your color before you leave, it's a yes!

Let's face it: who doesn't want to look their best on vacation?

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