Cruise holidays are all about rest and relaxation, right?

Well, according to beauty expert Danielle Louise, that might not apply to skin and hair.

Danielle, who works for top global beauty and wellness booking platform Fresha, says sea air, sun, pool chlorine, air-conditioning and repeated showering can leave cruise passengers with dry skin, frizzy hair, colour fade and irritation.

“All of that can strip moisture from the skin and leave hair feeling rough, dry or harder to manage,” Danielle tells us.

“Even the shower routine can play a part. After a day of SPF, sweat, sea air or swimming, most people shower more often and wash their hair more than they normally would.

“That repeated exposure to treated water, combined with the elements, can leave both skin and hair feeling far more dehydrated than expected.

“Balcony cabins are lovely, but from a hair and skin perspective, they do come with more exposure.

“If you are sitting outside every day in direct sun and sea breeze, that can absolutely affect moisture levels. It does not mean you should avoid them, just that you should be more aware of how much extra protection your skin and hair might need.”

SKIN & HAIR

Unlike your average beach holiday, cruises expose passengers to several beauty stressors all at once — that deck time in salty wind, swimming pools, then drying air-conditioning and showering.

A constant cycle that can be especially hard for people with sensitive skin, coloured hair, extensions or already dry hair and skin.

Danielle explains: “Sea air and wind can make hair tangle more easily and leave it feeling rough, while strong UV and repeated washing can weaken both the hair and the skin barrier. People may also notice their skin feels tighter than usual, especially if they are cleansing more often or using active skincare products while away.”

+ In salty air and breeze, hair may become frizzier, rougher or harder to style, while skin can start to feel tight or sensitised.

+ Sun time can cause dehydration, colour fade and sensitivity.

+ Chlorine is especially harsh on colour-treated, bleached or extension-treated hair. And it can also leave the skin feeling stripped and uncomfortable.

+ Repeated showering can strip natural oils from scalp and skin.

+ Add to that late nights, early excursions, motion at sea or noisy cabin locations, which can all affect sleep quality, which may mean puffiness, dullness or tired-looking skin.

DANIELLE’S TIPS

+ Use SPF every day, including on sea days and breezy afternoons.

+ Apply a rich moisturiser or barrier-supporting cream after showering.

+ Pack a hydrating hair mask or leave-in conditioner.

+ Rinse hair after pool use rather than leaving chlorine to sit.

+ Wear a hat or protective scarf on deck to reduce UV and wind exposure.

+ Avoid over-washing hair where possible.

+ Switch to gentle skin care if skin starts to feel tight or irritated.

+ Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just at meals.

Danielle adds: “The mistake people make is waiting until their skin feels sore or their hair feels straw-like before doing anything about it. On cruises, prevention makes a big difference. Protecting the skin barrier, hydrating early and reducing unnecessary stress on the hair can help you enjoy the trip without that dry, washed-out feeling by the end of it.’

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International and local self-care services can be booked on fresha.com — from salons to medspas, wellness studios to beauty experts.

fresha.com and find the fresha app in app stores.