A recent study by Scandinavian Biolabs identified London as one of the top destinations to avoid this summer if you don’t want to ruin your hair.
The study analysed 25 of the most popular summer holiday destinations based on flight data from the UK, considering five factors: water hardness, UV index, temperature, humidity, and air quality.
| Destination | Score |
|---|---|
| Jaipur, Rajasthan, India | 6.81 |
| Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico | 6.40 |
| Mahón, Menorca, Spain | 4.57 |
| Çeşme, İzmir, Turkey | 4.50 |
| Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia | 4.47 |
| Supetar, Brac, Croatia | 4.29 |
| Nice, Côte d’Azur, France | 4.22 |
| London, England, United Kingdom | 4.19 |
| Rome, Lazio, Italy | 4.13 |
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Topping the list as the destination most detrimental to hair is Jaipur, India. The harsh desert climate brings intense heat and sun exposure that can severely dehydrate and damage hair through protein loss and accelerated color fading from ultraviolet radiation. Air pollution plagues many Indian cities, leaving particulate matter to settle onto hair and scalp.
Furthermore, hard water with a high mineral content may be an additional complicating factor for this northern Indian region. The combination makes Jaipur a surprisingly risky choice for those looking to protect their hair this summer.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Close on Jaipur’s heels as a destination to avoid for hair health is Isla Holbox, a tropical island off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The intense Caribbean sun can wreak havoc through dehydration, color fading, and protein loss from ultraviolet exposure. Meanwhile, the high heat and humidity create a perfect storm for frizz, static electricity, and an overall unruly, unmanageable hair texture.
Salt water and chlorine from swimming can further dry out and damage the delicate cuticle of each strand. For those looking to keep their locks lush, Isla Holbox may be one to skip this summer.
Mahón, Menorca, Spain
Mahón’s Mediterranean climate brings fairly intense sun along with high heat and humidity – a recipe for dry, brittle, frizzy hair suffering from UV damage and dehydration if not properly protected.
Çeşme, İzmir, Turkey
Çeşme’s location along the Aegean likely means hard water is an issue, in addition to the heating effects of the Mediterranean climate and sun exposure that can severely dry and damage hair.
Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
As an inland destination, Novi Sad avoids some coastal hair risks but still contends with hot temperatures that can dehydrate hair and cause protein loss over time if not cared for properly.
Supetar, Brac, Croatia
This Adriatic island brings intense sun along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, putting hair at risk of UV damage, dehydration, and potential hard water buildup depending on the local water supply.
Nice, Côte d’Azur, France
Nice’s Côte d’Azur locale means ample sunshine to contend with, which can dry out, fade, and damage hair over time through UV exposure and dehydration – not to mention any chlorine or salt if swimming.
London, England, United Kingdom
While London may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering hair health hazards, this metropolitan capital surprisingly ranks quite poorly. The city’s notoriously hard water supply, laden with dissolved minerals, can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, and lackluster over time as it builds up and prevents products from properly rinsing clean.
Additionally, London’s air pollution woes mean particulate matter can accumulate on strands, potentially causing irritation and buildup. Even the city’s cool, damp climate may contribute to increased frizz and disruption of the hair’s cuticle structure.
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Even Italy’s ancient capital can be taxing for hair due to the warmer Mediterranean climate, humidity during certain seasons, and potential for hard water and air pollution buildup.
