Vacations in the Caribbean give us a nice-looking suntan that makes those who stayed home or picked a less warm latitude turn green with envy. Sauntering cities where magical realism takes us aback every step of the way, where music blares out everywhere, having the most refreshing drinks and the sweetest fruits that make us look back time and again. Basking in the sun as we feel like floating in a postcard-like blue sky. Oh, that's superb, but watch out! All of a sudden, this much happiness could pan out to be your worse nightmare.

Hair is directly exposed to sunrays, so it needs some help to protect it from the sweltering sun. Practical tips proposed by experts must be heeded, taking into account from the very beginning that there's nothing better than a hat when taking a stroll around town, in the countryside or by the seashore. Beaches pose the biggest danger, so travelers must use products with a wide protecting range.

Specific care Departing from the aforesaid assertion, your hair must be frequently shampooed and softly conditioned with products fitting each and every individual's characteristics. Before taking a swim –either in the sea or in a pool- you must smear gels and oils good enough to wrap your capillary fibers.

Some experts, however, suggest your hair care should begin long before taking a swim. The better your hair conditions are, the easier you can take care of it.

A warning about sun baths A good dosage is healthy, but this depends on the time of day: early in the morning, never after 10:00am. You should begin with short exposures that can stretch out longer as days pass by. This is the best way to better tolerate sunrays. After sun baths and swims, you must rinse your hair with running water to prevent salt from hardening it.

Other recommendations Even though hair is the main issue in this article, you skin is worth mentioning here as they are both linked and are extremely vulnerable to these natural aggressions. Given the importance of esthetics, you must avoid such damages as stains, burns and even some irreversible lesions that might arise for not following care guidelines in keeping with the kind of skin you have. That allows you to choose from an assortment of products. A hydrant cream or oil is a must in a warm-weather place. On the other hand, you must wear shades or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun or glow. Besides, sun-protection creams with a variety of factors should always be there in our beach bag.

Last but not least, we recommend you to drink plentiful water to avoid dehydration. A balanced diet and taking advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables are key. Avoid drinking too much coffee and cut down on your fat intake.

If you toe the line as far as these precautions are concerned, you'll fly back home with a healthy, tanned skin and silky hair. The Caribbean will be completely wonderful and we'll simply get the most of nature.