Keeping your hair soft and styled while traveling can be a tough task. Keeping it well-maintained can be just as challenging. When you’re on the road, you don’t have access to the same grooming tools you have at home. Your hair also has to deal with new circumstances and different conditions while on the road. Here are five great hair care tips for traveling this holiday season.
1. Use small bottles for liquids and gels.
This tip is for travelers headed to the airport. There are certain restrictions on the sizes of bottles you can take on carry-on luggage. To be more specific, the TSA only allows liquids and gels that are in bottles that are smaller than 3.4 ounces. This can be a serious impediment to carrying your essential hair care products with you. However, you can buy small plastic bottles on Amazon that are less than 3.4 ounces and use them to carry your favorite hair products. Remember that these restrictions don’t apply to checked luggage. So plan your travel strategy ahead of time instead of relying on travel products and hotel shampoo.
2. Use the right products.
You can’t take everything with you if you have limited space in your suitcase. That is why you should choose one or two of the best hair care products that you have and take them with you wherever you go. Luckily, you don’t need a dozen products, just one or two that work phenomenally. Build up with the basics, like Kérastase’s Bain Chromatique Riche shampoo for a reliable wash that isn’t rough on your hair. You can also use Kevin Murphy’s Re.Store to replace shampoo and conditioner for an even simpler routine that leaves your hair healthy and protected.
Avoid cheap products that are given to you by hotels, guesthouses, and hostels, especially if you don’t know what’s inside them. They can have harsh ingredients that can ruin your hair.
3. Protect your hair at the airport.
Many things can ruin your hair while traveling, no matter what time of year it is. If you’re taking a flight, invest in a hat or a headscarf. It can protect your air from dust and dirt while you travel. It also protects your hair from the dryness of artificially heated, cooled, and pressurized air in airports. Even more, it gives your hair a day off from styling and heat treatment. This can help you have a stress-free travel day.
4. Carry essential tools with you.
Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can carry a small brush and comb with you. Get a good comb that can disentangle your hair. It’s important to brush and comb your hair regularly so that it doesn’t get tangled up. How often you do it will depend on the type of hair you have.
5. Try out different styles.
When you know you are going to be traveling, it’s a good idea to experiment with different styles. Some hairstyles are easier to incorporate into your routine when you have limited tools or limited time. Testing out different hairstyles ahead of time gives you more options when you have a meeting right after landing. So pack some ponytails, clips, hair bands, barrettes, hats, caps, and other accessories that you can use to shape your hair into different positions. You may also want to go to a hairdresser and get your hair cut and styled. Shorter hair may be a good idea for travelers as it is easier to maintain.
With a little bit of planning, all of your end-of-year travel can be a lot less stressful. Whether you’re traveling for business or you’re celebrating the holidays with family, make your hair routine ready for the road with these hair care tips for traveling. Our professional stylists at Deseo Salon & BlowDry are here to help. Book an appointment to get your hair cut for the holiday season. Alternatively, schedule a hair gloss appointment to give your hair extra shine and protection before winter really starts. No matter what your travel plans are, we can help your hair be ready for the journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the TSA restrictions on hair care products in carry-on luggage?
The TSA restricts liquids and gels in carry-on luggage to containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller. This applies to shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and other liquid-based hair care items. A practical solution is to purchase small refillable plastic bottles and fill them with your preferred products. Alternatively, you can pack full-sized products in checked luggage if you have one, this eliminates the need to rely on unfamiliar hotel products.
What hair care products are best to bring while traveling?
When traveling with limited space, choosing one or two high-performance multi-tasking products is key. Kérastase’s Bain Chromatique Riche shampoo is a reliable option for a gentle, color-safe wash. Kevin Murphy’s Re.Store is an even simpler solution, it functions as both a shampoo and conditioner in one, making it ideal for travel. Avoid using complimentary hotel shampoos and conditioners, which often contain harsh ingredients that can damage or dry out your hair.
How can I protect my hair in an airport or during a flight?
Airports and airplane cabins have pressurized, artificially heated or cooled air that is extremely dry and can dehydrate the hair shaft. Wearing a hat or headscarf protects the hair from dust, dirt, and the drying effects of cabin air while also giving your hair a rest from heat styling. This is an especially good strategy for long travel days when you want to conserve your hair’s moisture and avoid unnecessary damage.
What hairstyles are easiest to maintain while traveling?
Styles that require minimal tools are best for travel. Braids, buns, ponytails, and top knots can be achieved with just a few hair ties or clips and remain polished throughout the day without needing a blow dryer or flat iron. Experimenting with different low-maintenance styles before your trip gives you confidence and options, including styles that are professional enough for a meeting right after landing.
Should I get a haircut before traveling?
Getting a haircut before a trip is a great idea, shorter or freshly trimmed hair is easier to maintain on the road, requires less product, and holds styles better. A professional cut also removes split ends that are more prone to tangling and breakage when the hair is exposed to the stress of travel. A hair gloss treatment before departure is another worthwhile investment, as it adds extra shine and protection to the hair before winter travel conditions set in.