Hair care while travelling is essential to ensure your locks stay luscious and well-nourished. Whether you’re swimming in tropical beaches, sightseeing European cities or skiing through the Alps , it’s important to look after your hair to keep it healthy and strong. This essential guide will provide you with everything you need to keep your hair looking its best, no matter where your adventures take you.
Choosing the Right Hair Care Products for Travel
It is essential to be mindful of your hair health and any related concerns to choose the appropriate products. Although I have my favourites, I used to opt for random travel-sized shampoos from airports for their convenience. I believed that swapping my hair products for a few days would not matter, but I quickly noticed my hair becoming unmanageable. Rather than substituting your regular hair care items, consider transferring them into travel-sized containers. Additionally, consider the destination and its potential impact on your hair, and pack products accordingly to address issues like hard water, rain, wind, or heat. I like to use these silicone travel bottles for my shampoos and hair products. They are light, leak free and hold a lot of product.what hair products should you prioritise when travelling?
Invest in a good shampoo
Investing in a good shampoo is important for maintaining the health and appearance of your hair and scalp. Quality shampoos provide essential nourishment and maintain the natural pH balance of the scalp. They also address specific hair concerns like dryness, frizz, and colour protection. Consistently using quality products leads to stronger and healthier hair and reduce the need for frequent salon visits and costly repairs.
I’m a huge fan of Kerastase shampoos and rarely use anything else. I love that they offer a large variety of shampoos tailored to different hair types and concerns, such as dryness, damage, thinning, and colour-treated hair, and use high-Quality Ingredients which are effective in maintaining my hair’s health, strength and shine. I use the Kérastase Resistance Bain Force Architecte shampoo and conditioner in summer to help with breakage and sun damage and Kérastase Nutritive Nourish and Hydrate in winter to help with hair dryness and weakness.
Dry Shampoo: your Traveller’s Best Friend
Should you wash your hair every day on holiday? I don’t, especially if I’m travelling for a couple of nights or a long weekend and don’t have time to wash and dry my hair.
Dry shampoos are great for keeping my hair looking clean and styled. They absorb excess oil and add volume without the need for water. My favourite is the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo. It has a light formula, smells gorgeous and keeps my hair clean and fresh between washes.
Leave-In Conditioners and Hair Masks
Regular conditioners tend to weigh in my hair so I switched to leave-in conditioners few years ago and they’ve been a game changer. They provide deep hydration and keep my hair soft and manageable. I’m a big fan of the Redken One United Multi-Benefit Treatment , it does a fantastic job at detangling my hair, stopping the frizz and protecting it against the heat when styling.
If I’m spending a lot of time in the sun or swimming, I make sure to pack a repairing hair mask and use it once a week to repair any damage and restore moisture.
hair care while travelling: How to protect your Hair from Different Climates
Dealing with Humidity: my Tips for Frizz Control
I use anti-humidity conditioners, and leave-in treatments that create a barrier against moisture. If I’m heat styling my hair, I incorporate a silicone-based serum, use a heat protectant and a lightweight hairspray. I’ve also started doing cold water rinses at the end of my shower and using a microfiber towel and noticed a big difference. Using silk or satin pillowcases and hair scarves can minimise friction and frizz. I love Kérastase Nutritive 8h Magic Night Serum for Dry Hair. It helps with pillow frizz and I wake up with soft, tamed hair.
How to protect hair from sun damage
Just like our skin, our hair can suffer from sun damage. In addition to hair products with UV protection, I always wear a hat in sunny climates to shield it from harmful rays.
How to manage hair in Cold and Dry Climates
Cold and dry climates can strip moisture from your hair. I use hydrating shampoos, and leave-in treatments and always wear a wool hat.
Hair Care Tips for Different Travel Activities
Your hair care routine should adapt to your activities. Whether you’re hitting the beach or hiking, there are specific strategies to keep your hair looking its best.
Beach and Poolside Hair Care Tips
How do I protect my hair from chlorine on holiday? Before swimming, I usually wet my hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier. I rinse my hair immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventure Hair Care
For outdoor adventures, I keep my hair tied back to prevent tangles. I use a sweat-wicking headband to manage perspiration and a cap when the sun is strong to protect my scalp from sunburn.
Hair Care Tips for Long Flights and Road Trips
Long journeys can leave your hair feeling greasy and limp. Should you wash your hair before a long flight? I always do as I find it helps keep my hair fresh for longer.
Using Hotel Products: Yay or Nay?
Hotel products can be hit or miss. They often contain harsh chemicals that can strip your hair of its natural oils. I personally avoid them and bring my own products.
Quick and Easy Hairstyles for Travellers
Simple hairstyles can save time and keep your hair looking chic. How should I wear my hair on a plane? Opt for low-maintenance styles like ponytails, braids, or buns that stay intact during long journeys.
No-Heat Styling Tips for Travellers
Avoiding heat styling is beneficial, especially when you’re on the go or swimming every day. Embrace no-heat styles like braids or twists overnight to create natural waves and curls by morning.
Essential Tools and Accessories for Travel Hair Care
Packing the right tools and accessories can make a significant difference in maintaining your hair’s health and style.
Choose the Right Hair Brush and Comb
A good quality brush or comb is essential. Choose a wide-tooth comb for detangling and a boar bristle brush to distribute natural oils evenly.
Must-Have Hair Accessories for Travelling
Satin hair ties and headbands are must-haves as they allow for quick and easy styling on the go. I also never travel without a satin scarf or wrap, it reduces friction and minimises hair breakage, split ends, and frizz and it also preserves whichever hairstyle I had overnight, reducing the need for frequent heat styling. I love this GLOV satin hair wrap towel which is reversible and doubles as a shower hair towel and a sleeping satin wrap.
How to Fix Bad Hair Days on the Go
Bad hair days can be frustrating. I pack a small emergency kit which includes mini versions of my essential hair products such as dry shampoo, hairspray, a comb, hair ties and a mousse to tame unruly strands and keep my hair looking polished.
Do you have a hair care routine when you travel? why don’t you share it in the comments?
