It’s a common travel problem: you’re ready to relax on vacation, but your hair just won’t cooperate. While traveling is exciting, it can be tough on your hair. Whether you’re traveling for work or fun, taking care of your hair doesn’t have to be a struggle. This guide will give you all the essential tips you need to keep your hair looking great on the go, so you can travel with style and confidence.

Understanding Your Hair Type and Needs 

Before we get into travel tips, it’s helpful to understand your hair type and what it needs. Hair is usually grouped into four types: straight, wavy, curly, and coily.

1. Straight Hair

This hair is naturally smooth and often shiny.

• What it needs: It can get oily fast, so it may need washing every day or two. Use lightweight products that add volume to avoid it looking flat. Dry shampoo is great for making it last longer between washes.

2. Wavy Hair

This hair has a natural “S” shape.

• What it needs: It can get frizzy in humid weather. Use lightweight moisturizers and leave-in conditioners to keep waves defined without weighing them down. The ends can be dry, so they might need extra attention.

3. Curly Hair

This hair has defined spirals or corkscrew-shaped curls.

• What it needs: Since it’s often dry and frizzy, it needs a lot of moisture from deep conditioners and sulfate-free shampoos. Look for styling products that define curls without making them crunchy.

4. Coily Hair

This hair has very tight coils or a zig-zag pattern.

• What it needs: This is the driest hair type and can break easily. It requires intense moisture and regular deep conditioning. Protective styles like braids can help minimize breakage. Be very gentle when detangling.

How to find your hair type: To figure out your hair type, wash it and let it air-dry without any products. Look at its natural shape, see how quickly it gets oily, and notice how it changes in different weather.

Knowing this will help you pack the right things for your trip. For example, if you have straight hair, you might want to pack a good dry shampoo. If you have curly or coily hair, braiding it before you travel can be a great way to protect it.

Preparing Your Hair for Travel

To take good care of your hair while traveling, start before you even leave home. Preparing your hair ahead of time can make a huge difference during your trip.

Here are some simple steps to get your hair ready:

• Deep Condition: A week before you go, use a deep conditioning mask. This adds extra moisture and strength, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling to a place that’s very dry or humid. You can get this done at a salon, buy a mask from a store, or make one at home.
• Get a Trim: If you have split ends, get a haircut before your trip. This prevents more damage and makes your hair easier to handle while you’re away.
• Do a Clarifying Wash: Use a clarifying shampoo to wash away any product buildup. This gives your hair a fresh start for the vacation.
• Try a Protective Style: If your hair is curly or coily, consider getting braids or twists. This is a great way to protect your hair, especially if you’ll be at the beach or doing lots of outdoor activities.
• Care for Your Scalp: A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. Use a nourishing oil or treatment on your scalp before you leave to make sure it’s in good shape.

Taking these steps beforehand will help you avoid hair stress during your travels.

Quick Tip: If you’re going somewhere sunny or plan on swimming, wait to color your hair until after your trip. The sun, salt water, and chlorine can all make hair color fade fast. You’ll get more value from your salon visit by waiting until you get back.

The Right Hair Care Products

What should you do with your hair on vacation? It all starts with packing the right products.

Here’s what to think about:

• Travel Sizes: To meet airline rules, either buy travel-sized versions of your favorite products or put them into your own small, reusable bottles.
• Multi-Use Products: Pack items that do more than one thing, like a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or a leave-in conditioner that also protects your hair from heat.
• Products for the Climate: Pack for your destination’s weather. If it’s humid, bring anti-frizz products. If it’s dry, pack extra-moisturizing creams and conditioners.
• Dry Shampoo: This is perfect for travel. It soaks up oil, adds volume, and lets you go longer between washes.
• Heat Protectant: If you plan on using styling tools like a flat iron or curling wand, be sure to pack a heat protectant spray.
• Heat Tools: Think twice before packing your heat styling tools for international trips. The voltage in another country could damage them.

If you have thinning hair and want it to look fuller, you could try a product like Toppik Hair Building Fibers. They are made of keratin proteins that blend in with your hair to cover thinning spots, giving you a fuller look instantly.

Another option is Toppik Fill Me In, which is a hairline filler that’s easy to apply for quick touch-ups. Both are small and easy to pack, helping you feel confident during your trip.

Packing Hair Care Essentials

Packing smart is the secret to keeping up with your hair care routine on the go. Here’s a simple checklist of what you might need for your trip:

• Shampoo and conditioner (in travel sizes)
• Leave-in conditioner
• Styling products like mousse, gel, or hairspray
• Heat protectant spray
• Dry shampoo
• A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
• Hair ties and bobby pins
• A hat for sunny destinations
• A mini flat iron, curling iron, or travel hair dryer (if you really need them)
• Products like Toppik Hair Building Fibers for quick touch-ups

A quick packing tip: Keep your liquids (like shampoo and stylers) in a waterproof bag to prevent leaks from getting on your clothes. It’s also smart to pack your electronic tools, like a flat iron, separately from those liquids to protect them from any potential spills.

Dealing With Common Hair Problems While Traveling

Does traveling affect hair? Yes, traveling can affect your hair. Things like new climates, different water, and more time in the sun and wind can all change your hair’s health and look.

Here are some common hair problems you might face while traveling and simple ways to fix them:

Problem: Frizz

• Cause: Caused by high humidity.
• Solution: Use an anti-frizz serum or oil. Protective styles like braids can also help keep hair smooth.

Problem: Dryness

• Cause: Can happen in dry climates, from air conditioning, or after swimming in salt water or pools.
• Solution: Use a leave-in conditioner and try not to wash your hair every day. Applying a hair mask once a week also helps.

Problem: Flatness

• Cause: Often due to different minerals in the water or your scalp getting oily in humid weather.
• Solution: Use dry shampoo to soak up oil at the roots. When you wash your hair, only apply conditioner to the ends.

Problem: Tangles

• Cause: Usually from wind, swimming, or being active outside.
• Solution: A leave-in conditioner makes detangling easier. Always use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle. To prevent tangles, braid your hair before activities.

Problem: Sun Damage

• Cause: Spending too much time in the sun without protection.
• Solution: Wear a hat or a scarf. You can also use hair products that have UV protection.

Problem: Green Tint (for blonde hair)

• Cause: Chlorine from swimming pools.
• Solution: Before you swim, get your hair wet with clean tap water. A swim cap offers the best protection. After swimming, use a clarifying shampoo to wash out the chlorine.

Hair Care for Long Flights

Long flights can be tough on your hair due to the dry, recycled air in the cabin and friction from the headrest. To keep your hair looking its best, it’s wise to apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before you fly to lock in moisture. Opt for a comfortable, protective hairstyle like a loose braid, a low bun, or a high topknot to prevent tangles and breakage; securing it with a soft scrunchie is gentler than a tight elastic. For extra protection and to minimize frizz, especially on overnight flights, consider bringing a silk scarf to wrap your hair or a silk pillowcase. Upon arrival, you can quickly refresh your look with a bit of dry shampoo at the roots to absorb oil and restore volume.