Summertime is here, and there’s no better time to take a trip than right now.
But what about your hair? You won’t have access to your usual salon while you’re on vacation, and you may not have all of your hair tools and products with you.
Besides, you’re traveling to enjoy your vacation, not to spend the entire time doing your hair. But you still want to keep your hair healthy and looking great.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to maintaining your hair before, during, and after your trip. I’ll share what you need to do to keep your hair beautiful and protected while on vacation.
Prepping Your Hair Before You Leave
Preparing your hair before you leave for vacation is one of the most important parts of your trip.
Your hair will need some extra care to withstand the sun, sand, saltwater, and chlorine it will be exposed to.
Make sure to pack everything you’ll need or have access to the products you require to style and care for your hair while you’re away.
How to Prepare
1. Deep Condition Your Hair
Make sure your hair is clean, moisturized, and strengthened before your trip. Deep conditioning is essential.
Planning a getaway can be stressful, but don’t neglect your hair in the days and weeks leading up to your trip. Now is the time to give it all the care it needs to keep it looking fabulous while you’re away.
2. Choose a Low-Maintenance Style That’s Appropriate for the Location/Weather
Consider low-maintenance styles like knotless braids, faux locs, crochet braids, and feed-in braids for your vacation. But don’t get your braids done the night before you leave! They might be too tight, and you don’t want to be uncomfortable during your travel.
It’s best to plan for your braids a few days to a week in advance.
Another option is a sew-in weave that matches your natural hair texture. Don’t get something too different, or you’ll spend all your time trying to blend your leave-out. A closure is also a great choice, ensuring none of your natural hair is left out.
Wigs are also a great option if you’re going on a cruise or won’t be in the sun. You can switch up your look without damaging your hair.
If you’re rocking your natural curls, come up with an easy updo or simple style you can manage quickly. Mini twists are a great choice since they’re flexible, and when you take them down, you’ll have an amazing twist-out!
If your hair is relaxed, consider heatless curly styles like braid-outs and twist-outs. You could also go for a sleek low bun or braid to keep your hair out of your face while you enjoy the beach.
Don’t try a new style you’ve never done before while on vacation. If you’re unsure how it will look or how your hair will react, don’t risk it. A bad hair day can quickly ruin an otherwise perfect trip!
How to Pack
Finding the right balance between being prepared and not overpacking can be tricky. Here are some things to consider:
-
The duration of your visit: If your trip is under a week, you don’t need much. Just pack travel-size versions of the styling products you’ll need.
-
The destination: If you’re going skiing in the Alps or to a cold location, you won’t need the same products as someone visiting a sunny destination like the Dominican Republic. The same goes for city trips versus beach vacations.
-
The activities you’ll be doing: Are you headed to a family farm or a gala in Paris? Adjust your packing list accordingly based on the nature of your activities.
Items You’ll Need
-
A wide-tooth comb for detangling
-
A brush for smoothing
-
A hat for sun protection (and bad hair days)
-
A small spray bottle for water
-
Edge control
-
Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
-
Travel-size leave-in conditioner
How to Sleep While You’re There
Your best chance to cut down on styling time during the day is to sleep in a way that gives you beautiful hair in the morning. Here’s how to do it while on vacation:
1. Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase
A satin pillowcase is essential for keeping your hair healthy. It’s small and easy to pack. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase prevents dryness and split ends caused by friction between your hair and regular pillowcases.
It also helps preserve your style. The smooth fabric allows your hair to glide off the pillow without tangling.
Satin pillowcases are particularly useful if you go out late during your vacation and don’t have time or energy to wrap your hair before bed.
2. Pack a Satin Scarf
A satin scarf helps keep your braids fresh, your edges laid, and your hair soft. You can tie it however is most convenient for you.
It can also double as a cute accessory, like a headband, for a high ponytail or bun. If your hair isn’t cooperating, tie it like a bandana and add hoop earrings for a fashionable, bohemian look.
3. Wrap Your Hair in a Beehive
If you have relaxed hair or a straight sew-in, this method can keep your hair smooth and straight for longer. Wrap your hair neatly around your head and secure it with a satin scarf at night. This will help your hair look great in the morning.
4. Try a Heatless Curl Bow
Instead of using perm rods or flexi rods, which take up space and time, use a heatless curl bow. It’s quick, portable, and doesn’t cause heat damage!
How to Keep Your Hair Clean While You’re Away
If you’ll be staying at your destination for more than a week, or if you plan on swimming, you’ll need to wash your hair.
Going without washing for extended periods can cause product buildup and prevent your hair from absorbing moisture.
Pack a swim cap to protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater. If your hair does get wet, rinse it with fresh water after swimming to remove salt and chlorine and prevent damage.
Check flight and customs regulations to see if you can bring your preferred shampoos and conditioners. If not, find a store near your destination where you can purchase them.
Never go to bed with wet hair. Hair is more fragile when wet, and sleeping on wet hair can lead to breakage.
If you’re wearing a protective style like braids, make sure your hair is completely dry to avoid mold growth.
Most hotels provide blow dryers, but confirm with the hotel before you leave. You can also use dry shampoo to refresh your hair between washes.
After Your Vacation
Once you return from your vacation, it’s time for recovery mode. Stick to your regular hair care routine and give your hair a break from any high-stress styles for a few weeks.
-
Take down any protective styles and continue with your weekly deep conditioning treatments. You can also try steaming your hair or doing hot oil treatments for added moisture and shine.
-
If you didn’t get a trim before leaving, get one as soon as you return. Exposure to the sun, wind, sand, and saltwater can lead to split ends. The sooner you cut them off, the less damage they’ll cause, and the more length you’ll retain.
Feel Great and Look Amazing on Vacation
Some of the best memories are made during vacations, and you’ll want to look as great as you feel while traveling. Your hair plays a big role in how you look!
By following this guide, you’ll be prepared to keep your hair healthy and stylish with minimal effort. This way, you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about your hair.