Everything you need to know about prepping and maintaining textured hair while travelling.
Spontaneous trips sound great in theory (the plane ticket overseas costs $200, but the caveat is that the flight leaves tomorrow—tempting!), but the reality is that the best travel experiences require thoughtful planning. Think detailed itineraries, a suitcase filled with a versatile capsule wardrobe and a bag of all your favorite skincare products in miniature form not to mention an extensive meal schedule that will allow you to somehow hit up all 50 of the restaurants you saved on Instagram. And if you’ve got curly or textured hair, you should definitely be adding hair care to your pre-travel to-do list to ensure that it looks and feels as good as you do on vacation—from the time-honored pre-trip salon visit to the products you’ll need to keep your hair thriving as you jet set.
PRE-BOARDING
All the best prep work begins at the salon. According to professional hairstylist and curl expert Melissa Guido, the best way to prepare curls for a trip abroad comes down to a simple three-T formula: trim, treatment and toner. “A trim because hair is much easier to style when you don’t have knots and split ends that aren’t curling,”says Guido. “A treatment so your hair is at its healthiest. And a toner for an all-over color refresh without drastically changing your shade.” Considering a completely new look? This may not be the best time. Guido advises against trying something totally different right before a trip because you may not be familiar enough with your new styling routine on the go. “When you’re in a new environment with a different climate and water source, your hair just isn’t going to look exactly like it does at home,” explains Guido. “It’s best to get one last hair wash in at home, using your usual products,right before you leave so you can land fresh and make your curls last as long as possible.”
BAGGAGE CLAIM
Frequent curly travelers, like Rachel Yim, know that many of the shampoos and conditioners found in hotel bathrooms barely cut it in terms of quantity or quality. That’s why you should pack your own products. “There can be a big downgrade in product quality when you travel,”says Yim. “It’s still a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the hair products at many hotels. Most of the time, my hair feels stripped from using them. “Whether a hotel’s sample sizes are scarce or their formulas aren’t curl-friendly, this dilemma is a long-standing one for anyone with textured hair. Back in 2018, singer Halsey tweeted,“I’ve been travelling for years now, and it’s been so frustrating that the hotel toiletry industry entirely alienates people of color.”
Curls soak up products like a sponge, explains Guido, which is why more of them is typically required. “The bigger the hair, the heavier the luggage,”she says. Guido’s non-negotiable curl packing list includes shampoo, conditioner, a leave-in cream, gel, hair oil, a detangling brush and a universal hair diffuser. Another pro tip? Check the weather before you go. “Forget time zones; I’m more worried about changing climates,” laughs Guido. The stylist recommends extra-moisturizing creams and leave-ins for dry environments and gels and smoothing serums for more-humid climates. And, of course, include UV protectants to shield your hair from sun damage if you’re headed somewhere sunny.
THE BIGGER THE HAIR. THE HEAVIER THE LUGGAGE
ROOM SERVICE
Once you’ve landed, it’s all about curl maintenance. “In addition to extending wash days as much as possible, I like to do evening refreshes as needed, to save time in the morning,shares Guido. Depending on your curl type, this could involve applying gel to revitalize individual curls or adding a touch of rehydrating leave-in conditioner all over, she explains. And be sure to dry your hair fully between washes, to prevent frizz from forming in humid climates. Overnight, preserve your curls with a silk bonnet or silk scarf. Low-manipulation styles achieved using silk hair accessories like scarves and scrunches will allow you to easily switch up your look without disrupting your curl pattern. “You can even use the scarf in your hairstyle the next day, and you’ll save space when packing,” suggests Yim. Talk about a win-win!
On the Road
Keep your hair-care kit stocked with these travel must-haves.
Conveniently equipped with Cécred’s miniature Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub,Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner, this travel-size Double Cleanse Kit has everything you need for a successful wash day while on vacay. Cecred Double Cleanse Kit, $56
Whether you’re wrapping your hair up for the night or doing a chic updo by the beach, Kitsch’s multi-way satin sleep scarf is a space-saving hair accessory that should be at the top of your packing list. Kitsch Sleep Scarf, $23
Knots have no place on vacation! Work through your toughest tangles with ease using Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler for curls-a must- have for any getaway, according to Yim.
Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler, $21
Recommended by both Guido and Yim, one universal diffuser attachment goes a long way. This option from Drybar reduces frizz and dries curls of all types to perfection. Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser, $46
Bottle up your favorite curl-approved products-from leave-in conditioners to gels-in these leak-proof travel containers from Cadence. Each magnetic capsule can be personalized with a selection of labels and colors for maximum organization. Cadence The Flex Capsules, from$20 each