Taking Care of Your Curly Hair While Traveling

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By PAGE Editor

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it can also wreak havoc on your hair, especially if you have curly hair. Between the dry plane air, unfamiliar weather, and lack of access to your favorite hair products, it can be challenging to keep your curls looking their best while on the go. 

However, it doesn’t have to be so cut and dried 😉! With a little preparation and a few careful techniques, it is possible, even easy, to maintain healthy and bouncy curls wherever your adventures take you, whether you are backpacking around southeast Asia, jetting off to an exotic beach, or boarding a romantic cruise ship.

In this article, we will share some advice on taking care of your curly hair while traveling, from packing the right products to protecting your hair from sun damage. With these tips for maintaining healthy and beautiful curls while on the go, you can keep your curls looking fabulous, no matter where your travels take you. 

Pack the Right Products

Whether you are hiking through a National Park or heading for a relaxing beach vacation, packing right is the first step to better hair care. Packing the right hair products to keep your curls looking their best is essential when you are traveling, but there are a number of things to consider before stuffing your bag full of every haircare product you own. 

For starters, lugging around full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner can be cumbersome and take up valuable space in your luggage. You don’t want to get halfway through the process and find out you’ve got no more room for clothes! Try to find travel-sized versions of your favorite curl-friendly products, or decant your home hair care products into smaller containers to take on the road with you. This way you won’t have to carry so much weight, and you’ll be able to fit an extra outfit or two. 

Many hair care brands offer travel-sized versions of their products, which are perfect for packing in your carry-on bag or suitcase. Look for products that are specifically designed for curly hair, such as curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and curl-defining gel. These products will help keep your curls hydrated, defined, and frizz-free while on the go. And remember that many airlines have strict requirements about what can and cannot be taken in your carry-on when it comes to liquids and pastes. Don’t end up in a situation where you have to throw away your favorite hair mask or conditioner because it is too big to take on to the plane with you!

Protect Your Hair

One of the biggest challenges of traveling with curly hair is preventing breakage and frizz. There are so many opportunities when on the move to damage your hair, from sleeping in uncomfortable places to constant changes in climate, temperature, and humidity. Luckily there are a few ways you can protect your hair as you go.

To start with, use a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase while sleeping, particularly if you are taking a long flight or bus journey. These materials are smooth and gentle on hair, protecting your curls and reducing the risk of friction and breakage.

Another way to protect your curly hair while traveling is to avoid heat styling altogether. I know, this might sound radical, but go with it! Embrace your natural curls and skip the heat tools and you’ll find your hair is far more resilient and less susceptible to breakages. Instead, opt for easy and low-maintenance hairstyles such as braids or buns.

Finally, avoid tight hairstyles that can cause tension on your curls. Basically, go loose, free, and relaxed - your hair is on vacation too! Instead, opt for loose hairstyles that allow your curls to breathe and move freely.

Deep Condition

Protecting your curls isn’t just about what you can do while you travel, but what you do before you go away. Traveling can be especially drying for curly hair, which is already prone to dryness, so keeping your curls moist and hydrated is key. This means conditioning…specifically a deep conditioning treatment before you go, and then once or twice a week while you are away to keep your curls hydrated and healthy.

Look for a deep conditioning treatment that is specifically formulated for curly hair, such as a hair mask or leave-in conditioner. Apply the treatment to your hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. This will help restore moisture to your hair and keep your curls looking healthy and bouncy.

Additionally, consider using a curl refreshing spray or leave-in conditioner to revive your curls throughout the day. These products can be a lifesaver when you're on the go and don't have time to wash and style your hair.

Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage

One of the worst culprits for curly hair damage while traveling is the sun. Sure, you might love catching a few rays, topping up your tan, and generally luxuriating in the warmth as you relax by the pool or on the beach, but your hair sure doesn’t. It is therefore essential to think of your hair and protect your curls from sun damage when traveling to sunny destinations.

UV rays cause dryness, breakage, and color fading, which can be especially damaging for curly hair. To protect your hair from the sun, there are several things to do. To start with, and most simply, wear a hat! This blocks the sun’s rays and keeps your hair safe. If a hat doesn’t go with your look, see if you can find a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for hair, as these products are designed to protect and nourish hair while also providing UV protection.

Research the local climate

Finally, when traveling with curly hair, it's essential to do a little research in advance and adjust your hair care routine based on the climate and humidity of your destination. The weather at your destination will have a huge impact on how your hair behaves and what products you need to use to keep it in great condition.

If you're traveling to a dry climate, consider packing extra moisturizing products and deep conditioning treatments to keep your curls hydrated. On the other hand, if you're traveling to a humid destination, you may want to opt for lightweight products that won't weigh down your curls.

Researching the climate and humidity of your destination can help you plan your hair care routine and ensure that your curls look their best throughout your trip.

Traveling with curly hair can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, it's possible to keep your curls looking their best on the road. By packing the right products, protecting your hair, deep conditioning, and guarding against sun damage, you can maintain healthy and beautiful curls wherever your travels take you. Remember to look for travel-sized versions of your favorite curl-friendly products, use silk or satin scarves or pillowcases, skip heat styling, and avoid tight hairstyles. By doing your research on the local climate and adjusting your hair care routine accordingly, you can enjoy your travels without worrying about the health and appearance of your precious curls.

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