9 Travel Hair Care Essentials

When it comes to my hair care routine while I’m on vacation I have three things to focus on: keeping it clean, hydrated, and also silky smooth.

Since I have naturally wavy frizzy hair I am already challenged with keeping my hair tamed, add in some humidity and my hair is a serious mess.

Finally though, after a few travel blunders, I’ve been able to narrow down just what I need to keep my tresses tame while away!

 

 

9 Travel Hair Care Essentials

Keep Your Hair Fresh and Clean with…

Shampoo & Conditioner:

When heading on holiday, packing a daily shampoo and conditioner is a must.

I typically get full or large size hair care when I head on holiday, especially a tropical holiday, because I find myself washing my hair so much more frequently.

Hit the pool? Wash my hair.

Go on an excursion? Come home, and wash my hair.

Walk around for 5 minutes in the hot sun? Wash my hair.

Just kidding, but you see my point. The haircare I brought on holiday was the Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo, and the last of my REDavid Conditioner (which I need to get more of, asap!)

 

 

Dry Shampoo:

To cut down on the amount I was my hair when I am away, I always pack a dry shampoo.

While this isn’t a total fix-all, it can help prolong your hairstyle so you can wait an extra day to wash your hair.

I find dry shampoo especially convenient to have around in case I am running late for dinner after a busy day.

Rather than wash my hair, I’ll add a bit of dry shampoo to it, put it up, and be good to go.

My particular favourite dry shampoos are Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo and Batiste Dry Shampoo.

 

Moisturize Your Hair With…

Hair Masque:

When on a tropical vacation, my hair always needs a bit more TLC.

The sun, the pool, the increased amount of washes all lead to my hair feeling a bit drier and damaged than it usually does. That’s why I always pack a deep conditioner or two to use during my holiday. Typically, I’ll use this 1-2 per week when I am away.

I recently brought the Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask (one of my all-time faves!) on holiday and used it about 2 times throughout the week.

 

Hair Balm or Leave-in Conditioner:

To add a bit more moisture into my hair after I shower, I use a hair balm or leave-in conditioner.

Otherwise, because my hair is feeling more damaged and dry, it will become more tangled and unmanageable. A leave-in product just helps to keep your hair look and feel smooth and healthy.

I did bring my Matrix Leave-In Conditioner on the trip, and I really love it, but I haven’t been able to find it in-store or online since purchasing it – so sad!

A Serum or Oil:

One product I use after I wash my hair, once it’s dry and styled, and throughout the day, is a serum or hair oil.

My hair gets really frizzy and frayed looking when it’s damaged so a serum or oil helps smooth out my hair, specifically my hair ends, to appear healthier and softer.

I use this about 1-3 times a day depending on how dry it’s feeling. The serum I brought on holiday was the REDavid Orchid Oil Serum – it’s seriously the best serum!

Style Your Hair With…

A Hair Brush

The first thing you’ll need to style your hair while you’re away is a brush or comb. I tend to just bring a brush but bring whichever suits your hair care needs more – heck, if you want, bring both! 

 

Hair Spray 

This isn’t an item I always bring, but I like to mention it because a lot of people use hair spray on their hair every day and if you’re heading on vacation you should remember to pack it along.

If you’re used to having that kind of hold on your hair daily, you may find yourself frustrated when your hair falls or doesn’t hold its style when you’re on holiday.

The only time I do pack along a hair spray is when I am travelling somewhere particularly humid as then my hair always falls and becomes a frizzy mess! 

 

A Hair Straightener or Curler

Whatever you typically style your hair with, that’s what you want to pack along on holiday with you. 

I typically pack a hair straightener when I go on holiday because I find it gives me the most options with my hair. I can both curl and straighten it with my hair straightener. However, if you aren’t comfortable curling your hair with a straightener, then just pack your curling iron instead! 

 

Heatless Hair Styling Methods/Tools 

Something I always like to pack along with me is a way to style my hair without heat tools. Usually, I’ll pack along some hair ties or scrunchies so I can pull my hair up in a ponytail, bun, or a half-up ponytail hairstyle and I usually pack a bathrobe belt so I can do overnight bathrobe belt curls!