Your hair doesn't care that you spent months planning this trip. One day of travel, and suddenly you're dealing with frizz, flatness, or that weird, greasy-but-dry combination that makes no sense.
I've learned this the hard way through countless trips where I packed wrong, used the wrong products, or just didn't think ahead. Here's what actually works.
Get a trim about two weeks before you go. Not the day before (rookie mistake), but early enough that your hair settles into its new shape.
Think about where you're going. Beach destination? Your hair will get salt and sun. City break? Pollution and different water. Mountain retreat? Dry air and wind. Each place beats up your hair differently.
Do a deep conditioning treatment a few days before leaving. Your hair needs that moisture buffer for whatever you're about to put it through.
Pick a hairstyle that works even when it doesn't work. Braids, buns, or anything you can twist up when things go sideways. Because they will.
Travel-size everything, obviously. But here's what most people miss:
A good hydrating shampoo is worth its weight in gold when you're traveling. Hotel water can be harsh, airplane air dries everything out, and different climates mess with your hair's moisture balance. Pack more than you think you need—you'll probably end up washing your hair more often than usual between activities, sweating, and just feeling gross after long travel days.
A silk or satin pillowcase takes up almost no room and saves your hair from hotel cotton that creates frizz overnight. Some people bring a silk scarf to wrap around hotel pillows instead.
Microfiber towel. Hotel towels are usually rough and create frizz. A small microfiber one dries your hair without damage.
Leave-in conditioner that doubles as heat protection. One product, multiple uses, less packing.
Dry shampoo for those between-wash moments. Sometimes you need to refresh your hair without a full wash, especially during packed itineraries or when you're dealing with different water that makes your hair feel weird.
Hotel water is often harder than what you're used to. It can make your hair feel different, look duller, or get greasier faster. If your hair feels weird after the first wash, it's probably the water, not you. Swimming? Wet your hair with fresh water first. It absorbs less chlorine or salt that way. Always rinse immediately after getting out.
Sun protection for your hair is real. UV rays fade color and dry out your strands. A hat works, or there are UV protection sprays specifically for hair.
Embrace the low-maintenance look. Your hair might behave differently in a new climate, and fighting it usually makes things worse. Work with what you've got.
Sometimes everything goes wrong, and you need damage control fast. Here's your crisis management toolkit:
Overly greasy hair: Dry shampoo is obvious, but if you don't have any, try baby powder (brunettes should mix it with cocoa powder first). Cornstarch works in a pinch, too.
Frizz explosion: Wet your hands slightly and smooth them over your hair. The tiny bit of moisture can calm frizz without making you look wet. Hand lotion (unscented) can work as an emergency leave-in conditioner.
Flat, lifeless hair: Flip your head upside down and scrunch while blow-drying. No blow dryer? Braid damp hair loosely before bed for waves, or twist sections while air-drying.
Bad haircut from abroad: Headbands, scarves, and hats are your friends. Focus on growing it out rather than trying to fix it while traveling.
Swimsuit hair aftermath: Can't wash it right away? Braid it wet and let it dry that way. The salt/chlorine is still there, but at least it's contained and won't look as messy.
Humidity hair: Stop fighting it. Scrunch in some leave-in conditioner and go with beachy waves instead of trying to keep it straight.
Different vacation activities need different hair strategies. Here's how to look put-together without spending an hour in front of the mirror:
Beach/pool days: Braid your hair before getting wet. It stays out of your face and creates nice waves when you take it down later. Apply leave-in conditioner first for protection.
Fancy dinners: Low bun is foolproof and works on almost every hair length. Twist your hair, wrap it around itself, and secure it with bobby pins. Pull out a few face-framing pieces if you want it softer.
Sightseeing: High ponytail keeps hair off your neck and out of your face. Add a headband or scarf for style points that also help with flyaways.
Long travel days: Dutch braids (like French braids but flipped) stay neat longer and don't show grease as much. Plus, they create waves when you take them out.
Photos/special moments: Side part with everything swept to one side looks instantly more polished. Secure behind one ear with bobby pins.
Hot, sticky weather: Top knot or space buns (two small buns) get all your hair up and off your neck. They're also trendy enough to look intentional.
The key is having a few go-to styles you can do without thinking. Practice them at home so you're not trying to figure them out in a tiny hotel bathroom mirror.
Your hair might need a reset. A clarifying shampoo removes buildup from different types of water, new products, or environmental factors you encounter. Follow up with a good, deep conditioning mask. Travel is hard on hair, even when you do everything right. If your hair feels weird for more than a week after getting back, see your stylist. Sometimes you need professional help to get back to normal.
Many nice hotels have great salon services. Sometimes treating yourself to a professional wash and style is worth it, especially for special dinners or events. Local products can be fun to try. Argan oil in Morocco, coconut oil in tropical places. Just patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
If you're somewhere with really different water (very hard or very soft), ask the front desk if they have any hair care tips. They've probably heard this question before. Pack a few hair ties and bobby pins in your carry-on. You never know when you'll need to throw your hair up quickly.
Don't try new products or drastic hair changes right before or during travel. Stick with what you know works until you're back home. Your hair will probably look different on vacation than it does at home. That's normal. Roll with it, take photos anyway, and remember that most people are too busy looking at the scenery to scrutinize your hair.
