Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, is a time to unwind, explore, and experience new places. However, if you have textured hair, you know that traveling can present unique challenges to maintaining your hair's health and style. Between different climates, fluctuating temperatures, and long hours spent on planes or trains, your hair can easily become dry, frizzy, and unruly. The good news is that with the right preparation and care, you can keep your hair looking healthy and stylish, no matter where you are.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining your textured locks hair while on the go. From pre-trip hair care to essential hair styling tools, in-flight tips, packing essentials, and quick fixes for common travel-related hair issues, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some of the best practices for ensuring your hair stays moisturised, protected, and fabulous during your travels.
1. Pre-Trip Hair Care: Set Yourself Up for Success
The key to maintaining healthy hair while traveling starts before you even pack your suitcase. Preparing your hair for the journey will save you time and stress once you're on the road.
Deep Condition Before You Travel:
Textured hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so it's essential to deep condition your hair before your trip. This will ensure your strands are well-moisturized and ready to withstand the drying effects of the plane cabin air and the new environment. Choose a hydrating, keratin-rich deep conditioner to restore moisture and strengthen your hair.
Trim Split Ends:
If you’re planning an extended trip, it’s a good idea to trim any split ends before you leave. Regular trims help your hair maintain its shape, prevent tangling, and reduce breakage. A trim will also ensure that your curls or coils stay defined for longer.
Protective Styling:
Consider opting for a protective style like braids, twists, or a bun before your travels. These styles reduce the amount of manipulation your hair will undergo during your trip and can minimize the risk of tangling or damage. Additionally, protective styles are easy to manage, even on busy travel days, giving you one less thing to worry about.
2. Travel Hair Care Essentials: Packing the Right Products
When traveling with Afro and textured hair, packing the right products is crucial to keeping your hair healthy and manageable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner:
Look for sulphate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Since Afro and textured hair can be drier than other hair types, moisturizing shampoos help replenish lost moisture while cleansing.
Leave-In Conditioner:
A good leave-in conditioner can be your best friend on the go. It’s a quick and easy way to maintain hydration, reduce frizz, and keep your curls defined. Opt for a lightweight formula that won’t weigh your hair down.
Hair Oils and Serums:
To lock in moisture and add shine, pack a small bottle of nourishing hair oil or serum. Argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are excellent options for textured hair care, providing both moisture and protection without being too heavy.
Edge Control Gel or Styling Cream:
If you're someone who likes to keep your edges neat or maintain a sleek style, a good edge control gel or styling cream can keep things in place. Choose a formula that provides hold without flaking or drying out your hair.
Microfiber Towel:
Avoid using regular towels to dry your hair, as they can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, pack a microfiber towel to gently blot excess water from your curls.
Hair Scarves and Bonnets:
Don't underestimate the power of a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. These are essential for keeping your hair protected during the night, preventing friction that can cause breakage or frizz. They also help maintain moisture, which is crucial for Afro-textured hair.
3. In-Flight Hair Care: Combat Dryness and Frizz
Flying can be tough on textured hair due to the dry, pressurized cabin air. Here are some tips to keep your hair hydrated and healthy during your flight:
Hydrate Your Hair:
Just as it’s important to drink plenty of water during your flight, your hair needs hydration too. Before boarding, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your strands to keep them moisturized throughout the flight.
Protect Your Hair with a Silk or Satin Scarf:
Wearing a scarf or bonnet while flying helps minimize frizz and prevent breakage caused by constant movement or friction against the seat. You can also wear a satin-lined headband for extra protection.
Avoid Touching Your Hair:
Frequent touching can lead to breakage, especially if your hair is dry. Try to avoid constantly adjusting or running your fingers through your hair during the flight.
4. On-the-Go Tips: Maintaining Healthy Hair During Your Trip
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, it’s important to maintain your Afro and textured hair care routine while dealing with different environments. Here’s how:
Adapting to Different Climates:
Whether you’re heading to a humid tropical destination or a cold, dry location, your hair care routine should adapt accordingly. In humid climates, you might need extra frizz control products, while in dry, cold areas, you’ll need extra moisture to combat the effects of the dry air.
Nighttime Care:
After a long day of traveling or sightseeing, your hair needs a good night’s rest. Wear a silk or satin scarf to protect your hair while you sleep, preventing frizz and keeping your curls or coils intact. If you prefer, you can use a satin pillowcase for added protection.
Keep It Moisturized:
Afro-textured hair needs constant moisture. Carry a travel-sized leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray with you to rehydrate your hair throughout the day. This will help reduce dryness and keep your curls bouncy and hydrated.
Avoid Excessive Heat:
It’s tempting to use hot tools to fix your hair on the go, but excessive heat can damage Afro hair, leading to dryness and breakage. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant and use only that hair straightener designed for textured hairs sparingly.
5. Quick Fixes for Common Travel Hair Issues
No matter how well-prepared you are, travel can sometimes throw unexpected hair challenges your way. Here are some quick fixes:
Frizz:
If you notice frizz setting in, try applying a small amount of hair oil or leave-in conditioner to smooth it down. A quick spritz of water followed by a light touch of gel can also help redefine curls.
Dryness:
If your hair feels dry and parched, a hydrating mist or cream can provide immediate relief. Keep your moisturising products within reach for touch-ups.
Flatness:
Afro hair can sometimes lose its volume during travel. To bring back body and shape, lightly spritz your hair with water and use your fingers to fluff it up.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, products, and care, maintaining healthy Afro and textured hair while traveling doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following these tips and staying consistent with your routine, you can enjoy your travels without compromising your hair’s health or style. Whether you're hopping on a plane for a business trip or jetting off to a tropical destination, a little extra attention to your textured hair will keep it looking fabulous all the way through your journey.
Remember, every trip is an opportunity to try new things, and with these tips, you’ll be able to confidently embrace your travel adventures without worrying about your hair. Safe travels, and happy hair days ahead!