The Ultimate Guide to Travel Haircare: Everything You Need For Healthy Hair

missaazarian
Nov 3
4 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Haircare

Travelling can be exciting, but it’s not always kind to your hair. Between changing climates, hard water, dry airplane air, and limited luggage space, maintaining healthy, hydrated hair on the go can be a challenge. That’s why a thoughtful travel hair care routine and the right travel size hair products can make all the difference. Whether you’re flying to a sunny destination, heading for a winter getaway, or simply packing light for a weekend trip, this ultimate guide will help you protect, hydrate, and style your hair wherever you go.

Why Travel Impacts Your Hair

Your hair and scalp are sensitive to environmental changes. When you travel, you expose them to factors that can affect health, texture, and shine:

Different water quality
Hard or chlorinated water can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and rough.
Climate changes
Humidity, wind, or sun exposure can cause frizz, dryness, or breakage.
Dehydration
Airplane cabins and air-conditioned environments remove moisture from your hair and scalp.
Limited routine
You might not have time or space for all your usual products, which can affect styling and hydration.

Build Your Travel Haircare Kit

The key to great hair while travelling is preparation. You don’t need to pack your entire bathroom, just focus on a few multi-use, nourishing products that hydrate, protect, and style your hair. Here’s how to build the perfect travel size hair care kit:

Choose Multi-Purpose Oils

A lightweight, nutrient-rich hair oil is one of the best travel size hair products to include in your kit. Oils infused with natural ingredients such as black seed, castor, or avocado oil help to hydrate the hair, seal in moisture, and smooth frizz without making it greasy or heavy. These versatile oils can be used in several ways, as a pre-wash treatment to nourish dry ends before cleansing, as a leave-in to add shine and softness after washing, or as a styling oil to tame flyaways and protect against humidity.

Pack a Hair Mask

A nourishing hair mask is a must-have for travelling, especially if your hair tends to get dry or damaged. A travel-friendly mask in a small jar or sachet allows you to give your hair an intensive treatment without taking up much space. Use it once or twice during your trip to restore hydration, strengthen strands, and keep your hair smooth and manageable.

Consider Hard Water Protection

If you are travelling to areas with hard water, it can leave hair feeling dry, rough, or dull due to mineral buildup. Include a clarifying rinse or chelating shampoo in your kit to remove residue occasionally. Follow up with a nourishing oil or hair mask to restore moisture and smooth the hair cuticle. This simple step helps your hair stay hydrated and manageable even in challenging water conditions.

Include a Detangling Comb or Brush

Travelling often means tossing your hair up and down throughout the day. A small, wide-tooth comb or compact detangling brush helps prevent breakage and keeps your hair smooth.

Bring a Microfibre Towel or Turban

Hotel towels can be rough and strip moisture from your hair. A microfibre towel is lightweight, absorbs excess water quickly, and reduces frizz. It’s an underrated but essential travel hair care item.

Don’t Forget UV and Heat Protection

If you’re travelling somewhere sunny, pack a UV protection spray or wear a hat to prevent sun damage. The sun can fade colour, dry out strands, and weaken your hair. A few drops of nourishing oil also add a light protective barrier against the elements.

In-Flight Haircare Tips

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, with humidity levels as low as 20%. That means your hair and skin can lose moisture fast. Follow these in-flight tips to keep your hair feeling fresh and hydrated.

Tie it loosely
Keep your hair in a low braid or bun to prevent tangles. Avoid tight styles that can cause breakage.
Apply a small amount of oil
Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends to prevent dryness.
Avoid touching your hair too much
Natural oils from your hands can make your hair greasy or limp during long flights.
Use a silk scrunchie or scarf
It reduces friction and helps your hairstyle last until you land.

Haircare Tips for Different Destinations

Warm and Humid Climates
Humidity can lead to frizz and limp hair. Use lightweight oils and anti-frizz products.
Cold or Dry Climates
Cold air and heating systems dry out your hair quickly. Focus on hydration by applying a bit more oil to the ends and using a deep-conditioning mask once a week.
Beach or Pool Holidays
Saltwater and chlorine can strip moisture from your hair. Before swimming, apply a thin layer of hair oil to act as a protective barrier. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly and reapply a small amount of oil to restore nourishment and leave on for a while before washing, to restore nourishment.

How to Refresh Your Hair on the Go

When you’re travelling, you may not wash your hair as often as usual. To keep it looking and feeling fresh between washes, follow these simple steps:

Apply a small amount of oil
Focus on the ends to revive shine and smooth any dryness.
Lightly mist with water or hydrating spray
This helps refresh curls or waves and adds softness back into the hair.
Finger-comb gently
Avoid excessive brushing, which can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle and reshape.

The Perfect Travel Size Hair Oil

When it comes to travel size hair products, focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to bring a few multi-tasking items that deliver results rather than packing everything you own. Look for lightweight, hydrating formulas that can protect, nourish, and style your hair without taking up too much space. The 40ml Harir Hair Oil is the perfect size for travelling, helping to keep your hair hydrated and smooth wherever your trip takes you.