If you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, you probably have your hair care routine down to a science. You have all the perfect products and tools that you need to keep your curls polished and in control right at your fingertips.
But when you’re traveling, you don’t have the luxury of carrying all those products and tools with you. Here are some tips to help you prepare for traveling with curly hair. Please share your own tips and suggestions in the comments section for our readers!
Prioritize
When you’re packing for your trip, it’s important to prioritize, especially if you will be on the move. Backpacking across Europe? You probably don’t want to carry five bottles of hair product.
Stick to products that give you the most “bang for your buck.” For me, this means packing a good conditioner and a good styling solution, but relying on cheap hotel shampoo.
MORE: Top 5 Weekend Travel Beauty Products
Get the right cut
This is particularly important for long-term travelers. Ask your stylist for a haircut that will grow out well, and try to go for something that will require minimal styling.
If you’re moving and will be looking for a new stylist, check out reviews online. The Salon Finder on NaturallyCurly.com is a great place to start — our readers often review salons and stylists that they like. You can also ask for local suggestions in CurlTalk.
MORE: CurlyNikki: How to Choose a Stylist
Moisturize
Leave the alcohol-based products at home — they will only dry out your curls and leave them frizzy and uncontrollable. It’s also best to lay off the heat. Leaving your hairdryer or flatiron at home will leave more room in your suitcase for souvenirs anyway!
MORE: How to Pack Products for Air Travel
Try New Products
Don’t be afraid to branch out and try new products! Some places have a great selection of products for curly hair. I have become especially fond of Boots in my last few weeks in the UK.
Travel kits
Bring travel-size amounts of your favorite products with you. As a curly girl, you already know that it can take time to find new products that work for your hair. Having a bit of your favorite products on hand will help with the transition.
MORE: CurlyNikki: How to Choose a Stylist
Carry elastics and bobby pins!
If worse comes to worse and you have a bad hair day, you’ll always be prepared.
MORE: Curly Hair Travel Kits
Scale back
Maybe you can even take the opportunity to cut back on hair products! Your curls just might surprise you. I’ve found that the rainy weather in London really enhances my curls!
MORE: 5 Travel Beauty Tips
