When it comes to packing for a flight, those of us with curly hair are faced with the dilemma of downsizing our multiple product regimens. While it may seem like a daunting task, following TSA regulations when packing for flights can allow for a simplified packing list, and more room for clothes and souvenirs! These are our top tips for air travel beauty.
How to pack for air travel
Zip top bags
TSA suggests that you prepare for packing by placing all liquids in a clear bag with a zip top. This could be something as simple and cheap as a large Ziploc bag, or you can easily find TSA approved bags made of sturdier plastic for under $5.00. These bags will prevent spills and can be quickly wiped down if necessary.
Target; $7.99
Travel kits
There are many hair product travel kits that are designed perfectly for curlies! The CURLS travel kit offers a cleanser, a mask, a leave-in, and a gel from their popular Blueberry Bliss line. It even comes in a TSA-friendly clear zip top bag!
DevaCurl offers a great set that includes a conditioning cleanser, a conditioner, a defining gel, and a styling cream.
The Oyin Handmade set includes another five “snack size” products that cater to kinkier textures, with a conditioner, a leave-in spray, a creamy leave-in, a styling serum, and a pomade. This kit also comes in a clear zip top bag.
CURLS Blueberry Bliss Curl Collection Travel Kit; $25.00
Solid shampoo
To simplify your packing further and completely bypass liquid regulations, opt for a solid shampoo!
The 2018 Editor’s Choice pick shampoo bar for type 2 hair is the Lush Avocado Co-wash Bar. For type 3 and 4 hair, the NaturallyCurly editors recommend Obia Naturals! Both are ultra-convenient, ultra-moisturizing options!
Lush; $15.95
Travel bottles
If there is not a travel sized option to be found of your must-have products, it is very easy to find TSA approved bottles that you can fill with liquids, creams, and sprays.
Walgreens; $2.99
Travel-sized tools
Arm yourself with travel-sized hair tools! The Cricket Ultraclean Travel-sized Comb is perfect for detangling.
Mini styling set
Pack along a mini hair styling set, such as the HSI Travel Styling Kit, which comes with a mini hair dryer, flat iron, concentrator, diffuser, curling wand, and hair clip.
You could also bring the lightweight Hot Sock instead, which you can easily fit over a hair dryer at a hotel or friend’s house to create a diffusing effect.
HSI Professionals; $69.99
International adapters
Travelling internationally? Prepare with an international travel adapter plug, so you can still use your favorite styling tools! The Sima set provides three adapters that nest together into a small, single unit to make sure you have portable power wherever you go.
Walmart; $10
Hair glove
If you wish to avoid heat styling altogether, make sure to bring a hair glove to scrunch your curls and speed up the natural drying process! You don’t want to use rough hotel towels on your hair, so DevaCurl offers DevaGloves, an anti-frizz hair drying glove perfect to avoid breakage and keep your hair smooth.
Where are you travelling to this season, and what curly products will you be taking along? Safe travels to all!
DevaCurl DevaGloves; $12.00