12 Essential Hair Care Tips for Traveling This Year

How can you take care of your hair while traveling? Take a look at our essential hair care tips for traveling this year.

It’s almost summer, your dream vacation is just around the corner, and you are waiting with excitement for that long-awaited flight to come. Yay! However, before you hop on that flight and get to your beautiful destination, there are a couple of important travel hair care tips to consider.

The first one is obvious: pack your luggage. Because these gorgeous dresses and travel size hair products aren’t going to pack themselves! But there is one more thing: prepare accordingly to protect and take care of your hair while traveling.

Hair is a beautiful, delicate creature, and traveling - especially internationally - can disrupt its natural state and cause it to lose its healthy glow if you are not taking the right measures.

For example, if you are going to a place with a lot of humidity, you may find yourself fighting with frizz and flatness which you may not have been expecting. On another hand, dry weather can suck the moisture from your scalp and hair - and make them feel brittle and susceptible to fall.

So, if you haven’t thought about preparing in advance for a beautiful hair day every day of your trip, it’s not too late! In this article, we have prepared our top hair care tips for traveling this year - so you can enjoy a worry-free holiday and get these stunning Instagram pictures.

Well, let’s not waste any more time:

Top 12 Travel Hair Care Tips

1. Pack the right travel size hair products

First on our list of hair care tips for traveling is to equip yourself with the right travel size products. Many travel size hair products on the market look cute, but they are made from low-quality materials that can be extremely damaging to the hair.

Lack of adjustable heat settings, uneven heat distribution and hot spots are just some of the things that can ruin your hair, and it’s just not worth it.

Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice quality to get cute travel size hair products!

The NuMe Jet Setter Pro Mini Tools and the Noa Kirel Styling Starter Set Mini Tools are high-quality heat styling tools made with the gemstone tourmaline, allowing for effortless styling without damage. So you can enjoy your holiday without worry!

For a full list of the best travel size hair products for your next trip, check this article.

2. Make sure your hair is properly moisturized

If you are looking for travel hair care tips, we can’t forget to mention the importance of proper hydration and moisturizing, especially during long international flights and hotel stays.

Traveling often exposes the hair to numerous environmental factors that can strip it of its natural moisture, drying the hair and making it brittle, flat, and more susceptible to damage.

Using a deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner is a great way to keep hydration in check, and ensure that your hair is nourished, soft, and more manageable. You can also add a lightweight argan oil serum to your hair routine to moisturize it without leaving it greasy.

3. Take advantage of dry shampoo

Traveling usually means that you are disrupting your regular daily hair routine, and you may have to go for longer times without washing it. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you can’t wash your hair, one of our best hair care tips for traveling is to use dry shampoo.

 

However, dry shampoo is not only beneficial for emergencies or unplanned situations. It is also a great way to get rid of greasy hair without having to wash it too frequently, which can strip it off its natural oils. So, you can use it as your ally if you are struggling with oily hair.

4. Protect your hair from sun damage

Summer holidays on the beach are great for getting that vitamin D, but prolonged sun exposure can be damaging for your skin and hair. In fact, when we think about sun protection, we always worry and take care of your skin with sunscreen - but hair needs protection from the sun too!

Exposure to the sun’s UVB rays can lead to surface damage, weakening of the hair shaft, dryness and oxidative stress - which occurs when free radicals are produced to the interaction of UV radiation with the hair’s natural pigments.

So, hear us out - you need to protect your precious hair from the sun! Don’t go out in high heat without a hat or a scarf, and use a thermal heat protectant to create a protective barrier between your hair and the harmful UV rays.

5. Don’t forget your wide-toothed comb or brush

If you are looking for easy hair care tips for traveling, here is an easy one: a wide toothed comb or brush!

Pack a wide-toothed comb or brush in your travel bag to detangle your hair gently and avoid breakage. It's especially useful if you're swimming or spending time at the beach, as it can help remove tangles caused by saltwater or sand.

6. Maintain a healthy diet

Proper hair care starts from within! And no, we don’t mean skipping that wonderful gelato in Rome or a good old hamburger when traveling - because that’s a part of the experience, and life should be enjoyed anyway!

However, staying hydrated and eating healthy foods is one of the best hair care tips for traveling - it will be the gift that keeps on giving. Foods like leafy greens, avocado, salmon, eggs and other foods that are packed with vitamins will make your hair glow on any trip.

7. Avoid harsh hairstyles

Traveling can be stressful for you - but also for your hair. It might be tempting to pull your hair back tightly in a high ponytail in the plane, but this can put excessive strain on the hair follicles and cause breakage, especially if you are going to wear it for hours.

Instead, opt for looser, gentler styles that don't tug on your hairline.

Especially during the traveling part of your holiday, make sure to avoid intricate updos that involve many pins, braids or twists that can be time-consuming to create and maintain - they will probably lose their shape during travel anyway. You can leave them for when you arrive at your destination!

8. Clean your heat styling tool before traveling

If you are a frequent flat iron or curling wand user, you may not realize how they can accumulate product build-up or residue over time as you use them. For this reason, cleaning your styling tool before the trip is one of the most underrated hair care tips for travel.

But a very important one!

When you use a dirty flat iron, this buildup can transfer to your hair, leaving a residue that weighs it down and makes it look dull and greasy. Residue on the plates of flat iron may also cause the iron to drag or pull on your hair, leading to uneven application of heat.

This increases the likelihood of burning or scorching your hair, resulting in irreversible damage and breakage.

So, if you are looking for a sign to clean your flat iron before traveling - this is it!

9. Avoid daily hair washing

Next on our list of hair care tips for traveling this year is to avoid daily hair washing. While frequent hair washing may be needed after long and wonderful beach days, try to tone it down a little bit - and here is why.

Your scalp produces natural oils called sebum, which help moisturize and protect your hair. When you wash your hair daily, you strip away these oils, leading to dryness and potentially triggering an overproduction of sebum to compensate.

By washing less frequently, you allow your scalp to regulate its oil production naturally, resulting in healthier, more balanced hair. After all, you already know the tip about dry shampoo!

10. Be mindful of water quality

Different locations may have varying water qualities - such as mineral content and chlorine - that can affect your hair. If you notice your hair becoming dry or dull after washing, consider using a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue.

You can also bring a shower filter or use bottled water to rinse your hair if necessary. Before washing your hair with tap water, pre-rinsing with bottled or filtered water can help minimize the impact of hard water or chlorine.

Wetting your hair with cleaner water beforehand can create a barrier and reduce the absorption of harsh minerals or chemicals.

11. Take care of your scalp

You may already have a good hair care routine, but do you have a good scalp care routine? If the answer is no, this is one of the most essential hair care tips you need to know about, whether you are travelling or not. 

Taking care of your scalp is crucial for healthy hair growth and overall hair health because it creates an optimal environment for hair follicles. A well-maintained scalp prevents common problems such as dryness and oiliness, especially when travelling. 

Massage your scalp often, make sure to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and promote better circulation, and add the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum to your bucket list. 

This one-of-a-kind scalp serum will transform your hair into its highest potential with the power of four core plants - rosemary, alfalfa, malilito and hops. Your hair has never looked that good while travelling!

12. Bring an anti-frizz spray serum with you

The causes of frizz are different, and resolving some of them may require long-term treatments, but this doesn't mean you can't fix your frizz right then and there. At the end of the day, who doesn't want to look their best on their super fun and awesome trip?

Luckily, there is a quick and easy solution - the NuMe Clout Control Anti-Frizz Spray, which will provide you with the ultimate defense against frizz, especially if you are travelling in countries with more humid conditions where frizz can be an issue. 

FAQ

How do I protect my hair from dust when traveling?

To protect your hair from dust while traveling, consider wearing a hat or scarf to cover your hair, especially in dusty environments. Additionally, tie your hair back or style it in a bun to minimize exposure. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier against dust particles.

Can I bring a hair straightener on a plane?

Yes, you can typically bring a hair straightener on a plane in both checked baggage and carry-on luggage. However, it's important to check the specific guidelines of the airline you're flying with, as there may be restrictions on the wattage or size of electrical devices.

Should I wash my hair before traveling?

Whether or not you should wash your hair before traveling depends on personal preference and the specific circumstances of your trip. If you prefer clean hair and want to start your journey feeling refreshed, washing your hair before traveling can be a good idea.

How do I manage my hair in different climates?

To manage your hair in different climates, adapt your routine: Use moisturizing products in dry climates to prevent breakage, light hydrating formulas in humid areas to control frizz, and protective styles in windy or extreme conditions to minimize damage.

Adjusting product types and hair care practices according to the climate can help maintain healthy, manageable hair.

How can I protect my hair from chlorine and saltwater?

To protect your hair from chlorine and saltwater, rinse it with fresh water before and after swimming. Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to create a barrier against harsh elements.

Wearing a swim cap offers additional protection. Regularly deep-conditioning post-swim helps restore moisture.

What are quick and easy hairstyles for traveling?

Quick and easy hairstyles for traveling include ponytails, braids, buns, and messy updos. These styles keep hair tidy and out of the face, are versatile for various occasions, and require minimal tools and products.

They also help protect hair from environmental damage while on the move.