Tips on Natural Hairstyles when Traveling

Having natural hair for some is a major commitment, be it time, money, or effort. Traveling abroad with natural hair can also be a daunting task.

But I’m here to help you out on your next trip abroad with natural hairstyles perfect for travel. As a solo and budget traveler, who has nearly a decade of experience maintaining and styling my own natural hair I have the best tips to help you out. 

Whenever I plan a trip, my hair styles and maintenance are always a priority. I want to look good, but I also don’t want to waste hours of my day on a hairstyle during my sometimes limited holiday time.

Know Your Hair

Knowing your hair’s likes and dislikes are a major plus when planning styles for natural hair. Knowing the shedding patterns of your hair and what products your hair does well with are all things to consider. When it comes to your hair products be prepared to either travel with full sized containers in a checked bag or go travel sized with only carry-on luggage. Can your hairstyle survive your 2 week trip with only a travel size container of hair gel?

Plan Your Hairstyles for Your Travel Destination

Planning your natural hairstyles for travel is essential to consider. Where are you traveling to? Are you going to be in Eastern or Western Europe? Asia or Africa? Because when it comes to natural haircare, it matters. Countries with higher Black population comes higher chance of access to Black haircare products and services for natural hair.

Weather is also very important when it comes to your natural hair. Will your destination be hot and humid or dry and cold? How you style your hair in different weather conditions could make or break your vacation looks.

Tips for Getting Your Natural Hair Done Abroad

As someone who’s gotten their natural hair done in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda here’s some tips for getting your hair styled in your destination country:

• Know what hairstyle you want – reference photos always help.
• If you are uncomfortable with their styling methods (pulling hair when detangling, braids that are too tight, too much heat, etc.) don’t be afraid to speak up!
• You can opt to do the washing, detangling, and blow dry yourself before your appointment if it makes you more comfortable.
• Bring your own hair products like special shampoos or heat protectant for your stylist to use on your hair if you need to.
• If you want your edges out, make it clear that you want your edges out!
• Not all cultures practice tipping, but if you love your hair be sure to show appreciation to your stylists!

Natural Hairstyles Perfect for Travel

Whether you are taking a weekend trip or spending the entire summer abroad, here are my natural hairstyle recommendations for travel.

1. Protective styles – Braids, twists, crochet, faux locs, finger coils, even wigs can be good options for traveling with natural hair. I will always recommend a protective hairstyle for longer travel stints where you want to give your natural hair a rest. Knotless braids have been my go to style of braids. Perfect for both hot and cold destinations, whether you want to go swimming or skiing.
   
   The functionality of braids and protective styles will always be unmatched. While these styles may cost more time and money on the front end, they always pay off when it comes saving time and money on products during your vacation.
   
   
2. Low buns – hear me out! A low bun can save you time and energy when it comes to planning your hairstyle for the day. It can be a side part, a middle part, or slicked back. You can pull out some face framing pieces or even rock double buns for a cute low manipulation style.
   
   Low buns are a must in my arsenal of go-to hairstyles. Buns are perfect for when I want a style that looks put together and is easy to achieve.
   
   
3. The puff – the pineapple or the puff… however you call it, its one of my favorite styles to wear on the go. This style has carried me through many days and nights in various countries. The puff can be rocked with well-defined coils and curls or picked out in a full afro. Adding a headband or scarf can easily spice up this style.
   
   The puff is perfect for hotter climates when you want your hair off the back of your neck. And my favorite part of this hairstyle is that the transition from cute daytime look to bedtime is almost seamless with just the addition of your bonnet.

No matter what natural hairstyle or styles you choose for your travels be sure to remember that preparation is key. Having a plan for your natural hair while travelling will be one less thing you have to worry about. Making sure you have the hair products you need during your trip is important. Your favorite products may not be as accessible or as readily available at your travel destination.

Create an arsenal of at least three go-to hairstyles for when you’ve run out of hair product, are in a rush, or just don’t know what hairstyle to do next.

Choose hairstyles that make you feel confident, aren’t that hard to achieve on your own and ideally are low maintenance/manipulation. Ultimately, this is your vacation time or travel experience.

Don’t let your hair get in the way of you having a good time or feeling your best. Even if your hair isn’t 100% laid how you would want it to be, it’s okay, it’s just hair.

And like I always say, “It really doesn’t matter, because I’ll probably never see these people ever again.” I hope these tips helped and most of all I hope you enjoy your natural hair on your next trip.