When it comes to travel, there are three categories of travelers. Those committed to the checked bag life, carry-on only, or the hybrid traveler (checking a bag only when necessary). In order to best prepare your hair products for travel you need to identify which category you fall under and proceed accordingly. No matter what category you fall under, I’m here to help you best prepare your hair products for any kind of travel!
For the ones that are loyal to the checked baggage life then you have the best options afforded to you. You can take your full-sized products with you, and you can take about as much as you would like within the weight limits. But you should still be wise about what you bring and more importantly, how you bring your hair products when you’re packing for a trip.
Checked Bag Packer
When it comes to the type of products you want to bring in your checked bags, you may be more likely to over pack when it comes to your hair products. Because you’re free of liquid constraints you may go overboard and bring products you may not really end up needing.
1. Be realistic
If you’re able to, planning your hairstyles ahead of time will give you a clearer idea of what products you do or don’t need to bring with you. Depending on the length of your trip, shampoo and conditioner may not need to come with you in their full-sized bottles. Maybe opt for the travel size. If you have a braided hairstyle or a style that is low maintenance, then a focus on edge control, and gels may be better than attempting to bring your leave-in or detangler products. Being realistic about your travel style will help you to not over pack your hair products. This will allow you to save space in your suitcase for another pair of shoes or a bag.
2. Protect your products
When your luggage heads out on that conveyor belt, you need to be sure that your items are secure. There is nothing worse than opening your bag and realizing that your shampoo has leaked all over your clothes and shoes. One thing I can recommend is the trusty gallon sized zip lock bag.
Carry-on Only Traveler
If you’re a strictly carry-on traveler then you have more constraints when it comes to your hair products. When it comes to your liquid allowance, I think we can all agree that a quart sized plastic baggie is simply not enough sometimes. But you still have a few options to optimize your product packing potential.
1. Pick a low maintenance hairstyle.
Protective hairstyles like braids, wigs, or twists can be great options that a little gel, mousse, and a spray bottle can keep you looking fresh throughout your trip. So try picking a hairstyle that will allow you to bring the minimum amount of hair products.
2. Pick multi-use products that work well with your hair.
Instead of packing a shampoo and conditioner maybe opt for a co-wash product instead. Instead of an edge control and a hair spray, maybe choose a gel that works well with your hair texture and doesn’t flake on you. Products like Femme Noire’s dirty curl cleaning and conditioning clay may be something you might want to check out!
3. What can you buy in your destination?
Saving space by buying your hair products at your destination may be a good option for you. Shampoos, conditioners, leave-in moisturizers, and gels are more widely available than your edge control or heat protectants. So being picky about what items you can bring and which you can buy will help you!
4. Look for hair products in more travel friendly packaging.
Nowadays there are so many travel and eco-friendly products on the market that are more functional than your average travel-sized bottles and containers. Companies like The Black Travel Box provide products like shampoo and conditioner bars available that are traveler friendly and won’t take up any of your liquid carry-on allowance. What makes this product nice is that it was specifically formulated with kinkier and curlier hair textures in mind!
5. Look for ways to reduce your other liquids.
If you can purchase your lotions, skincare, and body care products in your destination, this can also save you time and space when it comes to downsizing your hair products.
The Hybrid Packer
If you happen to be a person who more often than not travels hybrid style with both a checked bag and carry-on then you’re in a sweet spot. You can utilize a combination of all the previous tips to make your trip the most convenient for you when it comes to your products.
Although, you still need to pack wisely and securely when you’re traveling with you liquid products. For the hybrid travelers, my advice is mainly around packing more consciously.
1. Pack with your needs in mind.
By this I mean NOT putting all your most important hair products in your checked bag. Unfortunately, when it comes to travel, anything can happen. Lost or damaged luggage, delayed and canceled flights. This is also why travel insurance is a must. And for my piece of mind I’m always covered with SafetyWing’s Nomad insurance. And when it comes to packing, you want your must-have products in your carry-on. You want to have everything you need to be able to survive at least one night without your checked bag.
2. Don’t forget your other important hair products.
When you are packing, also think about your scarf or bonnet. Be sure to have your styling tools like brushes and combs. And a few extra bobby-pins, hair ties, and a claw clip in your bag never hurt anybody!
Before You Pack
Overall, thinking ahead when it comes to travel is going to be your best friend. Being prepared and flexible when it comes to packing, getting through TSA, and arriving to your destination will set you up for success.
I hope you found these travel and hair care packing tips to be helpful for you. Also be sure to check out the piece I wrote about how to travel with natural hair. I wrote about this to help the natural-haired traveler that isn’t sure which styles to choose for their next vacation. I help you narrow your options so you can worry less about your hair. This gives you time to focus more on relaxing and your enjoyment!
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