Hair is your crowning glory, they say. You expect it to shine and shimmer in vacation pictures. Unfortunately, many of us get bogged down by greasy, unfriendly hair that does not feel photogenic.
Traveling can be tiring for the body. Unless you are a seasoned traveler who doesn’t mind the raging sun and mercurial rains, you will find it taking a toll on you. Bus rides and car journeys can make hair look tired and worn out.
Here are five essentials you can pack in your suitcase to keep your hair well-cared during your holiday.
#1 Travel-Special Shampoo and Conditioner
Before you pack your standard hair wash products, think of unique needs that may arise during the vacation.
For example, many people find dandruff worsening when exposed to cold air. If you visit Denmark in the winter from a tropical location, your scalp may get a sudden shock. Likewise, your hair may be dusty or dry in the Middle East. Cities like Abu Dhabi and Baghdad are experiencing more dust storms due to climate change.
Alongside your regular shampoo, also pack products to tackle specific concerns like dryness and brittleness. It may be overkill for a short trip, but longer, more indulgent vacations will benefit from them. Carrying your products is even more important if you stay in eco-friendly hotels. More such properties now expect guests to reuse towels and sheets and make do with refillable shampoo dispensers.
#2 Blow Dryer
Let’s admit it: hotel hair dryers can be disappointing. They don’t have fast air that feels sufficiently powerful. Some travelers find the cord too short. Carrying your good old hair dryer from home is a worthy investment for your suitcase space.
Get a travel-friendly gadget if you don’t want to lug along your bathroom’s heavy-duty, expensive dryer. Some of these products have folding handles to save space. They are also lightweight and quiet to avoid weighing your bag (or your neighbors) down.
#3 Hair Straightener
Straight, smooth hair can lift any look – or so many of us feel. We daresay curly or wavy hair has its mesmerizing charms. But if straight hair is your thing, you should carry your standard straightener to spruce up before an event or a holiday dinner with friends.
It is not uncommon to have accidents while straightening hair with a heating tool. For example, excessive heat may leave your hair feeling dry. A malfunctioning socket in the hotel can cause your device to falter, leaving you hassled. You should carry a heat-protection serum to safeguard your hair before styling.
Some women prefer to use relaxers or lotions for straightening hair. However, in light of multiple hair relaxer lawsuits in the US, it is best to be cautious. Some reports suggest that the chemicals in these products can cause uterine or ovarian cancer in women.
On that note, some incidents deserve proactive action. If you have faced health concerns like uterine fibroids because of hair relaxers, you should seek legal counsel. TorHoerman Law reports that the defendants include big names like L’Oreal and Motions Hair. A desire to flaunt straight hair should not come with health risks from manufacturer negligence.
#4 Scalp Massager
Ah, the delights of a head massage after a whole day of traveling! A scalp massager can feel like a spa when you use it before bedtime after the children have tucked into their hotel beds.
Clinical trichologist Jennifer McCowan notes that massaging the scalp increases circulation and boosts blood flow. So, the benefits are more than just therapeutic. Massaging supplies your hair with oxygen and vital nutrients. So, the next day, you might wake up to healthier, thicker hair, perfect for showing off at the breakfast buffet.
#5 Hair Accessories
Even if you usually wear your hair loose, carrying some accessories is a good idea while traveling. The sun can beat down harshly when you try to look at sights from an open-roof bus.
Putting your hair in a bun may be a lifesaver in humid destinations like Singapore. In fact, Statista reports that over 40% of people struggle with hair loss in this city. The survey respondents also worried about damaged and frizzy hair.
Hair aficionados should pack more than just one brush and comb. You will need them to detangle your hair after a full day of sightseeing. For example, messy, dry hair may break if you don’t tackle it with a wide-tooth comb. Locations like Wellington are notorious for high winds, which your spirits will love more than your hair.
A regular collection of hair ties, bands, and clips should suffice. You should look for soft-bristle combs and brushes to pamper your hair before you sleep. It will also prove a Godsend for taming your mane before washing it. If you have short hair, you can still pack a scarf or a bandana to keep sweat from trickling down your scalp.
What is the Safest Way to Pack Hair-Care Essentials?
You can keep these products in a separate pouch that goes into your suitcase or handbag. Place items like serums and lotions in travel-size containers with leak-proof seals. Keep them under 100 ml per container to avoid airport altercations.
Ensure to carry chargers for electronic gadgets like straighteners or stylers. Your blow dryer has a way of getting its cord all entangled. Consider managing it with a wire clip and placing it in a toiletries bag.
Here’s hoping you can have more cooperative hair on your next holiday. After all, it isn’t only about looking good in pictures. Healthy hair has a way of making everything feel like a good day!
