I have 3b/3c curls, and let me tell you traveling with curly hair has been a journey in itself. My first few trips? My hair lived in a permanent bun because I had no clue how to manage it in different climates. But after visiting humid jungles, icy cities, and salty beaches, I’ve cracked the curly travel code.
Style Your Hair Before You Travel
Before a trip, I pull out all the stops—deep condition, style, diffuse, manifest good curl days. The longer my curls last, the less I have to do while traveling. But if I know I’m jumping into the ocean on Day 1, I skip this step.
On the flight, I like to keep my hair cute but protected. A silk scarf is my go-to because airplane air is drier than my humor before coffee. Also, I cannot stand my hair in my face during long flights.
- Silk scarf for keeping frizz at bay
Get Good Travel Containers
Travel-size products? Overpriced. Refilling tiny bottles? A mess. I’ve tried every travel container, and most are impossible to fill, leak, or refuse to give me my product when I need it. These travel containers are the holy grail—easy to fill, leakproof, and actually get every last drop of product out.
If I need to pack a travel kit, I go with Pattern’s set—it’s amazing.
Pack the Right Shower Products
Between beach days, sweaty hikes, and accidental rain showers, I wash my hair way more often when traveling than at home. That means I need a hydrating co-wash that won’t leave my hair feeling like hay, and a Moisturizing conditioner to replenish!
- Co-wash for gentle cleansing
- Conditioner to bring curls back to life
Pack the Right Styling Products
If you bring nothing else, bring these:✔️ A moisture product (leave-in or curl cream)
✔️ A gel or mousse for hold✔️ An oil to seal in hydrationMy favorite leave-in is the AG Fast Food leave-on, but Pattern’s leave-in also smells like a dream. For hold, I swear by AG’s Liquid Effects, and if I need extra definition, I go for Eco Styler gel.
📌 PRO TIP:
If you’re traveling somewhere humid, do NOT break the gel cast until you have to. And always make sure your hair is 100% dry before going outside. Otherwise… poof!
Pack the Right Styling Tools
If I could only bring one brush, it would be the Bounce Curl defining brush. It defines curls beautifully and works as a detangling brush if needed. But if you have a little extra space, this detangling brush is a game changer. It glides through tangles without ripping my hair out or causing any pain, which is a lifesaver after a long beach day when my curls turn into one giant knot.
- Bounce Curl defining brush for juicy curls
- Detangling brush for post-beach knotsNow
let’s talk diffusers. Every hotel should have one, but they never do. If I have space, I bring my mini hairdryer with a diffuser—it’s been a game changer for styling on the go. If I need to pack light, I bring this collapsible silicone diffuser instead, which fits on any hotel dryer (or at least most).
- Mini hairdryer + diffuser if you have space
- Collapsible silicone diffuser if you’re packing light
📌 PRO TIP:
A big, strong hair clip is a must for sectioning your hair while styling, and these are my absolute favorites—they actually hold all my hair and look cute at the same time!
Hair clip for sectioning and styling
Maintain Your Hair Overnight
I learned the hard way that hotel pillows are the enemy. One night on a scratchy pillowcase, and my curls wake up looking electrocuted. Now, I always pack:
- Silk bonnet for bedtime
Shower cap for non-wash days (because hotel showers have zero mercy) - Hair mask to prevent saltwater damage
But honestly, if you have space, bring a satin pillowcase. Your curls will thank you—and so will your skin! Silk and satin pillowcases reduce frizz, breakouts, and wrinkles, so it’s a win-win.
- Satin pillowcase for happy curls and skin
- Coil hair ties for no creases
Have a Backup Plan
Some days, despite all your best efforts, your curls betray you. That’s when I pull out the hair accessories.
- Hair jewelry to upgrade a bun
- Elastic hair ties for easy updos
And if all else fails, I throw on a scarf and call it a “look.”
Final Thoughts: Let Your Curls Live!
At the end of the day, hair shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying your trip. I used to stress about keeping my curls “perfect” until I realized: traveling is about experiences, not perfect ringlets.
So swim, explore, dance in the rain—just pack the right products, and your curls will survive the adventure.
Happy traveling (and curling)! 🌍✨