For many natural Queens, the go-to hairstyle when going on holiday is a protective one. Be it braids, twists, faux-locs, weaves, wigs (yeah, you get my point) – the list goes on. Protective styling is one of the best and most convenient ways to maintain natural hair while travelling, as it requires minimal maintenance.
Home or abroad, endless products or not, we have to accept that sometimes our hair does not comply. Protective styling saves lots of time, effort and luggage space when travelling as you don’t have to pack loads of hair products.
Unfortunately, though for reasons I won’t go into, protective styling isn’t for me, and it may not be for you. So what do I do?
How do I look after my natural hair (with minimal effort) while travelling, and how can you?
Prepare
When going away, the wash day before travelling should be strategically planned. Washing your hair close to the date of travel means your hair will look fresh and be easier to manage while away.
When planning, consider how long you will be away, the activities you will be doing and whether a wash day routine will be required on your holiday.
Subject to activities, a wash day probably won’t be necessary for a weekend trip. However, if travelling for a week or longer and undertaking water activities, it more than likely will.
Knowing if and how often you may need to wash your hair while away will help you to pack consciously and be better prepared to manage your hair during your trip.
Depending on what look you want to achieve, for the style to last a bit longer, consider blow-drying your hair before going.
Whatever you decide to do, moisturise your hair the night before or the day of travelling, wear twists or braids on the plane and keep your head covered. Wearing a scarf or bonnet will save your hair from being dried out by the AC on the plane.
Packing
Natural hair products are far easier to get on the ground nowadays. Though limited, you will find selections in Superdrug, Boots, Sainsbury’s and even Waitrose. However, at the time of writing this post, I am yet to see natural hair products available at Boots in their airport stores, and depending on where you are travelling to, chances are you will not be able to get any at your destination.
Having natural hair products available in Boots airport stores would make life far easier with liquid restrictions when travelling with hand luggage only as they could be purchased once passed airport security and helpful in case you forget anything.
In any event, when packing, we have to consider what products to take without going overboard. Try to take one multipurpose hair product that works for you as a co-wash, leave-in conditioner and moisturiser. This way, it covers all bases and saves from carrying three different items.
Size matters
Current airport restrictions require passengers to take no more than 100ml of liquids which must be placed in a clear plastic bag. If like me, you frequently travel with hand luggage only, this can be a pain. It’s hard enough finding the right products for our hair, let alone a travel-size version and transferring products into travel containers isn’t always possible.
The UK are due scrap security restrictions on liquids in hand luggage as new high-tech scanners mean the 100ml rule could go within two years (hooray!). New technology will allow travellers to pass through airport security with large bottles of liquids without removing laptops from their hand luggage. Until then, though, we have to keep it minimal.
My everyday go-to items that are essential when travelling
There are some hair products and accessories that I can’t leave home without. A few of the products listed are natural and have dual purposes for hair and skin, saving room in your case as you don’t have to take double the amount of items.
Camille Rose Coconut Water Leave-In
Anyone who knows me, or watches my Instagram stories, knows I am a huge fan of Camille Rose Naturals. I have many products in the line, but I don’t want to be carrying them all away with me.
Leave-in conditioners are an essential part of the natural hair regimen, and Camille Rose’s Coconut Water Leave-In is my favourite as its diversity means it’s the only hair product I take away with me.
Its one-size-fits-all purpose means it can be used as a leave-in, for twist-outs, wash-and-go’s and even as a co-wash or rinse-out conditioner. On top of that, Camille Rose is black-owned, free of parabens and filled with natural goodness for maximum hydration and poppin’ curls.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a natural emollient providing a soothing effect on the skin (for sunburn and those dreaded mosquito bites). For hair, it directly acts on hair cuticles, smoothing them, reducing frizz (needed in humidity) and providing a protective barrier. Meaning hair is shinier, glossier and more easily detangled.
Aloe also minimizes dandruff and relieves itchy scalp, as its natural enzymes help eliminate dead skin cells.
Aloe vera gel is easy to get from pharmacies and health stores. I get mine from Holland & Barrett. It’s 100ml so it can go in your hand luggage.
Pair it with the Camille Rose Coconut Water Leave-In above for a wash-and-go, adding definition to your twist-out or slicking back your bun.
Boabab Oil
The Boabab, also known as the tree of life, are among the oldest trees, with some specimens being carbon-dated at over 2,000 years old. If you can’t picture it, just think Madagascar.
African communities have been enjoying the benefits of baobab oil for centuries. My skin and hair glow when I use this oil.
Baobab oil supports a healthy skin barrier, preserves collagen and combats fine lines and wrinkles. It conditions hair, moisturises the scalp and smooths frizz. It even protects your hair and skin from pollution and UV rays.
It’s ideal for sealing hair and for applying to your twists before taking them out to reduce frizz on your twist-out.
I get mine from Amazon. Again, it’s 100ml and can go in your hand luggage.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil on everything is my motto. This oil is all-purpose with multiple practical and nutritional uses. It is part of my daily life for cooking, skin and hair. Packing a travel-size container of coconut oil can make for more space in your luggage, and a little goes a long way. You can also get 50ml tubs of Coco Vita in Holland & Barrett.
Coconut oil soothes sunburn, moisturizes dry and peeling skin and protects hair from the ravages of sea salt. It’s one of the few oils that penetrates the hair shaft, keeping your natural hair in good condition.
As well as being a natural moisturizer and conditioner, it’s also an effective make-up remover. It doubles as a mouthwash, has anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties and is brilliant for oil pulling.
Water Spray Bottle
Water is an essential part of the natural hair routine, and a spray bottle is a necessity for spritzing the hair with water to rehydrate and refresh the curls between washes. The bottles are small and don’t take up much room in your case.
Spritzing the hair with water allows you to shape, moisturize, and stretch hair without soaking or re-wetting the whole head. I spritz my hair before bed, moisturize and re-twist.
Satin Bonnet
Don’t leave home without your favourite satin scarf or bonnet to keep your natural hair protected while travelling.
Silk and satin hair bonnets for sleeping are a staple in every naturalista’s arsenal. They reduce friction between your hair and pillow while sleeping, keeping curls defined, hydrated and protects hair from breakage. It also shields against frizz.
Our hair is naturally dry, and tossing and turning on a cotton pillowcase for eight hours will suck the moisture out of your tresses.
Headscarf/Headwrap/Hat
Headscarves, headwraps and hats are stylish, unique and a much-needed backup if your hair is having an unruly day. Take a few scarves to match varying outfits. They keep your curls protected and in place while adding your natural style. You can keep your hair in twists underneath your scarf or hat in the day and rock a twist-out in the evening.
Headscarves and wraps come in a variety of colours, prints, and designs. I’ve got my best satin headscarves and wraps at decent prices from charity shops and vintage markets. Amazon and ASOS also have a selection.
Hair Ties
You’ll often find a hair tie on my wrist. However, not all hair ties are equal. Some pull on edges, causing breakage and stress on strands. Snag-free hair ties are the best option.
You can get hair ties anywhere, but if you want something for rocking your afro puff, check this out.
Bobby Pins
Bobby pins have stood the test of time and are a must-have, as you never know when they will come in handy. Whether keeping it casual, wearing an elegant updo or creating unique designs, bobby pins help create a work of art with your natural hairstyle.
Remember, if using a bobby pin to hold your hair, make sure with the wavy side is facing your scalp.
Denman Brush
The Denman brush was created by John Denman Dean in the 1930s. It amplifies curls and coils while increasing hair volume and curl clumping while providing definition.
The Denman brush is a popular detangling tool and evenly distributes product in curly hair. It is an essential tool for a Bantu knot-out or simply brushing your hair in a bun.
The bristles on a Denman brush are spaced further apart than those on a traditional hairbrush. This allows the brush to glide through the hair without snagging or pulling, which can lead to breakage.
Afro Pick
For the days when you want big hair, the Afro pick is an old faithful perfect for lifting hair from the root and creating big, voluminous styles. It detangles with minimal tension and damage to the hair strand and reaches deep into the root of the hair. The teeth provide more coverage to help speed up the styling process.
Wide Tooth Comb
Secure a wide-tooth comb, preferably seamless, for detangling your natural curls and coils. The wide-tooth comb’s long, sturdy teeth with soft, rounded tips effortlessly glide through the hair with less pulling, helping speed up the detangling process and reduce breakage. It’s also an essential tool for a twist-out.
When it’s too much to detangle with your fingers, a wide toothcomb should be your tool of choice.
Don’t despair it’s only hair
For many black women, our hair is our crowning glory. However, looking after our natural hair while travelling doesn’t have to be time-consuming or stressful and should allow us to fulljoy our travels. We shouldn’t be fearful of going on holiday without a protective style. We also shouldn’t be overloaded with products if we don’t wear a protective style.
The above products and accessories mean minimal luggage space, time and effort while still showcasing the versatility for which our hair is known.
If you have any tips on how you look after your natural hair while travelling, please provide them below.
