So, before you pack your entire closet full of hair products, check out our tips to make your holiday season and hair just right.
Start your routine ahead of time
As many black women don’t wash their hair daily, you can get a headstart on your hair care routine by cleansing and conditioning your hair a day or two before traveling is scheduled. This will prevent you from bringing shampoo and conditioner if your trip is just for a few days. If you’re in need of a great shampoo for natural hair, we suggest trying the Suave Sulfate-Free Cleansing Shampoo. With a rich formula that’s infused with shea butter and coconut oil, this shampoo will help to moisturize and de-frizz your locks in one go! As for conditioning, we’re particularly infatuated with the Love, Beauty & Planet Coconut Milk & White Jazmine Conditioner. This conditioner is 93% naturally derived and cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, dye-free, and formulated without phthalates.
Plan your hairstyles
Take some time to think about the activities you could participate in throughout your trip. While some families take this time of year to eat, drink and be merry, others host fancy parties, go on a cruise, or play football in the yard. These activities will dictate how you will wear your natural hair. Once you’ve decided on one or more styles, think of what styling tools and hair products you’ll need to pack. Keep in mind that you don’t want to bring everything you have. You’ll have a better time if you focus on only bringing the hair tools you know you will use.
Choose a protective style
If planning multiple hairstyles sounds like a headache to you, go with a cute protective style like braids, faux locs, a goddess braid or any other low maintenance styles.
Look for travel-sized hair products
With natural hair being at the forefront of hair care, many of your favorite brands have travel-sized hair care products. Smaller products allow you to pack light and leave the heavy, full bottles of product at home. Also, they’re less likely to spill (bonus!).
Be prepared to deal with TSA if you’re flying
If you have big curly hair, the TSA may, unfortunately, single you out during security check at the airport. The security team will likely want to “search” through your hair to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Typically, this happens if you wear your hair loose in an afro, twistout, braidout-type of style. However, it also happens to those who wear buns, ponytails or updos as it’s pretty hard to hide lots of curls.
Always plan for emergencies
In your hair’s case, this means bringing extra hair ties for ponytails and bobby pins for spontaneously fun moments with your family. At the end of the day, you don’t want your hair to keep you from bonding with those you love most. And there you go, our run-down of how to keep your natural hair looking fab for the holidays. What are your must-follow tips for traveling?
