We tend to forget a lot of things when we travel. We get too excited about the prospect of seeing and experiencing new things that we forget about our skin care and even hair care routine. For most of us, these are problems we’re just going to deal with when we get home from our vacation. So, forget about the hair, right? We simply tie it in a bun and go about seeing new places and discovering local cuisines. But here’s the deal: taking care of your hair while traveling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Dealing with your hair problem once you get home will demand more time, energy, resources, and money.
The hair and scalp are sensitive parts of your body. They get exposed to a lot of things—dirt, sweat, oil, sun, saltwater, pool water, humidity, and recycled airplane air—when they travel. Try to check out some of your recent travel photos. Wouldn’t they have looked better if only you took the time to brush your hair, braid it, or tie it in a ponytail instead of letting your tresses look dry and tired?
Go to a Hair Salon
A few days before your trip, go to a hair salon and avail of their treatments. You can get a hair treatment for sun protection, as well as get some highlights to make your hair pop in your travel photos. A luxury hair-care shop will know what to do with your hair. Just mention where you are going and what type of weather your hair will be subjected to. With their expertise in hair care, they’ll be able to advise you on what you have to do to take care of your hair.
Block the Sun
Sure, you want to have a tan, but your hair doesn’t need it as much as your skin does. Your scalp may get itchy. It may also burn if you travel around without protecting your hair from the sun. The most obvious thing to do is wear a hat or scarf. You will not only look chic, but a hat will also protect your hair and scalp from getting burned. Another option is to apply a UV-protecting spray or cream on your hair. These creams make sure that your hair doesn’t get overheated.
Master a Stylish and Comfortable Hairstyle
Although you may want to curl your hair, so it looks good in your travel photos, this is bad for your hair. Even those curlers that use cool air will be bad for your hair. What you can do is to practice stylish but comfortable hairstyles that are easy to do. A messy bun is a nice trick to have during days when you’re going to visit a windy place. An updo is another great technique. You can’t simply put your hair in a ponytail every time you visit a cool new tourist spot. Not only does it look uninspired, but the elastic also leaves a mark on your hair.
Give Space for Your Hair Accessories
Are you packing light? That’s great, but do leave a space for your hair accessories. You need your sunblock, hair clips, elastics, bobby pins, and headbands. These will come in handy. When you don’t have time to style your hair, you can wear a headband as that will still make you look well-put-together. You can also wear a scarf around your head since it is both effortless and stylish.
Rely on Dry Shampoo
The more time you stay outside because of traveling, the greasier and dirtier your hair will become. But you can’t really shampoo it every day because the chemicals are bad for your hair, too. So, what can you do? That’s where dry shampoo comes in. It’s the easiest way to clean your hair without subjecting it to water and the chemicals found in most shampoo products. If you’re trekking or backpacking, this is a nifty little product to have as well because you won’t always have access to a shower.
Trim Your Hair If You Have To
Don’t be afraid to go to a salon in a foreign country. They speak the same language in a salon. Just tell them to get rid of the dry ends in your hair, and they’ll be able to pull it off. Even a barber can do that. If that’s not an option, make sure to bring a pair of trimming scissors in your suitcase. If you need a trim, do it on your own. Gather your hair and snip the ends.
You will have plenty of hair problems when you don’t take care of your hair while traveling. Your scalp will be itchy, and your hair will look dry and dull. Don’t let that happen to you. A few simple tricks—plus, sticking to your usual hair care routine—will do just fine.
