What Hair Products and Tools Are in Your Travel Bag?

Travel Season is Upon Us

It's that time of year again. The season when we cash in a couple of hard-earned weeks of vacation to temporarily forget about our daily routines and bask in the warm sun rays. It's summertime! You might have left your alarm clock behind, but where ever your summer travels take you, there's one thing that you shouldn't forget – hair tools and products to keep you stylin' around the world! Much like you're accrued vacation time, your hair is something that you've invested your time and money. Don't allow a couple of weeks of having fun in the sun to ruin your style. Make some room in your travel bag because I'm sharing some must-have products and tools you will need for your summer travels!

Prep Your Hair for Travel

The best way to maintain your look throughout the summer is to prepare for the adventures ahead. Consider where you are going, what the climate is like, and what kinds of activities that you will participate. Your best bet for extensions that can handle all climates and elements is 100% human hair, like Private Label Extensions. These extensions behave the same as naturally growing hair because each bundle contains only human extensions. Not a mixture of human and synthetic extensions like the hair packs you will find at your local beauty supply store.

Products for Your Travel Bag

Now that you have your style, it's time to stash the best products in your travel bag to maintain the look you left with at the salon. Don't get so excited to board that cruise ship that you forget to bring along the hair products you need.

Shampoos and Cleansers

It doesn't matter if you are planning to have some fun in the sun or if you will be hitting the slopes. It's essential to pack cleansers in your stowaway. A clean scalp and hair are paramount. High summer temperatures and sweat-inducing activities are likely to cause scalp build-up and oily strands. Stash away any of these shampoos to ensure that your style stays fresh.

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo

This clarifying shampoo is formulated to remove copper, hard water minerals, iron, and product build-up. It also has fruit acids that add shine and strengthen the cuticle of your hair. Be cautioned not to go overboard with clarifying shampoos. Too much use will result in throwing off your hairs' healthy pH balance and will strip your strands of the oils they need to stay healthy. Pack this cleanser to use after you swim in chlorine or saltwater.

Hydrate & Defrizz + Kukui Oil Shampoo by OGX

This shampoo is one of my favorites! It's so moisturizing that you will think you skipped straight to conditioning. This shampoo, formulated with Kukui Nut Oil, revives the hairs moisture level and adds shine all the while repelling humidity – winning! This shampoo is great to use on any hair texture and smells terrific! Stash this shampoo in your bag when you visit humid or dry locations. The extra boost of moisture will keep your hair flowing all summer long.

Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo (Light/Dark Tones)

If you are expecting a layover or taking a long road trip, then you need to pack a dry shampoo. The last thing you need is to worry about dirty hair. This dry shampoo has Argan Oil as the main ingredient to restore softness and body to your hair. The ingredient list also includes Rice Starch. Rice Starch naturally absorbs excess oil. Whether you are crammed into the backseat of a cross-country drive or snoozing on a red-eye flight, all you need is a few sprays to your roots, and your hair is back to its post-salon visit glory. Bonus: This dry shampoo comes in two varieties. One for light hair tones and the other for dark hair tones. Each blends seamlessly into your roots, so you don't have to worry about any tell-tale residue.

Conditioners and Treatments for Your Travel Bag

Healthy hair doesn't stop at clean hair; healthy hair is also moisturized and nourished. Dehydrating airplane air and damaging sun rays will take its toll of your locks. Packing a conditioner in your bag is a lifesaver for your hair. Don't rely on sketchy hotel conditioners, try one of these conditioners below to keep brittle hair at bay.

Pantene Truly Relaxed Hair Moisturizing Conditioner

The name is lengthy, but this conditioner deserves space in your carry-on. This tried-and-true brand offers a massive dose of moisture for a rinse-out conditioner. The Pro-V technology helps to fortify your hair against damage and drench it with moisture. This conditioner promises (and delivers) a lot and it's safe to use weekly. If you are unsure where your wanderlust will take you next, you know that at the very least, your hair needs a good moisturizing conditioner.

ORS Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

Outdoor elements will run their course on the strength of your hair. Fortify your strands with an adequate protein treatment. This replenishing conditioner is formulated with Marine Proteins to help restore protein levels and Sweet Orange Oil to bring in a moisture balance. The 12.5-ounce bottle slips easily into even the most crammed luggage, but this product offers a double-whammy! Let this product sit for up to 45 minutes for a deep conditioning treatment. Throw on a shower cap (free at most hotels) to help the product penetrate deeper into your hair shaft.

Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner

Don't let the name fool you. This deep conditioner is great for all hair textures. Made with Grapeseed, Avocado, and Coconut oils your hair will get a luxurious experience even if you are camping out in the woods. You may not foresee much time to sit around in a deep conditioner between all your sightseeing, but keep in mind that you only need to treat your hair weekly. Set aside some time to saturate your hair in this fantastic mask and your hair will thank you for days! The best part is that this treatment is super lightweight which means curly styles don't get weighed down by this product.

Styling Products for Your Travel Bag

You may be thinking, "Ain't nobody got time for that!" Even if you are rocking lemonade braids, you need to keep a few styling products to help manage flyaway and frizzy hair. Stylers are typically compact and lightweight so remembering to bring a few on your trip will ensure that your Instagram Summer '18 travel photos stay lit!

Private Label Edge Control

This edge control is rated with five stars and packs a hefty punch for such small product. Apply a little to your edges, the nape of your neck, or use it to help slick down a ponytail. Read my article, How to Keep Your Brazilian Kinky Curly Extensions Lit. I breakdown styling the perfect bun or top knot in four easy steps. PLE Edge Control is non-greasy, non-flaky and gives your hair just the right amount shine allowing you to focus on fun and not your hairstyle falling apart.

Joico Gold Dust Shimmer Finishing Spray

Seeing the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower may not be in your travel budget, but you can still light up the night with your hair. This fun holding spray gives you a lightweight hold while also coating your hair with gold dust. Vacation is the perfect time to try something out of the box with your hair! This holding spray is ideal for a night out on the town and with golden glimmers in your hair, you're sure to turn heads and create memories.

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Treatment

This leave-in treatment is one product you don't want to at leave home. This Miracle Milk is a styling product that works on all hair types and offers a seemingly endless list of benefits. Spray onto damp hair to tame flyaway hairs, protect from heat and sun damage, and nourish your strands. This product is versatile enough to be used with air drying or heat styling. It's also a great defense against chlorine and drying saltwater. Stick a bottle in your beach bag to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Extras for Your Travel Bag

We have the basics covered, but there are still a few more products and tool that you can't forget to stash in your travel bag.

Heat Protectant

If you know you can't live without heat styling, then plan against heat damage by packing a protectant. Heat protectants form a chemical barrier around your strands that protect the heat from your styling tool to penetrate your hair shaft. Too much heat styling can cause permanent damage and split ends. Try Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. This spray has a light fragrance and doesn't leave your hair feeling dry or crunchy. Apply to damp hair and comb through to make sure the product is distributed evenly throughout your hair. Then, style as usual.

Oils

You may be taking weeks away from the office, but you shouldn't take weeks off from your hair health. Pack an essential hair oil to use for both your skin and your hair. In a few days, your ends will be begging for attention and hair oil is the perfect TLC that it needs. I love Jojoba Oil and Grapeseed Oil. Both are lightweight, smell great, and keep me moisturized from head to toe.

Moisturizers

Conditioners can't do all the work alone. The second you rinse out your conditioner; your hair is begging for more moisture. Be sure to bring a moisturizer with you to keep your strands from drying out. I love Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Lotion. This product works best with textured hair. It has a great scent and plays well with other hair products (i.e., no white foam). I put a little in my damp hair and allow it to air dry. It's also great for kinky or curly extensions. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way. This bottle will surely last your entire vacation.

Tools for Your Travel Bag

It's true that it's "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," but that doesn't mean that your hair is completely carefree. You're going to need a few hair tools not only to maintain your look but to also change up your style from time to time.

Blow-Dryers

It's best to check and see if your hotel offers a blow-dryer standard in the room you reserved. If it doesn't, you may be in a little trouble. Thankfully there are many compact sized hand dryers on the market to your rescue! Revlon Perfect Heat Fold & Go Hair Dryer has two heat settings and offers 1875 watts. This dryer is the swiss army knife of blow dryers equipped with a retractable cord, a concentrator nozzle, and diffuser attachment. If you're in need of a hand dryer that doesn't take up too much space in your bag, this one has everything you need.

Curling Irons and Flat Irons

If you're anything like me, then you can't decide between straight hair and curly hair. As far as I'm concerned, there's no reason to choose! Pack a curling iron or a curling wand in your luggage for those days when straight doesn't suit. The Ion Straight N' Spiral Travel Style Iron is perfect for both styles. This 3/8 of an inch tool has Tourmaline ceramic plates/barrels. You can use it with the plates open as a regular flat iron or keep the barrel closed and use it to create waves.

Wide-Toothed Comb

This tool may seem like a no-brainer, but some of the most obvious things are often forgotten. I've said it before. Vacation isn't the time to neglect your hair care routine. You are going to need a wide-toothed comb to help distribute your conditioner, leave-in products, detangle, and style your hair. With so many uses, this single tool seems to be a primary product that you should never forget.

Boar Bristle Brush

The only people who can afford to forget this tool are those who are wearing braids. You are going to need a brush for styling and putting your hair up for the night. Don't go the cheap route and buy a plastic bristle brush. That will only snag and damage your locks. Instead, opt for a soft boar bristle brush. The better condition you sleep in, the better hair day you will have the next day.

Satin or Silk Bonnet or Pillowcase

Your final destination might be uncertain, but your hair situation should not be. Bring along a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase to keep your hair protected while you are asleep.

Bobby Pins and Elastic Bands

This tiny tool is another obvious one. But I can't tell you how many times I've had to run to a local convenience store, while on vacation because I forgot either one of these. Pulled or pinned back styles may not be your go-to look but, when you're away from home, you never know what elements you will face. Stick a few in a storage bag, so they don't get lost among your things. If you don't need them, you will never know they were there.

Satin Sponge Rollers

If you are not into heat styling but still like the benefit of curly hair, you will want to bring some soft rollers with you. Satin sponge rollers are great for adding deep waves to straight hair without adding extra weight to your luggage. Unlike hard or soft rollers, these are very comfortable for sleeping. These rollers roll tightly and lay flat on your head so that you can sleep comfortably.

Travel in Style

You have all the products and tools that you need, but now you need a few quick and easy styles using the products you brought to keep you looking cute throughout your journey.

Sew-In Straight to Wavy

Although a sew-in is a reliable hairstyle, you still need to perform some light maintenance to keep the style looking fresh throughout your travel itinerary. Your travel bag is already full of your wardrobe and souvenirs, don't weigh it down with your hair tools! Pack a bottle of mousse and a set of soft rollers to switch up your look. Here's how to achieve beautiful beach waves from straight hair extensions with only one product and one tool.

Step 1:

Split your hair down the middle of your head into two halves

Step 2:

Apply a generous amount of moisturizing mousse to both sides of your hair

Step 3:

Run your fingers through your mousse-soaked hair to ensure equal distribution

Step 4:

Place the soft roller at the bottom of your hair and gently roll upward toward your hair in a backward motion until you've rolled up one entire side of your hair.

Step 5:

Repeat steps 2 through 4 on the opposite side The next morning unroll the satin rollers to reveal your gorgeous beachy waves. Fluff your hair with your fingers and go!

Clip-in Styles

Private Label Clip-in Extensions is the perfect tool to stash in your travel bag. You can use clip in extensions to change up your look in a matter of seconds. PLE Clip-in extensions are super affordable and come in a variety of colors and textures. So, grab a few bundles for a fun change throughout your vacation.

Wigs

A wig is a perfect travel companion to keep in your travel bag. If you already have braids in your hair, then you are already ready to rock a wig style. If not, that's okay! You may see new sights but get bored with the same old hairstyle. Try wearing a wig! Braid your hair down, put on a wig cap, and don your favorite PLE wig! If you're new to wigs, a vacation is a great time to try something new.

Slay Around the World

Booking your travel plans is very exciting, but sometimes the idea of packing your entire life into a small travel bag can be a total buzzkill. It's important to remember your hair goals and pack the essentials. Pick one item from each category and make space for them. A few weeks of neglecting your hair could result in a few months of a setback. Plan and pack light and gain peace by knowing you have everything you need in your travel bag. Tag us on Instagram on your travel journey. We want to see how you slay all over the world! Comment below and share your travel plans for the summer and what styles you'll be rocking!