Have plans to travel someplace warm for spring? Make sure you pack everything you need to keep your hair nourished and cared for. While exciting new destinations should feel carefree, they can also be challenging for our hair.

From changes in climate to different water types, our hair can be subjected to a variety of environmental differences. Don’t fret — with the right haircare tips, you can keep your hair looking its best, no matter where your travels take you.

Pack your own haircare must-haves

When traveling, pack the right haircare products for your hair type and the climate you'll be in. This can ensure that your hair stays manageable throughout your trip. If you have dry hair, consider bringing a rich leave-in conditioner like Hair La Vie^® Nº 77 Leave-In Conditioner. It’s lightweight and keeps your hair soft and protected.

If you're going to be in a hot and humid climate, you might want to pack a hair serum like Hair La Vie Serum to help combat frizz. Serums can help keep your hair smooth and sleek even in the most chaotic weather, rain or shine.

Use a satin pillowcase

If you've ever been jet lagged, you know how precious a good night of sleep is when traveling. But starchy hotel pillowcases can often be rough on your hair. The solution? Pack your own pillowcase, and satin is best.

Satin is a smooth material that won't rough or dry your hair from heat and friction like a cotton pillowcase will. This means you'll be less likely to wake up full of tangles. As a bonus, a satin pillowcase can help prevent frizz, so your hair will look smooth and shiny, even on the go.

Protect your hair from the sun

When spending time having fun in the sun, it's essential to be protected from UV rays. Always make sure to protect your skin with a quality SPF, but wearing a hat is key to protecting your hair and scalp. You can also use an aerosol SPF or sunscreen meant for the hair and scalp. Too much can alter color-treated hair, so you’ll want to do a strand test first. But don’t let your strands get fried by being out in the baking sun unprotected during peak hours from 10 am to 2 pm.

Be mindful of water quality

Water quality may not come to mind as the reason for your vacation-bad hair day, but it’s a common culprit. The minerals in hard water can cause a build-up, leaving your hair feeling dry. While soft water can make your hair fall flat and feel oily.

Don’t rely on hotel shampoo that may be full of detergents and silicones. All you need is a gentle but deeply cleansing shampoo like Hair La Vie Shampoo. The vitamins, keratin, and marula oil will keep your hair feeling fresh, clean, and hydrated.

Try heatless styles

Heat is one of the most common causes of hair woes, so while on a trip, keep heat styling tools to a minimum. Try heatless waves for a beachy natural style by using soft fabric to wrap around the hair. If possible, it's best to bring your own hair dryer or let your hair air dry. If you use a hair dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible and a heat protectant spray to help protect hair and keep your strands silky.

Before and after swimming-care

Chlorine and salt water can be very drying, making your hair brittle. Make sure to care for your hair before you hop in the pool or catch some waves.

Before you go for a swim, apply a few drops of Pure Argan Oil to coat the hair with nutrient-rich vitamin E. It will also keep the scalp and hair strands from absorbing too much chlorine or salt water. After swimming, rinse your hair with clean water and use a moisturizing conditioner like Hair La Vie Conditioner to strengthen, hydrate your hair, and maintain a healthy shine. If you’re swimming in a pool every day for sport, be sure to use a swim cap. 

Final thoughts

Whether a jet setter or an infrequent flyer, caring for your hair while on the go is key. Make sure to pack a few essentials and protect your hair from sun, surf, and frizz. With these simple haircare tips, you can maintain luscious locks while out and about. Don’t forget to take care of your hair the next time you travel!