Top 5 Natural Hair Tips For Travel

As the Spring Break season is in full swing, and many of us will be planning spring and summertime getaways in the coming months, it's important to highlight proper haircare when you're on the go. As someone who adores travel, I've had my fair share of natural hair WTFs while on the road. From leaving for a week-long excursion without a leave-in conditioner, to extreme after-swim shrinkage. Yep, you name it, it's happened to me. Jet-setting naturals, arm yourself with these super quick & easy tips for a stress-free vacay and healthy curls...

1. Sample Sizes Are Your Friend.

As someone who attends media events regularly, I have the pleasure of grudgingly hoarding cabinets and cabinets worth of sample size product. Every shape, size, type and kind, you can probably find it in my beauty closet. But you don't have to be media, to get into it. Sample sizes are readily available and offered by a number of different companies. One of my faves is Oyin Handmade.

They have an amazing 5 Piece Snack Pack, $22, of their signature products that are perfect for travel. Another great option is CurlBox. The monthly subscription service for curlies sends sample sizes of all different types of products.

On my trip to San Francisco, I took the sample size Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner sent out in this month's CurlBox and it worked wonders for me!

2. Bring Protection. 

The last thing you want to forget on an overnight excursion is your satin cap. Cotton sheets are not your friend. So if possible make sure you either tote a satin cap or scarf with you. The best option is to add a satin pillowcase to your emergency hair kit. 

That way, whether you're on a romantic getaway or a girlfriends' trip, you won't have to sacrifice style for curl care.

Read This: Beauty & The Box Braids: Weigh In

3. Cover Up The Goods.

Aside from the sexy sarong or mesh maxi you have to cover up post-pool or beach activities, you're gonna want to make sure to cover up your ends if you're doing major water activities. Protective styles like mini twists, cornrows, flat twists and buns will do the trick. Just make sure you protect those ends before hopping head first into H20, so you don't experience unwanted shrinkage and potential breakage. Just remember, when your hair is soaking wet, it is at its weakest point.

4. Work What You Got.

Depending on where you go, travel sizes of your favorite products might not be readily available. Boyfriend whisking you away for an unexpected weekend getaway and he forgot to pack your Kinky Curly Knot Today? Never fret! There are a few tried & true natural ingredients found almost everywhere that will tame your strands. Never underestimate the power of a little H20. Water has been known to turn my hair from a Disaster Zone to an Enter With Caution. Huge difference. Hotel conditioner may not be your brand of preference but mixing a few dabs of conditioner with water and sealing with a natural oil really can make the difference in preserving your curls on the go.  Call the front desk and ask if the kitchen can bring you up a small cup of olive oil. Weird request but you won't regret it.

5. If All Else Fails, Wash & Go.

If you don't have the luxury of a styler, try wetting your hair in braids or twists, dabbing a bit of conditioner on the hair and sealing the ends. Let them air dry (or use a hotel blowdryer on low setting), and keep it moving.

Bonus: Hair pins are your friends! They don't have a size restriction on planes, so they should be the first thing you pack in your emergency hair kit.

What say you? Any helpful tips for traveling naturals?