Holiday Haircare Guide for Curly Hair: Top Travel-Friendly Picks of 2024
Sharing a photo of me with my curly red hair
Holiday travel can be harsh on curls depending on where you’re traveing to, but with the right products and techniques, you can maintain gorgeous, frizz-free curls no matter where the season takes you. This guide will show you essential products for pre-travel prep, mid-travel hydration, and post-travel curl revival, featuring 2024’s best curly hair solutions to keep your curls looking their best.
1. Pre-Travel Prep Essentials
Before you head out, prep your curls to ensure they look fabulous and healthy through every step of your holiday journey.
Deep Conditioning Mask: Hydrate for Long-Lasting Curls
A hydrating mask is the foundation of great-looking curls on the go.
Top Pick: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, a travel must-have that strengthens and hydrates with B vitamins, argan oil, and biotin. Just one session with this mask can leave your curls nourished and ready to withstand dry airplane air and winter weather.
Why You'll Love It: This award-winning mask is ideal for all curl types, delivering shine, softness, and elasticity. It’s a quick and effective way to protect your curls before they face the elements. Shop Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! for pre-travel protection.
Moisture Locking Oil: Essential for Extra Shine
Add a sealing oil to keep curls frizz-free and shiny throughout your journey.
Editor’s Choice: Bread Beauty Supply's Hair Oil Everyday Gloss is lightweight and non-greasy, delivering serious shine while sealing in hydration from your deep conditioning treatment.
Pro Tip: This oil is ideal for all curl types and doesn’t weigh hair down, which is essential for bouncy curls. A few drops before you head out the door are all you need! Get Bread Hair Oil Everyday Gloss here.
2. During Travel: Protect and Refresh Your Curls
Stay ahead of travel-induced frizz and dryness with these travel essentials for curly hair.
Hydration Spray: Keep Curls Fresh and Defined
Airplanes and long car rides can dry out curls fast. Keep a hydration spray handy to refresh and hydrate curls on the go.
Must-Have: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Refreshing & Restyling Spray is formulated for curly hair, reactivating and hydrating curls without weighing them down.
Best For: Instantly rehydrating dry curls and reducing frizz mid-flight. This spray is also a quick way to redefine curls for effortless, fresh-looking hair once you arrive. Shop Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Refreshing & Restyling Spray.
Silk or Satin Scarf: Frizz Protection on the Go
Protect your curls from frizz and breakage by wrapping them in a silk or satin scarf.
Recommended: Satin Scarf is made with high-quality silk that’s gentle on curls, reducing friction and preventing breakage. Here’s my in-flight haircare routine using a satin scarf.
Perfect Travel Companion: A silk scarf not only keeps curls frizz-free but also helps maintain their shape and shine. Get the Satin Scarf for your next trip.
3. Post-Travel TLC: Bring Your Curls Back to Life
Give your curls a moisture boost when you arrive, and ensure they stay looking defined and healthy.
Leave-In Conditioner: For Soft, Touchable Curls
Travel can take a toll on moisture, so use a leave-in conditioner to bring softness and bounce back to your curls.
Best Pick: Ouidad’s Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner is a go-to for curly travelers, with a formula that quickly restores moisture without any heavy build-up.
Why You'll Love It: It’s the ultimate curl quencher, perfect for adding moisture right when you arrive. Buy Ouidad’s Moisture Lock here.
Curl Refresher Spray: Revive Curls Instantly
For an easy refresh after travel, use a curl refresher spray to bring back definition and bounce.
Fan Favorite: PATTERN Hydrating Mist delivers lightweight hydration and helps reduce frizz, giving curls an instant refresh.
Travel Essential: This mist is a must for any curly traveler, perfect for refreshing curls and adding light hold. Grab PATTERN Travel Size Hydrating Mist here.
Top Curly Hair Products of 2024 to Keep Your Curls Perfect Through Every Trip
Here’s a quick list of 2024’s best products to keep your curls fresh and frizz-free all holiday season:
AG Care Re:Coil Curl Activator: Start your routine with this curl activator on damp hair. It hydrates and encourages natural curl patterns, providing a lightweight foundation that enhances bounce and definition.
Davines OI Hair Oil: After styling, use a few drops of this oil to lock in moisture, smooth frizz, and add a glossy shine. It's perfect for giving your curls a polished, salon-quality finish.
Wella Professional Ultimate Repair Protective Leave-In: Essential for protecting curls from heat damage if using a diffuser, this product also adds moisture and smoothness, ensuring your curls remain healthy and frizz-free.
Davines LOVE Curl Enhancing Conditioner for Curly Hair: This vegan conditioner gently detangles curls, adding elasticity and volume without weighing them down.
Curly Hair Travel FAQs
Q1: Are there any curl-friendly products for dry airplane air?
A: Yes! Briogeo Curl Charisma Leave-In provides ongoing hydration and helps prevent tangles —it also helps keep your curls hydrated. Consider using a silk or satin scarf to protect your hair in-flight, too.
Q2: Can I refresh curls without washing them?
A: Absolutely. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Curl Refreshing & Restyling Spray is designed to revive curls without water.
Q3: What products should I pack for a beach holiday?
A: A UV-protectant cream, such as AG Care Re:Coil Curl Activator, plus a leave-in conditioner like Ouidad’s MoistureLock, are ideal for sun and salt exposure.
Q4: Do silk scarves really make a difference?
A: Yes! A Satin Scarf reduces friction, keeping curls smooth and frizz-free throughout your travels.
Q5: Is a travel diffuser worth it?
A: If you rely on diffusers for volume and shape, a travel-sized diffuser like the Conair MiniPro is a great option for curly-haired travelers.
With these top-rated 2024 products in your travel kit, you can enjoy beautiful, bouncy curls all season long. Don’t forget to stock up before your next holiday trip and ensure your curls stay looking their best, no matter where you’re headed!