Travelling is surely one of life's great joys, but it turns into a challenge for your hair, especially if you are travelling during the monsoons. With long flights, wet and humid weather, water quality differences, and changes in the climate of a particular area, it becomes a task to ensure that your hair remains healthy and vibrant. Below, we share five practical yet simple tips to keep your hair in good shape while travelling.
Dry shampoo is almost akin to a lifesaver when you are travelling. It absorbs excess oil, grease, and dirt and gives volume to hair, allowing you to stretch the time between hair washes. The shampoo has a starch or alcohol base and comes in a spray bottle. When it is sprayed over the hair, the dirt particles are absorbed by the alcohol or starch, making the hair look cleaner. It is ideal for use if you travel to remote or humid areas or commute considerably long.
Humidity and frizz go hand in hand; therefore, it is recommended that you carry an anti-frizz spray or serum. It helps keep your hair in shape all day, preserves the curls, and combines the flyaway and baby hair, giving it a composed look. The sprays or serum usually have a base of hydroxypropyl starch, which lays down a flexible transparent film on the hair and moves with it, thus giving it a fresh look.
Water quality is bound to change from place to place. Moreover, it tends to deteriorate during the rainy and humid season. If you live in an area with hard water, your hair can turn dry and rough. This dryness, coupled with the hostile climate, leads to breakage. Consider travelling with a water filter for the shower or using bottled water to rinse your hair. This tiny adjustment is sure to make a considerable difference.
Travelling to a coastal area means a lot of swimming and sea bathing. It ensures you spend a considerable portion of your vacation in the water. However, saltwater and chlorine in the water bodies do a lot of damage to the hair. Wear a shower cap and apply some oil before going for a dip. After swimming, rinse with clean water and use a gentle shampoo. This prevents the chlorine from lingering and collecting on your follicles.
Elaborate and tight hairstyles like braids, ponies and other fancy styles look great but are harsh on your hair. Instead, they should opt for simple styles like a plait or a bun that do not require heat styling, excessive braids or heat products. Getting a haircut before travelling is another low-effort hack to ensure they look in shape. While exploring, carry a scarf, cap, or hat to protect the scalp from UV rays.