During my fall haircut (scroll to the bottom for before and after inspiration), I had an inspiring chat with my curly hair stylist about travel essentials. We covered everything from packing techniques to maintaining healthy curls while on the go. My stylist is preparing for trips to Mexico and Moosehead Lake, Maine, while I’m gearing up for adventures in Italy and Grenada. Our conversation was full of helpful salon travel tips, and I’m excited to share them with you! These tips will keep you organized and your curls thriving, no matter your destination!
Here’s a breakdown of what we discussed and my favorite salon travel tips, especially for curly-haired globetrotters like me.
(Disclosure: Some of the product links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission. This helps keep my blog running!)
1. Packing Cubes vs Compression Packing Cubes: The Ultimate Showdown
Packing Cubes:
When it comes to organizing your luggage, packing cubes have been a game changer for many travelers. These simple rectangular bags allow you to separate your clothes into categories—think tops, bottoms, undergarments, and accessories. The beauty of packing cubes is that they help you find everything without rummaging through your suitcase.
Compression Packing Cubes:
These cubes have an extra zipper that allows you to compress your clothes, saving space. They’re ideal if you’re packing bulky items like sweaters or jackets (hello, Italy in March!) or if you’re aiming to fit everything into a carry-on. Compression cubes reduce the air between your clothes, which also helps prevent wrinkles.
My Experience:
I’ll be using compression packing cubes for the first time during my upcoming trip to Italy, and I’m traveling carry-on only! This will be my first test. Since I’ll need to pack for varying weather conditions, having an organized, space-saving system is key. I’m excited to see how much easier it makes packing, especially when transitioning from cold mornings to warmer afternoons.
Stay tuned for my Italy packing experience and photos – I’ll share how I fit everything in my carry-on with the help of compression packing cubes!
Bonus tip: Invest in a color-coded system. Assign each color cube to a specific category of clothing, making it easier to grab what you need without thinking twice. It’s perfect for quick access when you’re hopping from city to city like I’ll be doing in Italy.
2. The Best Travel Hair Dryer and Diffuser: For Curls on the Go
As someone with naturally curly hair, I know how important it is to have a trusty travel hair dryer and diffuser on hand. I used to rely on hotel dryers (which are notorious for blowing out too much heat) or skipping heat altogether, but I’ve found some lightweight options that don’t sacrifice curl quality.
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer:
This is my top pick for traveling with curls. It’s compact, lightweight, and powerful enough to get the job done without damaging my curls. With dual voltage, it’s perfect for international travel, and it comes with a concentrator nozzle that I use alongside my collapsible diffuser. It doesn’t overheat (although, it can be quite hot to the touch), and I love how it keeps my curls smooth and frizz-free, even in humid climates like Grenada or Mexico.
Universal Diffuser Attachment:
If you already have a favorite dryer or want more curl definition, I highly recommend packing a universal diffuser attachment. The collapsible versions are perfect for travel, and they help you maintain curl definition no matter where you are. This is especially handy for humid destinations like Grenada, where a good diffuser will be your best friend to avoid unwanted frizz.
My Curly Routine On The Road:
For longer trips like Italy, where I’ll need to look polished for dinners or tours, my BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer and collapsible diffuser are must-haves. But for shorter, low-key trips—like my stylist’s upcoming weekend at Moosehead Lake—I might leave them at home and embrace my natural air-dried curls.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to pack a microfiber towel for drying your curls. Regular towels can cause frizz, while a microfiber option helps absorb water without disturbing your curl pattern. My favorite towel is this one!
3. Curl Refresh Spray: Your Key to Fewer Wash Days
One of the best salon travel tips I received from my stylist (need a curly stylist? check out my link) was the power of a curl refresh spray. When you’re traveling, you might not have the time (or energy) to fully wash and style your hair every day. A curl refresh spray or leave-in conditioner can revive your curls between washes, adding moisture and bounce without the need for a full shower routine.
Why It Works:
Refresh sprays and leave-in conditioners typically contain a mix of water, lightweight oils, and conditioning agents that rehydrate and reshape your curls. Instead of going through the whole wash-dry-style process, you can simply spritz the product on your curls, scrunch, and go. For someone like me, who prefers fewer wash days while traveling, this is a game changer.
My Go-to Product:
My stylist highly recommends Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner by Innersense for reviving curls on the go (she adds a little water to dilute it). It’s lightweight but adds just the right amount of moisture without weighing down my hair. I’ll be using this leave-in conditioner for my upcoming Italy trip. Sweet Spirit is great for detangling, refreshing, and providing a boost of hydration to keep my curls looking defined and frizz-free throughout the day.
Using it while traveling:
Whether I’m exploring ancient ruins in Italy or hiking around Moosehead Lake, a quick spritz of Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner gives me the confidence to wear my curls down without worrying about flat or frizzy hair. It’s also great for humid climates—hello, Mexico and Grenada—where a bit of moisture in the air can either be your friend or your foe!
4. General Curly Hair Travel Tips
Protective Styles:
If you’re traveling for an extended period or engaging in lots of outdoor activities, consider wearing your curls in protective styles like braids or twists. This keeps your hair neat, reduces tangles, and makes it easier to maintain your curl pattern throughout the trip. I often do a simple high bun when I’m feeling low maintenance but still want to look chic.
Satin Pillowcases:
This might seem excessive, but trust me, it’s worth it. Packing a small satin pillowcase ensures your curls stay intact overnight. Cotton pillowcases tend to absorb moisture from your hair, leaving you with frizz in the morning. Satin helps preserve moisture, leading to less breakage and smoother curls when you wake up.
Dry Shampoo:
Sometimes, you just don’t have the time (or energy) for a full wash day on the road. Dry shampoo can help extend the life of your curls by absorbing oil at the roots. I’m a huge Davines product fan as I started my curly journey with their products!
Deep Conditioning Treatments:
If you’re heading somewhere warm or humid, consider packing a travel-sized deep conditioner. I like to use a deep conditioning mask once a week, especially in dry climates like northern Italy. This keeps my curls hydrated and soft, even after long flights or days spent in the sun.
Whether you’re packing for an adventurous escape to Italy or a cozy weekend in Moosehead Lake, these salon travel tips and the right tools and products can make all the difference. I’m excited to take my refreshed fall haircut on the road and put these tips into action. Check out my before and after photos of my fall haircut below and let me know your thoughts!
