Sunshine, sea breezes, and mocktails – what’s not to love about summer travel? Well… maybe just one thing… big, frizzy hair that seems to double in volume the moment you step off the plane. Humidity can wreak havoc on even the most well-behaved locks, leaving you battling a cloud of puffiness instead of enjoying your holiday glow. But fear not – with the right products, techniques, and prep, you can outsmart humidity and travel with hair that behaves.
The fight against frizz begins before you’ve even left the house. Make sure your hair is well-hydrated before travel – dry hair is like a sponge for humidity.
Try:
- Deep conditioning masks a day or two before your flight. Look for ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or keratin.
- Avoid harsh shampoos that strip natural oils. Instead, opt for sulfate-free formulas.
If your hair is naturally prone to puffing, your usual blow-dry-and-go routine might not cut it in tropical climates. Instead, go for humidity-friendly styles:
- Braids, buns, or sleek ponytails keep your strands compact and under control.
- If you want to wear your hair down, opt for a loose wave – it blends better with natural movement than trying to keep it poker-straight.
Humidity causes frizz because moisture in the air penetrates the hair shaft and disrupts its natural shape. A good leave-in conditioner or anti-humidity spray creates a barrier against this.
Hero Products:
- Anti-humidity sprays like Color Wow Dream Coat or Living Proof Humidity Shield
- Lightweight oils such as argan or marula oil (use sparingly to avoid greasiness)
Straighteners and curling wands might seem like a good idea, but in humid climates, your styling won’t last — and can actually make frizz worse by drying out your hair. Instead, air dry with the help of a curl-defining cream or smoothing serum.
A chic scarf, wide-brim hat or silk headband isn’t just stylish — it also protects your hair from the sun, wind, and excess moisture.
Pro tip: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night to reduce friction and wake up with smoother strands.
Caught out in a rainstorm or sweating through a sightseeing tour?
- Rub a tiny bit of hand cream between your palms and smooth over flyaways.
- A travel-sized dry oil mist can refresh and tame puffiness without needing a mirror.
Humidity doesn’t have to hijack your holiday hair. With smart prep, the right products, and a little styling creativity, you can stay sleek, smooth, and selfie-ready – no matter how tropical your destination.
Now, go enjoy your trip — and let your hair be the least of your travel worries.