4 Tips for Vacationing with Natural Hair

• hair + beauty
• July 29, 2014
• Ashley

Planning a mid-summer getaway, road trip, or mini vacation? Spend less time packing products and fussing with your natural hair with these 4 tips!

For my birthday this year, I spent about a week in Las Vegas. If you’re like me, your vacation destination is hot and dry — and certainly has a climate your natural hair isn’t totally used to.  I planned on spending my days on the strip in the sun and poolside without drying my hair out. Here’s how i managed to be successful:

The Prep:

I went on vacation with my hair already cleaned, deeeeeeeeeeeeeep conditioned, and styled. I emphasize the deep conditioning, because I was looking to pack as much moisture into my hair as possible prior to arrival. As I frequently mentioned in this wonderful piece by Shelli of Hairscapades, moisturized hair starts on wash day. I pre-pooed with coconut oil, cleansed thoroughly with my go-to TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo (review here), and deep conditioned with TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask. To style my hair, I styled it in a wash and go, focusing on locking in LOTS of moisture with products that are water-based, but contain tons of good-for-hair butters and oils.  For some hold that will keep this wash and go lasting, I added a curl definer that will make my curls last for days, like TGIN Twist and Define Cream. I know, it seems like a lot of products. But I used them all befirehand so I wouldn’t have to pack them all later.

Tip #1: Cleanse and deep condition the hair thoroughly. Styles set on clean hair last longer, plus you won’t have to worry about packing a shampoo and deep conditioner on your trip. 

Tip #2: If you’re going to be visiting an area with hotter and drier temperatures than you’re used to, load your hair up with moisture beforehand via pre-poo treatments, sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioners, and leave-ins. Stay ready, so you ain’t got to get ready!

The Plan:

My goal was to spend the least amount of time worrying about and fussing with my hair. I stuck with my tried and true wash and go, which is versatile enough to wear out on the strip, put up in a bun at the pool, and shake loose for the night life. I went on a mini vacation/getaway, and the last thing I wanted to do is waste time in the hotel room, fooling around with my hair waiting for a braidout to dry. Since I arrived with my wash and go ready to go, all that was required of my hair initially was a spritz here or there to refresh and wake up my curls before hitting the strip.

Tip #3: The phrase of the day is low maintenance. When it comes to vacation-ready hair, pick a style that requires minimal time and effort in terms of versatility, upkeep, and re-doing if necessary. Wash and go’s, braided or twisted updos, or even individual braids or twists are perfect for day to night wear.

Tip #4: Pick products that are multifunctional. Gotta have your holy grail moisturizer, or definer? Go ahead and pack it (or a small amount of it). But you want to make sure the majority of what you pack is multi-use.

What are some of your summer vacay tips for natural hair?

Christina Patrice is a Los Angeles based transitioning and natural hair blogger, and full-time product junkie. She is also a writer for Black Girl with Long Hair and NaturallyCurly.com. Catch all of her posts at www.maneobjective.com and join her in obsessing over natural hair on Instagram @maneobjective.