Finding the right routine is hard enough at home, let alone on vacation. This was probably my biggest stressor when studying abroad and planning for my various travels. Some sacrifices must be made but your curls can still be poppin and I am here to help!
The perfect hair day depends on the products used, the water quality, humidity levels, the alignment of the stars... How can one ever maintain their mane with only a few travel size bottles that has to fit in a quart-size bag?! Have no fear; it can be done!
Three Products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Oils
My curl type is 3c low porosity. You may need to tweak the routine based on your hair type. I always rock wash & go's my whole trip. If this doesn't work for your hair then protective styling (braids, locs, weave, etc.) is a great way to go!
Let me give you a rundown of my routine for a typical week long trip:
Night Before Trip: Wash Day with Deep Condition
Always before a trip I dedicate the night before to a wash day with deep conditioning.
I cleanse my hair of my weekly products with an apple cider vinegar wash. (1:1 apple cider vinegar and water)
I detangle and deep condition my hair using Eden Jojoba Oil Deep Conditioner. I put on a cap and sit under a dryer for 15 minutes. You can wrap a towel soaked in hot water(wrung out, and cooled down enough to not burn) around the shower cap if you do not have a dryer.
I rinse out the deep conditioner and condition my hair with Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner
I then style my hair using Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner and Kinky Curly Curling Custard. I section my hair and coat each individual curl first with the conditioner then the curling custard. I keep a spray bottle with water close by as my hair styles better when soaking wet. I use the curling custard here so that my curls last as long as possible, but I do not find it essential to pack.
I then go through my hair adding a mix of coconut oil (organic/unrefined) and a few drops of pure argan oil as my curls need extra moisturizing. I find this combination works best for me but I recommend finding your own perfect blend based on your hair's needs.
I then sleep on a satin pillow case to protect my curls for the next day
All links lead to Amazon but you can find these products in your local beauty supply store.
What to Bring on the Trip
Satin Pillow Case/Scarf
Sulfate-free shampoo
Sulfate-free conditioner
Oils
Wash Day during the Trip
When it is time to finally wash my hair (a.k.a. my third day bun is a mess, I went swimming, or the humidity is killing me) I use three main products: shampoo, conditioner, and oils.
I do my wash day as normal without the deep conditioning step. I use my conditioner as my leave in to save product space.
The coconut/argan oil mixture I put on my hair every day and even cary with me to re-apply in when the UV is extremely high as it is a great UV protectant.
Extra Tips
If you are planning a longer trip (More than 10 days) and will need another deep conditioning treatment then plan for it in your bag. I love the Eden Jojoba Oil Deep Conditioner because a little goes a long way.
Just Remember...
You are a queen and your crown should be worn proudly no matter the state.
Safe Travels,
Chelle
Comments