Holiday Hair: Packing, Styling & Swimming

We're approaching that time of year where some of us go on holiday/vacation. As a frequent traveller, I thought I'd share some travel tips with you. These tips are helpful for relaxed, transitioning and natural hair.

I took this photo in Alicante (Spain) in Feb 14. I love Sunsets!!!

Packing Tips

1) Travel sizes may not be realistic

I've ran out of hair products because I decided to put my hair products in those travel size containers. Don't make that mistake. I think the travel sizes work best for leave-in conditioner and shampoo, products that you don't use as much. I ran out of moisturiser when i was in Jamaica. I had to alternate between using water and conditioner and my cousin's wave nouveau (she wasn't hot on sharing -___-). Depending on where you travel you may be able to buy products but I'd suggest packing to avoid the risk and wasting time trying to find products.

2) Put hair products in a plastic bag when in your suitcase. 

The air pressure along with the manhandling of your suitcase at the airport may cause your products to leak. The bag prevents your clothes from getting stained. Believe me stained clothes are far from ideal when you do not have access to a washing machine or even an iron if you manage to hand wash. 

3) Pack Shea Butter!

Along with my moisturiser, conditioner and shampoo... I will always pack Shea Butter. Shea butter can protect your hair from sun damage. I don't know about you but if I'm in the sun for too long my hair gets HOT. We often forget that like cold weather, hot weather can also cause damage. If you're like me and are not keen on wearing a hat, shea butter is also great at providing protection against ultra-violet radiation. 

Styling

If you're like me and like to take loads of photos on holiday then styling is important. I go for relatively easy styles. Twists, flat twists, buns ect.. Some styles that I've previously shared with you. In terms of styling products, I tend to use the same products, incorporating my shea butter for added protection against the rays. From the first day you'll be able to figure out whether you need to up your moisture levels or lower them depending on where you travel. Another handy tip would be to do a google search about how harsh the water is in the area you're travelling to. If you need to wash your hair this information can be vital.

Swimming

Do not allow your hair to prevent you from bringing out your inner dolphin. Many times Ive shied away from the getting in the water because I didn't want to cause damage to my hair or because I didn't want to deal with it afterwards. By following these steps you can truly enjoy swimming.

*Before*

1) Soak your hair with water until it is dripping wet

The wetter your hair is the less chlorine or sea salt your strands will absorb.

2) Apply an ample amount of conditioner. 

This acts as an extra barrier against the chlorine/sea salt. I opt for a conditioner with cones that aren't water soluble for extra protection.

3) Put your hair in twists/braids/hair clip/bun anything to prevent leaving it out.

This helps to prevent knots, tangles.

4) Wear a swimming hat.

If I'm honest sometimes I bypass this option. If i'm in an indoor pool and my intention is to swim laps I'll always wear my hat but if I have on a sexy swimsuit I'll pass. The choice is yours.

*After*

1) Do not allow the salt water/ chlorine to dry in your hair. 

If you can't get home, most beaches and pools have showers... use it. 

2) Shampoo your hair

I tend to use a sulfate shampoo or a shampoo with Cocamidopropyl Betaine in it but the choice is ultimately yours. There are shampoos and conditioners for swimmers. I've personally never tried them but I know 'Aubrey' have a swimmers line.

3) Deep condition as usual

Taken in Palermo (Italy) 2012

I hope you've found this post informative. Feel free to share some of your own tips!