We Aim To Slay

When you’re traveling, the last thing you want to do is weigh down your suitcase with extraneous hair accessories and products. Or, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stop packing a separate suitcase just for your skin and hair care products!

This week I’ll be sharing five of my favorite (low maintenance!) hair styles to last through your entire trip!

Five Vacay-Inspired Hairstyles! 

Braided Styles

In my “Creative Hairstyles – Part Two!” I shared my process for creating two strand twists, a style I’m still learning and perfecting. But, once I figured out how to keep them (mostly) even I ventured into braiding! On my first attempts, I braided my wet hair directly after washing, just like I did with my two strand twists. But, earlier this year I had the game-changing idea to blow my hair out first; keeping my hair sleek and smooth in the braids, while also maintaining the length I crave!

When creating a protective style, I like to begin with freshly washed hair that I then blow out – I go into depth on my blow out process in this video, “How I Straighten My 3B-3C-4A Curls!” – before sectioning my hair into rows going across my head, and then sectioning and braiding each individual section!

Bubble Braids

This isn’t a style that I do often, and I honestly don’t know why because I think it looks so cute every time I do!

I’ve done this look on my natural curls as well as on blown out hair, and the main difference for me was the fact that blowing out my hair adds at least 30 minutes to the process.

Whether you’re doing this look on curls or straight hair, you’ll need several braiding bands to help secure each section. I like to create each bubble as I put each braiding band, but some people like to put all of their sections in before making the bubble.

I can make this style last several days if I make sure to wrap my hair in my bonnet to sleep!

Sleek Up-Do’s

If you read last week’s post  you’ll know that I just spent a week camping in Ocala National Forest in Paisley, Florida, where we experienced a tropical head wave as well as several days worth of thunderstorms. The slicked back bun became my week-long staple look!

There are many ways to achieve this sleep look, and all you’ll need are a few items: one or two hair ties, bobby pins, some sort of comb or brush, and a product of your choice such as gel, a deep conditioning mask, oil, or whatever you have on hand!

Using your comb or brush, decide if you’ll be creating a part of sweeping all of your hair straight back. Next, apply your product – I prefer to use gel or a styling custard if I’m doing this style quickly, and if I’m styling for the day I’ll use a deep conditioning mask in order to give my hair a little extra love! Now you’re ready to place and craft your perfect bun!

Hair Clips!

Earlier in this year the claw and banana clip both made crazy comebacks, but with a fun and updated twist! In my opinion, clips can make some of the best accessories; securing your hair while jazzing up your look! Struggling to secure your curls with a banana clip? Catch my video tutorial here!

Accessories!

In a similar fashion, using accessories to jazz up a simple bun or ponytail can take your sleek style to a whole new level! Over the years I’ve experimented with bejeweled hair pins, scarves and ribbons, and even baseball caps!

Products To Pack

Now that we’ve discussed the styles we’ll be creating, let’s get started with products! 

If, like me, you’re a #CurlyGirl who is traveling with straightened hair you’ll likely be avoiding washing your hair. In those cases, I make sure to pack my favorite dry shampoo, by Batiste. Dry shampoo can be a bit intimidating if you’re not familiar with it, but I swear it’s super easy to use! I like to work in sections, starting at the bottom and working up, applying a generous amount of product on to the roots. Once I’ve applied to each section, begin working the product through with your hands by zhuzh-ing your roots and finish off by brushing out your hair.

When it comes to styling, as we discussed above, I like to travel with a deep conditioning mask such as the Briogeo Don’t Despair…Repair! Masque, styling products such as the LoveUrCurls Voluminizing Foam or the Step 3 All-In-One Styler, a custard like the Pattern Brand Styling Custard, and a gel such as the LoveUrCurls Irish Sea Moss or the Pattern Brand styling gel. 

Tools To Pack

And as always, we’ll need to pack a few tools to help us accomplish our styling! No matter where I’m going I pack two microfiber hair towels, a wide tooth comb for detangling and creating precise parts, a scarf or ribbon, and as many clips and hair pins as I can manage!

What Do You Think?

Do you have a go-to hairstyle when you’re traveling? Let me know in the comments below!

I’ll be back next week to share my Springfield Fashion Week experience, and this time, I’ll be on the runway!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!