We Aim To Slay

Few things are as universally loved as taking a vacation – but I think we can all agree that packing is a universal hassle! No matter how many lists I make or methods I attempt, I inevitably arrive at my destination missing one key item (like when I spent a week away with only one skirt and one pair of denim shorts, or the pageant I flew to without any of my makeup; what was I thinking?!)

If there’s one aspect of my life where I don’t cut corners, it’s hair care! Since going natural with my curls in 2017 I’ve come to rely on a few products and tools to maintain the look, feel, and health of my curls. But how I maintain my curls on vacation takes a little more finesse – let’s get into it!

Work Smarter, Not Harder!

At the most basic level, we’re discussing how to cleanse and style our hair when we cannot access every product we own. So, how do we determine which products to bring?

From where I stand, a product that does double duty is more useful than several individual products! I recently shared two of my favorite hair treatment products: a scalp exfoliator (to promote blood circulation and a more targeted cleanse) and a deep conditioner (to add extra hydration and strength).

Because I don’t use the scalp exfoliator during each wash day, it’s something that I’ll skip when packing but it’s the first product I’ll be using once I’m home! On the other hand, I won’t travel without a deep conditioner. It can be used as a stand-in for conditioner, as a treatment mask after a day on the beach, and as a styling base! In the past I’ve shared my love for the Briogeo Don’t Despair…Repair!, but in the last few months I’ve been obsessed with the Love Ur Curls Deep Condition & Repair, which has a less prominent scent. Immediately after washing I put my hair into a microfiber towel hood to absorb excess water, so I always put two in my suitcase!

Destination Makes a Difference 

Much like our discussion last year about what clothing to pack depending on your destination we’re going to use that same concept to select our styling products and tools.

If, like me, you prefer a warmer destination, you’ll likely be combating humidity. With curls, the best way to fight humidity-based frizz is to stop it before it happens – either by sealing your hair strands with a product such as a gel or oil, or by styling your hair in an updo. But what if you’re not a gel-user? Since introducing a mousse to my styling routine I’ve been achieve to do quick touch-ups in the morning, as well as great curl-hold while maintaining volume.

The most useful tool in my slick-back arsenal is a smoothing brush! First introduced to me through pageantry, the basic idea of the smoothing brush has existed for centuries – a stiff-bristled brush helped distribute natural oils from the scalp to the strands, producing longer and stronger hair. In the last 400 years, the materials and design have been adapted to create the version you can find at any beauty supply store. I prefer ones that feature a half inch width and a tapered handle to act as a parting tool, much like this 3-piece kit by Kitsch!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a colder destination usually means a dryer climate. This is when something hydrating (like a deep conditioner or an oil) is a non-negotiable! This is also a great opportunity to introduce up-dos and accessories! In the past I’ve shared several creative hairstyles for curly hair: you can read Part One here, Part Two here, and the Vacation Edition here!

When I’m focused on protecting my curls I’ll always opt for a satin scarf because it can double as protection while I’m sleeping (although I won’t travel without my sleep bonnet!), and accessory for styling, and as a clothing accessory! Similarly, I’m going to pack a few hair clips of varying sizes, a small container of braiding bands, and at least one handband!

But most importantly, we have to be realistic! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve packed my flatiron, hair dryer & diffuser, and curling iron, only to wear my hair wet and slicked back for the entire trip. Sometimes, we have to commit to the bit and pack accordingly!

Last summer I blew out my hair prior to a road trip because I thought it would be easier to maintain my hair for that week… until I ended up spending every day in the lake to combat the heat! Sometimes the best part of a vacation is not feeling the need to style your hair everyday – and that’s okay! I know my default hairstyle is a messy bun, so I’ll be packing many hair ties and satin scrunchies as well!

Travel Sizes!

Now that we know what we’re bringing, how are we packing it? Many brands have started offering travel sizes of their products; but if, like me, your favorite brand doesn’t offer travel sizes, I recommend using a travel kit.

While you can easily find simple and effective containers online and in stores, I’m all about adding a bit of whimsy to your routine! A quick Google found this adorable black and white travel set by Kitsch for only $14 USD. Not only is the design adorable, but the containers are distinctive enough to tell them apart! I’m on the hunt for a travel kit currently, so I may be scooping this up!

What Do You Think?

Will you be traveling this summer? How will you be addressing hair care while abroad? Leave your number one hair-care tip in the comments below!

I’ll be back next week with part two of the 2026 W.A.T.S. Vacay Series!

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