I Used to Hate Styling My Hair on Vacation—This Reliable Routine Transformed Everything.

      If there's one thing I'm always ready to spend on, it's a holiday. There's nothing I enjoy more than hopping on a plane and discovering new destinations, particularly in the summer. That’s why I've become adept at packing. Whether I'm bringing a large suitcase or just a carry-on, my beauty travel kit is perfectly organized. One area where I excel? My holiday hair routine.

      Having thick, long hair, I used to dread styling it on vacation because it took so long and required a multitude of products. From high-quality shampoos and conditioners to oils, masks, and hot brushes, I've built up quite a collection over the years. However, after many summers traveling across Europe, I've curated a streamlined selection of holiday hair products that I can confidently say are essential. You might wonder why—these products simplify my holiday hair routine, making it quick and easy while consistently delivering the results I seek.

      Below, I've compiled my must-have holiday hair products that have accompanied me on countless trips and garnered me praise along the way...

      **Detox Shampoo**

      Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo

      First off, let’s discuss shampoo. I always choose a detox formula while on holiday because my hair tends to collect product residue from styling products and sunscreen. This specific detox shampoo from Living Proof is my go-to for traveling since it thoroughly cleanses my roots without stripping my hair. I find that I only need to use it once or twice a week, allowing me more time to enjoy the sun. I currently have a travel-sized version, but you can easily transfer some of the full-sized shampoo into a smaller container as well.

      **Restorative Hair Mask**

      NUXE Intensive Repair Hair Mask

      Instead of bringing both a conditioner and a hair mask while traveling, I usually just take a hair mask as a stand-in for my usual conditioner. I’m currently enjoying this new product from Nuxe; it has a delightful, vacation-like scent and leaves my ends feeling soft, smooth, and shiny.

      **UV Protectant**

      Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer

      You might not realize it, but your hair needs UV protection just as your skin does. The sun can dry out your ends and cause color fading. That’s where the Bumble and Bumble Protective Primer comes in. This lightweight pre-styling mist detangles, softens, and shields your hair from breakage, heat styling, and UV damage. Just spray it on damp hair, comb through gently, and you'll notice how much easier your ends are to manage.

      **Humidity-Proofing Product**

      Color Wow Travel Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

      I don’t usually go for a super sleek style on holiday, but when I do, I always pack the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. This product is fantastic, designed for all hair types, and acts like an “invisible cloak” that smoothens hair and repels moisture—perfect for humid climates. Simply spray it on wet hair before blow-drying for optimal results. And yes, it comes in a convenient travel size!

      **Leave-In Conditioner**

      Ouai Travel Leave In Conditioner

      I’m a huge fan of Ouai products, and their leave-in conditioner is no exception. I was thrilled to find this travel-sized version. After a day at the beach, my hair often feels very dry, making a leave-in conditioner a vacation essential for me. I simply spray this on the ends of my damp hair for smooth, manageable strands.

      **Air-Dry Cream**

      JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream

      I have wavy hair, and although I don’t embrace it as often as I should, I love wearing it wavy while on vacation. To enhance my natural texture, I apply a small amount of the JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream. It provides a light hold and a smooth, defined finish while also protecting against humidity and UV damage—a hero for warm weather.

      **Hair Oil**

      One item I wouldn't dream of traveling without is a hair oil. It’s excellent for nourishing the dry ends of my hair, and on those lazy, sunny days when I don't want to wash my hair, it helps me achieve a slicked-back look. My go-to holiday hair oil is the Ouai St Barts Hair Oil. It has a tropical vacation scent, and the bottle features a clever twist-top lid to prevent leaks in my suitcase.

      **Dry Shampoo**

      Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo

      As you might have gathered, I dislike washing my hair while on holiday, so dry shampoo is essential for me. Although I like various products, I’m currently using this travel-sized option from Olaplex. It effectively cleans my scalp while keeping my roots feeling light and bouncy.

      **Hershesons The Multi-Tasker**

      Sometimes I don’t take any hair tools with me, but on trips where I want to put in a bit more effort, I bring one versatile tool