How to Maintain Curly Hair While Traveling

Here at Curly Bird, we LOVE to travel!  But what we don't love is the added stress of maintaining a curl-care routine on the road if you aren't properly prepared.  Here are some tips for keeping your curls looking their best while traveling:

1. Use a Silk or Satin Hair Cap or Pillowcase: Hair caps are often overlooked, but they can be a lifesaver for curly hair. They are designed to keep hair in place while sleeping or during activities that might disrupt your curls. They also help lock in moisture when applied following a conditioner.  To use, either leave your curls loose or put them in a high-ponytail before putting on the cap.  If the cap doesn't work well for you, pack a silk or satin pillowcase to replace the cotton one at your hotel.  Cotton pillowcases can cause damage, matted, or frizzy hair. 

2. Traveling to Dry and Hot Climates: As discussed on this blog, curly hair is more prone to dryness and needs more moisture to maintain its shape and definition. Traveling to drier climates, combined with dry air circulation on airplanes and general lack of hydration when traveling, can make this problem even worse.  Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and be sure to use Curly Bird Conditioner as a leave-in conditioner for extra hydration.  Try to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible.

3. Be Prepared for Humidity: As you have likely experienced, humidity can  wreak havoc on your curls and cause serious frizz and puffiness. Curly hair, which tends to be dry, will absorb the moisture in the air.  Make sure you bring along a good styling product like Curly Bird Conditioner for a light, leave-in hold, and Curly Bird Styling Cream for a stronger hold.  You can experiment with layering these on top of each other, first with the leave-in Conditioner, followed by the Cream.  Another option for a stronger hold is to add a small amount of water to your hands along with the Cream, and rub them together in your palms before applying to your hair.  The added water will make the Cream behave more like a gel, with a firmer hold.

4. Rainy Day, Go Away!: Rain can cause your curls to lose their shape and become limp.  Curly Bird Styling Cream can help give you the added support you need in a drizzle.

5. No Diffuser?  Try This!: One way to help maintain your curls while on the go without packing around your diffuser is by using a hair net when blow drying your hair. First, start by washing and conditioning your hair as you normally would. Then, gently squeeze out any excess water and wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt to remove additional moisture. Once your hair is damp, divide it into sections and apply Curly Bird leave-in Conditioner and/or Curly Bird Styling Cream as instructed in "The Curly Bird Technique". Next, take a hair net and stretch it over your head, making sure to cover all of your hair. Use a hair dryer to gently blow dry your hair cap on a low heat setting, making sure use your fingers to gently scrunch your hair while blow drying. The result should be defined curls without the frizz or puffiness often associated with blow drying curly hair without a diffuser. 

Try to stick to your regular hair care routine on the road by bringing your Curly Bird products with you as well as a few accessories to adapt to your circumstances.