Only Curls’ Top 10 Tips to Maintain Curly Hair When Travelling

1. Pack travel-sized curly hair essentials.

2. Prep your curls before travelling for long-lasting moisture.

3. Hydration is key.

4. Protect your curls while you sleep.

5. Combat humidity with ease with the right curly products.

6. Simplify your styling routine.

7. Be water-wise when washing your curls.

8. Don’t forget sun protection!

9. Refresh your curls on-the-go.

10. Adjust to your environment.

Travelling with curly hair can be an adventure in itself. Different climates, water qualities, and limited access to your full range of products can make curl care a bit more challenging. We’re here to help with a few simple tips and tricks so you can maintain your beautiful curls wherever your travels take you.

First, make sure you're packing the right curly products. Most of your favourite Only Curls products are available in travel-friendly 100ml sizes, ensuring your hair stays nourished and defined no matter where you are.

Our handy Towel Turban is another key item to pack! It's lightweight so it's perfect for your suitcase and the soft microfibre fabric will keep your curls frizz-free and defined. Try plopping your curls when on holiday to keep frizz at bay.

One of the best ways to ensure your curls stay intact is to prep your hair before you leave. Deep conditioning your hair the night before you travel locks in moisture and protects your curls from the drying effects of the aeroplane environment or changing climates.

Apply our Deep Hydration Hair Mask generously to your hair, combing through to ensure it's evenly distributed. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing so your curls will be soft, bouncy, and ready to take on the world!

Curly hair thrives on moisture, and travel can often leave your hair feeling dry and tangled. When washing and styling your curls on holiday, use our Hydrating Curl Creme on soaking wet hair for the most lush, moisturised curls.

Remember to drink plenty of water too! Staying hydrated is essential for your curls, just as much as it is for your skin.

Travel often means sleeping on unfamiliar beds and pillowcases, which can wreak havoc on curly hair. Cotton pillowcases are notorious for causing friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Using a silk or satin pillowcase will help combat frizz and tangles while you're away. Don’t forget to pack your Satin Sleep Turban too for the ultimate sleep protection!

Different climates can have different effects on our curls, and humidity is often one of the biggest culprits behind frizz. To keep your curls defined and frizz-free, apply a light layer of our Shine & Define Serum or Nourishing Hair Oil before heading out. This will create a barrier against moisture in the air, helping your curls stay smooth and bouncy. For our best tips to combat humidity, see here.

When travelling, less is often more. Try simple, low-maintenance styles like braids, buns, or a pineapple up-do to protect your curls from the elements and minimise frizz. Smooth a little Shine & Define Serum over your hairstyle to keep it in place, while also adding shine and reducing frizz.

Our Satin Lined Baseball Caps are another essential accessory to have while on holiday! We have a collection of colours and styles to protect your curls and keep them frizz-free.

Water quality can vary significantly from place to place, and hard water can leave your curls feeling dry and brittle. If you're travelling to an area with hard water, make sure to wash your hair thoroughly. Try washing your hair twice with our Cleanser for a deeper clean before applying Conditioner. You can also use a scalp massager when shampooing to give a deeper clean too.

Our Curl Cleanser is great to use after you've been for a swim too! See how to protect your curls in the pool here.

Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun too. Prolonged sun exposure can dry out your curls and lead to damage. Before heading outdoors, spritz your hair with our Heat Protect Spray to protect against UV rays. It's packed full of nourishing ingredients to strengthen your curls and shields the hair from UV rays and pollution.

Throughout your travels, your curls might lose some of their definition and bounce. Carry our Curl Refresh Spray to refresh your curls between washes. A quick spritz brings your curls back to life, adding moisture and shine while reducing frizz.

Another great tip is to keep the Refresh Spray in your bag to refresh your curls throughout the day. It’s great for reviving your curls without weighing them down, keeping them defined and bouncy.

Try to adjust your routine based on your environment. In dry or cold climates, you might need more moisturising products, while in humid areas, gels and stronger hold products tend to work better. Look at what your curls need and adjust your routine accordingly.

Travelling with curly hair doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right planning and a few essential products, you can keep your curls looking fabulous!