anyone with curly hair knows the struggle to keep them under control is real - and that’s when you have a bathroom drawer with all your stuff. when you’re living out of a suitcase and traveling to a different climate? that’s a whole other thing. so, if you've got a one-way ticket to somewhere overseas (or even just an extra long weekend closer to home), here’s everything you need to know when it comes to prepping your curly strands.
why curly hair needs extra love
curly hair is naturally drier and more fragile than other types, and if you've nailed your usual routine, it can feel like all that hard work goes down the drain (literally) with a few missed wash days or a questionable hotel shampoo. traveling with curly hair isn’t just about looking cute in vacation snaps (although we want that too!) – it’s about keeping your curls nourished, defined, and frizz-free, even when you’re miles away.
the curly hair travel routine: keep it simple
we know you didn’t sign up to spend hours in front of the mirror on vacation, so here’s a travel-friendly routine for curly hair that’s easy enough to follow but super effective to keep your curls happy.
image credit: @nicole_bleachsunday
1. pre-travel reset wash
before you jet off, give those curls a proper reset with a high-maintenance wash. think of it as your curl insurance policy. starting with clean, hydrated hair gives you a better chance of lasting definition and less frizz.
- shampoo: opt for a curl-friendly shampoo, like mane tamer smoothing shampoo for a relaxed curl or use springslcean deep clean rinse, to remove product build-up and hydrate from root to tip.
- condition: follow up with evo’s therapist hydrating conditioner or baby got bounce curl treatment to lock in moisture. curls love moisture, and you'll want every drop you can get before you hit the road.
- curl cream: apply a curl cream, like evo’s liquid rollers curl balm, to define and control frizz. it’s lightweight but powerful, and won’t weigh down your curls.
- air-dry or diffuse: let your hair dry naturally or use a diffuser if you’re pressed for time. diffusing helps set the curls, so they’re less likely to go wild after a few days on the road.
2. travel maintenance
long-term travel can leave your curls feeling neglected, but with a few travel-sized essentials, you can keep them looking fresh between washes.
- sleep in a high messy bun: a high bun helps protect curls overnight and reduces tangles. pop in a silk or satin scrunchie to minimize breakage and keep curls smooth.
- refresh every few days: bring along a travel-sized bottle of a product like happy campers wearable treatment. give your curls a quick spritz and scrunch them up to revive bounce.
- use a light styling cream: if frizz is taking over, a small dollop of liquid rollers curl balm can do wonders. just a tiny bit worked through damp curls can reset and define them.
3. post-travel cleanse
after days or weeks of low-maintenance styling, your curls are probably crying out for a reset. once you’re back home (or at least have access to decent water pressure), give them a deep cleanse to wash away any grime or product buildup from your travels.
- shampoo and condition: same drill as before – use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner combo to replenish moisture and wash away any lingering sand, dirt or dust.
- deep cleanse: add a deep cleaning rinse to really lift any stubborn build-up. evo’s springsclean deep clean rinse will do the trick.
- treat: for a serious hydration hit, treat your curls to a deep conditioning leave-in treatment like lockdown smoothing treatment, which helps smooth and soften hair with an anti-static formula that reduces frizz and flyaways.
curly hair travel tips: pro tips to keep curls in good shape
traveling with curly hair means a bit more planning, but it doesn’t have to be a total drag. here are a few extra tricks to keep your curls looking good from takeoff to touchdown.
- bring the right products: travel-size curly hair products are your best friend. evo’s range has plenty of travel-sized picks that won’t weigh down your luggage.
- pack a microfiber towel or t-shirt: regular towels can cause frizz and disrupt curl patterns. bring along a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to scrunch out excess water.
- plan wash and maintenance days: this is crucial, especially when dealing with hard water (hello, crunchy curls). try to plan your wash days around when you’ll have access to quality water and time to let your hair air-dry.
- baby those ends: curly hair ends get dry fast. pack a lightweight serum, like evo’s love perpetua shine drops, to keep them nourished and frizz-free.
- wet hair = curl reset: remember, wetting your curls (even without shampooing) can bring them back to life. whether it’s a dip in the ocean or a quick spritz from a water bottle, wetting your curls helps them re-form and reduces frizz.
the takeaway
with the right routine and a few go-to curly hair products, there’s no reason you can’t keep your curls under control while you’re sightseeing or sipping pina coladas.
