6 Hair Care Mistakes To Avoid When Traveling

Traveling takes a lot of preparation, from planning the itinerary to securing flight tickets. While you’re busy minding all of that, including what to bring, you might be forgetting something right on your head. 

Going on trips can take a toll on your hair. Climate change and pollution affect hair quality where it looks and feels different from what it was like back home. To save hair from frizz and dryness, people tend to put on too many products or wash it too often. Unfortunately, doing this makes it worse more than half the time. 

There are a few usual hair care mistakes people often make while traveling, and not knowing the disadvantages. Read on to learn what these are and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Washing Your Hair Too Much

Being exposed to the elements can tempt you into getting under the shower every night. Too much water can strip your hair of its natural coating of oils that protect every strand. For instance, when traveling to Asia or Europe, you’ll notice that water is ‘hard,’ meaning that it’s high in mineral content. The minerals in the water can turn your hair brittle if you wash it too often.

And when hair becomes brittle, that can lead to significant hair loss for some people. You should wash your hair every three days at most to let your scalp produce enough oils to keep your hair healthy. When it’s time for a well-deserved shower, you can use shampoo good for hair loss to prevent thinning and breakage. If you feel that your hair has become too greasy between washes, you could always spray some dry shampoo onto your roots to keep it fresh and smelling good all day.

A hot water shower might be your go-to while the weather’s freezing where you are. Water in high temperatures can remove the moisture from your hair, resulting in dryness or inflaming your scalp. If you can handle a bit of cold or only need to wash your hair, try showering in lukewarm water instead.

2. Exposing Your Hair To UV Rays

If you came from a colder, cloudier area and traveled somewhere warmer, you’ll feel the desire to soak up all that sun. While it’s nice to get some vitamin D straight from the source, your hair might not enjoy the heat that much. Like skin, hair can get damaged from sunlight overexposure, especially if you have lighter hair colors.

Protect your hair and scalp with a wide-brimmed hat or a headscarf. You can say goodbye to frizz with accessories that’ll pair well with your tropical outfits and block UV rays simultaneously. Your hair will also maintain its moisture, shine, and smoothness come nighttime.

3. Skipping Conditioner

Places with warm, humid climates can dry out your hair to extreme degrees. You may also unknowingly contribute to dry hair by skipping conditioner in the shower. Conditioning your hair helps retain its moisture and clean out the dust and grime resting in between the strands.

After your morning travels, treat your hair with some luxury at night. Deep condition with hair masks and leave it overnight for maximum benefits. Hair masks have some little-known secrets, one of which is making shinier and healthier hair. You’d typically apply the mask once a week, but if your hair feels damaged and dry, you could increase usage to twice to thrice a week. 

4. Not Tying Your Hair

Anyone with long hair can attest to how difficult it is to keep tresses under control. The simplest and most basic method to get the hair out of your face during your adventures is to tie it up. You’ll enjoy rock climbing or swimming much more with your hair all tied up and kept in one place.

Your hair will also benefit greatly by being in a ponytail during flights. The air 30,000 feet above ground can also be drying both for the hair and skin. A tie can prevent knots from forming in your long locks. Be careful not to tie it too tightly, though. Tight ponytails can cause receding hairlines and hair breakage. So, once you head back to your accommodations, take off your tie or wear a low ponytail to give your hair room to breathe.

If ponytails aren’t your thing, you still have other options to wear during your travels. Match your outfits with cute French braids or a stylish scarf that keeps the sunlight at bay. A bun is classy and fuss-free, perfect for walks around tourist attractions and a wine-and-dine night out.

5. Using Hotel Toiletries

There’s a reason why hotels offer complimentary toiletries, which they can replace whenever you need them. Ever notice how fragrant their soaps and shampoos are? Often, those products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your skin and hair. You might even get an allergic reaction from the free packet of shampoo in the bathroom if you have a sensitive scalp. 

Whenever possible, bring along your tried-and-tested toiletries on your travels. You can store the liquids in compact pump bottles small enough to fit in your hygiene kits. If you don’t have your shampoo and conditioner with you, rub a tiny portion of the ones provided by the hotel on your roots and tips. Keep from massaging it in the rest of your hair to avoid damage.

6. Forgetting To Drink Water

You’ll be eating and drinking a whole lot of different food and beverages while visiting another place. That’s part of the fun of traveling, but that shouldn’t be the reason for you to forget drinking at least eight glasses of water a day or more. A regular water intake keeps you and your tresses healthy and hydrated after a long day of exploring. 

Slip in a tumbler full of water in your backpack or purse before participating in your next guided tour. Try buying an insulated tumbler to keep your water cold during long periods and are sealed tight enough to keep it from spilling. Check out some of these best water bottles made for travelers and adventurers.

If the places you’re visiting don’t allow guests to bring their bottles, find a nearby store or stall that sells water. Touring and walking around is tiring for most people, maybe even you. So, to get back all your lost liquids, a full glass of water is the way to go. You’ll know your hair likes it, too, when you see it flowing with shine and softness the whole day.

The Best Hair Day Anywhere

When traveling, you’re going to take many photos of yourself in these new places. So, make sure you’re always picture-perfect with well-maintained, healthy hair. By following a few steps and avoiding some common but detrimental hair care habits, you can have a glorious mane whenever you are.