A Guide to traveling with curly hair

I usually see protective styling on vacations but sometimes those can be expensive or we just want that curly look. I’ve taken a few vacations wearing my curly hair and I have finally gotten my curly packing list in order.

Sample packets are PERFECT for travel. The 3-1-1 rule limits the amount of liquid you can bring on an airplane in your carry-on luggage. Passengers are limited to using containers no larger than 3.4 oz. for their liquids. Don’t even try to bring small containers they made me throw away a new Shea moisture JBCO leave-in out in New Orleans. I was SICK.

I get my sample packets from natural hair events. Between the Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair Show and CurlFest I have more than enough samples and they’re FREE.

Packing list:

Sample packs of shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, styling gel, oil

Denman brush and comb

Bobby pins

wooden kent hairbrush

Pony tail holders

Hair clips or other accessories

Bonnet or silk pillowcase

Edge brush (or toothbrush lol)

Temporary hair color

Other items such as an afro pick comb for adding volume, diffuser, qredew hair steamer can be helpful to pack if you use them

When I travel I twist my hair the day before I leave and wear my twists to my destination. I know some of us aren’t comfortable wearing our twistout twists in public but I’m telling you if you wear them to your destination your definition will be amazing. I wore my twists to Jamaica last year and as soon as we arrived I got a huge compliment on those plaits. Just wear the twists. That usually last another day depending on how humid it is. I always prepare for a wash and go while I’m on vacation. At home my twistouts can last days but on vacation usually just one day so the sample packs of conditioner, leave in conditioner, and gel can give you a great wash and go but you’ll need your wet brush of choice. I also suggest bringing your ponytail holder, wooden brush, sample pack of gel, and bobby pins for a bun. On my last trip I left my bobby pins but my friend had my back and gave me a bobby pin. Don’t forget those! You might get tired of that hair on your neck while you’re out living your best life. I also had some hair jewelry for the back of my bun so pack that too.