Hair Care While Travelling: Your Airport-to-Aeroplane Rescue Guide
- Margaux Salon
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Ever wondered why your hair feels like straw after a long flight? Cabin humidity drops to less than 20% during flights... that's significantly lower than the usual 30% we're used to on the ground.
This dramatic shift explains why your locks often feel parched and lifeless by the time you land. The recycled air in aeroplane cabins strips moisture from your hair strands, leaving them dry, tight, and frankly quite irritated. Your hair is actually about 25% water by weight, but this balance changes drastically when you're dealing with different temperatures and humidity levels.
Planning a sunny getaway? Your coloured hair faces even tougher challenges ahead. UV rays don't just fade your tan: they accelerate colour fading by breaking down those precious dye particles in your strands. And if you're dreaming of poolside cocktails, that chlorine will strip away your colour and leave behind those dreaded brassy or reddish tones, especially if you've got lighter shades.
We get it: we've seen too many clients return from holidays with hair that's seen better days. That's why we've put together this practical guide to keep your locks looking gorgeous from takeoff to touchdown. Whether you're off for a quick city break or a long-haul adventure, we've got your back with solutions for every stage of your journey.
Table of Contents
Pre-flight hair prep
Good preparation makes all the difference between stepping off the plane with great hair or spending your first holiday morning trying to fix the damage. Here's how to set your hair up for success before you even leave home.
Wash and condition the day before travel
Timing matters more than you might think. Washing your hair on travel day is actually a mistake, one that leaves your strands vulnerable to that harsh cabin environment we mentioned.
Instead, wash your hair the day before flying. This gives your scalp's natural oils time to build up and create a protective barrier. These oils are brilliant at shielding your hair from moisture loss, but they need at least 24 hours to do their job properly.
When conditioning, focus on the mid-lengths and ends, just enough to nourish without making your roots greasy. This approach keeps your hair fresh longer while maintaining that essential moisture balance.
Use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask
Once your hair is clean, a leave-in conditioner becomes your secret weapon. These clever products work triple duty: they detangle, hydrate, and protect for up to 72 hours. Think of it as creating an invisible shield against dehydrating cabin air.
Got particularly dry hair? Plan ahead with a deep conditioning treatment about a week before you travel. This extra nourishment gives your strands moisture reserves to draw from, especially useful if you're heading somewhere with challenging climate conditions.
We recommend products with natural oils and antioxidants, they work beautifully across all hair types. Look for formulas containing argan oil or amino acids, which can reduce breakage by up to 49% while creating that crucial anti-dehydration barrier.
Skip the heat styling
Here's where many people go wrong: reaching for the straighteners or curling iron before a big trip. Heat damage combined with cabin dryness creates the perfect conditions for brittle, frizzy hair.
Let your hair dry naturally after washing instead. Apply a lightweight primer or serum to damp strands, then gently pat - don't rub - with a towel to remove excess moisture. Rough towelling causes tangles and split ends, which is the last thing you want before travelling.
For hold without heat, choose light-formula products that tame without weighing down. Your hair will thank you, and you'll save precious suitcase space by leaving those styling tools at home.
What to do once you're airborne
Once you're settled in your seat, cabin conditions start working against your hair's moisture balance. These practical steps will keep your locks healthy throughout the flight.
Pack travel-size serums for mid-flight hydration
Hydration becomes your number one priority once airborne. That recycled air causes rapid moisture loss from your strands. Remember, water makes up approximately 25% of each hair strand's weight, and this balance shifts dramatically in the low humidity environment of an aeroplane cabin.
Apply lightweight serums or oils mid-flight to revive lifeless hair. CAA regulations limit carry-on liquids to 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, so plan accordingly. Most brands offer travel sizes that'll last your entire trip whilst taking minimal luggage space.
Good to know: a small amount goes a long way at altitude as your hair absorbs products more readily in dry cabin conditions.
Ditch the tight ponytails
That slicked-back bun might look chic, but it's pulling on your scalp and creating unwanted tension. Loose styles are much more comfortable for long journeys.
Hair experts recommend avoiding high and tight ponytails and buns. Instead, opt for a loose braid or low ponytail that's gentler on your hair. When you do need to secure your style, silk scrunchies are absolute lifesavers. Unlike regular elastics, they prevent creases, kinks and breakage.
These gentle accessories give you a secure hold without tugging or friction. Here's a bonus: silk scrunchies can extend the life of your blowdry by roughly two days.
Consider a satin scarf for extra protection
Got textured hair? A silk or satin bonnet or headscarf onboard creates a brilliant barrier between your locks and that seat headrest. This prevents the friction that leads to frizz and split ends.
A quality silk wrap also helps regulate temperature: no more sweaty scalp mid-air. Curly and wavy hair textures benefit enormously from this protection, helping maintain curl definition even in challenging cabin conditions.
Post-flight recovery routine
Your hair's probably feeling as exhausted as you are after that journey. Once you've touched down, it's time to show your locks some serious love. Our recovery routine will get your hair back to its gorgeous self in no time.
Use a deep conditioning mask after landing
First things first: your hair desperately needs moisture after being in that desert-like cabin environment. A good quality deep conditioning mask should be your go-to solution. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and you'll notice your hair regaining its elasticity and softness.
Here's something most people don't know: resist the urge to wash your hair immediately after landing. Give it at least a day to settle. Washing too soon strips away those precious natural oils your hair needs to recover, making it even more vulnerable to breakage.
Apply nourishing oils to restore shine
After your deep conditioning treatment, it's all about locking in that moisture. A lightweight hair oil works wonders. Think of it as the final seal on all that nourishment you've just given your strands. These oils restore shine and suppleness without making your hair feel heavy or greasy.
Focus on your ends, that's where cabin air does the most damage, creating frizz and static that nobody wants. Just a few drops massaged through the lengths will make all the difference.
Avoid heat styling for 24 hours
Give your hair a proper break from heat tools. We know it's tempting to reach for that straightener when you're trying to look put-together after a long flight, but your hair needs time to recover its strength.
If you need a quick refresh, dry shampoo is your friend. It adds texture and volume whilst soaking up any excess oils. Think of this 24-hour period as an investment: you're giving your hair the chance to fully rehydrate and strengthen itself before asking it to handle more styling stress. Trust us, your future self will thank you for this patience.
Customise your routine for travel
Your hair has its own personality, and that doesn't change at 35,000 feet. The key to travel success lies in understanding what your locks actually need.
Choose products based on your hair type
Different hair types need different approaches when you're travelling. Curly hair craves moisture-rich formulas that define and hydrate: look for multi-tasking conditioners designed to rebalance protein moisture needs.
Got straight or fine hair that goes flat the moment you hit humidity? Volumising products applied at the roots can counteract this effect. Meanwhile, colour-treated hair needs extra protection from sun, chlorine and salt water with dedicated colour-safe formulas containing UV protection.
Pack UK airport security-approved containers
UK airport security rules rules are pretty straightforward: liquid containers of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less in carry-on bags. All containers must fit into one quart-sized (1 litre) clear plastic bag.
Here's what works:
Invest in travel-sized versions of essential products
Purchase empty travel bottles for your favourite formulas
Consider solid or powder alternatives for some products
Plan for different climates and humidity levels
Research your destination's climate beforehand to select appropriate hair care products. Heading somewhere humid? Pack anti-frizz serums that fight humidity for up to 24 hours.
Dry climates call for hydrating shampoos and deep conditioners. Beach destinations require products with UV protection and ingredients that combat salt water effects.
Think of it like packing clothes - you wouldn't bring the same outfit to Iceland and the Maldives, would you?
Keep your locks gorgeous wherever you go
Travel does throw some serious challenges at your hair, there's no getting around that. But here's the thing: with the right approach, you can step off that plane looking just as fabulous as when you boarded.
Moisture is everything when it comes to travel hair care. Those cabin conditions are working against you from the moment you buckle up, so staying ahead of the game is crucial.
The secret lies in starting your hair prep well before you even think about packing. Wash the day before you fly. Your scalp's natural oils become your best defence against that brutal cabin air. Once you're airborne, gentle styles and hydrating serums keep your strands happy. And when you land? That's when your hair needs some serious TLC with deep conditioning treatments and nourishing oils.
Your hair type makes all the difference too. Curly hair craves moisture-rich formulas, fine hair needs volume without the weight, and coloured hair requires that extra UV protection. There's no one-size-fits-all solution here.
Pack smart with UK airport security rules-approved sizes of your essentials as it saves you time at security and means you've got everything your hair needs at every stage of your journey.
Remember, prevention beats damage control every time. Get your routine right from the start, and you can focus on enjoying your holiday instead of wrestling with unruly hair in your hotel bathroom mirror.
Beautiful hair should be part of every adventure, not a casualty of it.
Key Takeaways
Master these essential strategies to maintain gorgeous, healthy hair throughout your travels, from pre-flight preparation to post-landing recovery.
Wash hair the day before flying to allow natural oils to create a protective barrier against cabin dryness (humidity drops to less than 20% in-flight)
Pack travel-sized hydrating serums and silk scrunchies in TSA-approved containers to combat moisture loss and prevent breakage during flights
Avoid tight hairstyles and heat styling before and during travel; opt for loose braids or low ponytails to reduce tension and damage
Apply deep conditioning masks immediately after landing and avoid heat tools for 24 hours to restore moisture and elasticity to dehydrated strands
Customise your routine based on destination climate - pack anti-frizz products for humidity, extra hydration for dry climates, and UV protection for beach destinations
Remember: prevention works better than correction when it comes to travel hair damage. With proper preparation and the right products, you can maintain salon-worthy locks no matter where your adventures take you.