10 Things to Pack When Traveling With Natural Hair

Vacation Time! I know I am not the only one who loves to run away on mini weekend vacations or jump on the first cheap flight out of town. You know you’re one of them – admit it!

I tend to get super excited as I start packing – then I look at my hair. Oh gosh! MY HAIR!! And I only have a carry on bag…How am I going to carry all the products and tools that I need to have FLY hair over the weekend? Definitely can’t wear a hat on vacation. That’s a big No No! Well, don’t worry. I got you covered.

Below are 10 things you need to pack in your bag when traveling if you have natural hair. Let’s go:

1. Satin scarf and satin bonnet*
I know you might love your satin or silk pillowcase that your hubby knows he can’t put his head on. Lol! But in reality, you can’t carry it with you. Can you imaging what the hotel room service lady would think? Lol!

Pack a satin bonnet* to put on at night before bed. You have to protect your hair. The cotton pillowcases will certainly suck the moisture out of your hair.

Also pack a satin scarf so that you can smooth your edges down to make your hair style look even better. For example, after you are done styling your hair and you want your edges to be flat and sleek; you simply tie a scarf around the perimeter of your head. Keep it on for about 10 minutes or so and voila! FAB hair.

2. Empty spray bottle.
Well I was going to say a water spray bottle but then I remember the annoying rules of the TSA at the airport (they don’t allow liquids or creamy cosmetics on planes) and the thought of my spray bottle going in the trash bin is unthinkable. So yea, please empty your spray bottle and put it in your bag. Or, simply buy a new one. They only cost a $1 anyway.

3. Oils*
Well you must be giving me the side eye right now because I just mentioned the TSA rules. But they can’t stop you from having a fab hair weekend can they? No! So, I suggest heading to your nearest pharmacy or beauty supply store and get some travel size bottles/containers. Add your favorite oil or oil mix to one of these bottles and add to a Ziploc clear plastic bag (yes, you need a plastic clear bag).

3. Hair moisturizer
Walking around with thirsty, dry and brittle hair is not a good look. So we have to add this to the list. If your favorite hair moisturizer is not already in a tiny 2oz container then go ahead and fill up one of your travel size containers with your moisturizer and use on your hair as needed.

4. Gel/edge control
Those fly away edges need something to sleek them down – unless you plan to wear a fro every day. But to be honest, isn’t our hair super unpredictable? Your planned style might not come out right one day and you may have to do a high puff. I swear high puffs save the day each and every time.

My favorite edge controls are Cream Of Nature Edge control and Curls Control Paste because they sleek my edges down perfectly without a hard crunchy hold. If you are a gel person, then pack some of your favorite gel product.