Packing for vacation doesn't need to be stressful, especially if you've already adopted a low-maintenance haircare routine. And if you haven't adopted one already, let this be your sign.
And just a reminder, New Wash is formulated for all hair types and allows you to extend the time in between wash days, even on vacation. Pre-Wash is a hero when it comes to a refresh in between vacation activities.
What Do Sun, Salt and Chlorine Actually Do to Hair on Vacation?
While you're on vacation, your hair isn't. It needs protection, nourishment and moisture, especially if you're in the sun, the ocean or the pool. Every Hairstory product can easily be transferred into travel containers, and if you don't feel like taking some out from your shower bottle, just use the refillable pouches if you have them.
Between you and me, our salt-free texturizing spray, Undressed is definitely a hero worth checking in your bag to maintain your beach waves.
Can a Full Hair Routine Really Fit in a Carry-On?
We offer mini versions of our Pre-Wash and Primer in our Healthy Hair Trio and are travel-ready mini air dry kits that include a mini Pre-Wash, New Wash and Hair Balm. Most of our products including Hair Oil, Bond Serum, Bond Boost, Powder and Wax fall well beneath the TSA maximum 3.4 oz. Our scalp brushes are also TSA-friendly. And just FYI, our Powder is a solid talc-free dry shampoo and doesn't contain aerosol which would otherwise be flagged by TSA.
If you plan on bringing Bond Boost with you, be sure to pre-mix one tube per 8 oz of New Wash so you don't have to do the math in the hotel room.
Does the Towel You Pack Actually Matter?
Don't forget your microfiber towel, and if you do it's not the end of the world, just use a clean 100% cotton t-shirt.
What Are the Best DIY Vacation Hair Bundles for Every Type of Traveler?
We've curated some bundles we think these vacationer types would love.
The Swimmer
You lose count of how many times you've been in the water today, and you're never totally sure when the last dip is.
The bundle: New Wash Mini, Pre-Wash, Bond Boost, Hair Oil
A small habit is to wet your hair before swimming as it can help reduce how much chlorine you absorb. Between swims, use Pre-Wash to give your scalp a quick rinse and instead of "wasting" a wash day. When you've dedicated time to your wash day, mix in a Bond Boost into your New Wash to help soften and smooth your hair fibers after repeated exposure. And, finish with a few drops of Hair Oil.
Glam Right After a Swim
Pool to poolside dinner, fifteen minutes, no negotiation.
The bundle: Microfiber towel, Root Lift, Powder
Skip the wet-hair-in-a-bun panic and have confidence in your heat styling. Use your microfiber towel or a clean 100% cotton t-shirt to towel dry your hair until damp. Before you turn on the blow dryer, spray some Root Lift at the roots and activate it with low heat to achieve heat protection up to 450°, volume and hold. Finish with Powder at the roots for grip and a refreshed, voluminous look.
The Rusher
Three products, no negotiating, no extra room in the bag.
The bundle: the Air Dry Kit (Pre-Wash, New Wash Mini, Hair Balm Mini)
This speaks for itself. Apply and massage in some Pre-Wash before washing or use as a scalp refresh between wash days. Use New Wash to cleanse, and work through wet hair with Hair Balm to lock in the style and seal in moisture.
The Beach-to-Dinner Stylist
Beach waves by day, an updo or a "we're going somewhere nice" look by night.
The bundle: Primer, Powder, Bond Serum
Apply Primer before heading out in the sun to shield hair from UV and heat up to 450°F while giving your hair touchable beach-wave texture. Midday, work a little Powder into roots to soak up oil and build up from laying in the sun. Before blow-drying for dinner, smooth in Bond Serum on damp or dry lengths to strengthen hair right as it takes on heat styling, then finish with another touch of Powder at the roots for lift, whether you're pinning into an updo or leaving waves loose.
The Sun Worshipper
More lounge chairs than lap pool, but still fully exposed to sun, sand and sunscreen residue all day.
The bundle: Primer, Powder, New Wash Mini
Use Primer as your sun and heat protection then go in with some Powder to refresh your roots if you find they're looking a little oily. Oh, and Powder does more than work for your hair, you can use it to degrease and deshine the sunscreen residue, prevent chafing or brushing sand off at the beach. And if you didn't pack shaving cream or lotion, our New Wash easily acts as a moisturizer.
The Road-Tripper
Hours in the car, gas station bathrooms only.
The bundle: Powder, Pre-Wash, Hair Balm
When you're in the car for a long road trip, you might require some Powder to refresh your hair. Pre-Wash works for a scalp rinse on the rare stop with a shower, but if you feel like you need more styling, wet your hair and apply some Hair Balm.
The Festival Goer
Dust, heat, sweat, and hair that needs to survive twelve hours outside.
The bundle: Powder, Primer, Wax
First things first, use Primer to protect your hair from the sun beating down on you. Dancing in the heat typically means sweating a bunch, so Powder will be a game changer when you need a refresh in between sets. And, if your elaborate hairstyles need to stay put while dancing, go in with some Wax to add texture and hold.
The Red-Eye Flyer
Recycling airplane air for six-plus hours, arriving looking human is the whole goal.
The bundle: Hair Oil, Pre-Wash
You're too tired to think about how to maintain your hair, so apply some Hair Oil when you board as airplane cabins are dehydrating, and hair knows it too. It'll keep your ends from feeling dry and staticky by landing. If you feel like your scalp needs a little reset and rinse, go in with some Pre-Wash.
The Hiker (Outdoor Adventurer)
Sweat, sun, dust, and no real shower until basecamp.
The bundle: Healthy Hair Trio
Primer before you summit closer to the sun, and use Pre-Wash for quick scalp resets. If you're able to wash your hair, bring out your New Wash mini and don't be scared about spillage because our formula is 100% biodegradable.
The Parent Traveling With Kids
Zero minutes of alone time, the routine has to survive constant interruption.
The bundle: New Wash Mini, Powder, Hair Balm
New Wash lets you wash fast without timing it around your family plans, step out of the shower and rake through some Hair Balm is a one-step, no mirror required styler for whatever time is left. And, Powder handles the oily roots when a real wash isn't happening.
The Business (Bleisure) Traveler
Meetings by day, exploring by night, one bag for both.
The bundle: New Wash Mini, Primer, Hair Balm
These three products carry a boardroom look into an after-dinner look. New Wash to cleanse, Primer for heat protection if a blowout is involved and Hair Balm as a backup air-dry styling lotion.
No matter which traveler you are, the fewer decisions your hair requires on a trip, the more of it you actually get to enjoy. A detergent-free routine isn't just about skipping a step, it's about packing less, thinking less about your hair, and trusting that a few products can outperform an entire bag of "fixes." Pack accordingly, and let the rest of the trip take care of itself.
Keep reading:
- How to Protect Your Hair from the Sun: 7 Simple Tips for Damage-Free Summer
- How to Protect & Fix Hair From Chlorine Damage
- Carefree Summer Haircare
- The I-Don't-Care Guide to Summer Haircare
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your hair or scalp health.
