Because Your Crown Deserves as Much Planning as Your Itinerary
Let me keep it real with you: I've had some hair DISASTERS while traveling. That time in Iceland when the wind had my edges looking like they'd never been laid. The humidity in Thailand that turned my twist-out into a frizz-out. The struggle to find products in Eastern Europe that actually understood my hair texture.
After 64+ countries and seven continents, I've learned a thing or two about traveling with our hair. Here's everything I wish someone had told me:
Before You Go: The Prep Work
Pick the Right Protective Style
Not all protective styles are created equal for travel. Here's my breakdown:
Best for Long Trips (2+ weeks):
- Knotless braids (less tension, comfortable for flights)
- Locs (low maintenance queen energy)
- Passion twists (lasted me 6 weeks in South America)
Best for Active Trips (safaris, hiking):
- High bun with edges laid (classic, functional)
- Ghana braids (stay PUT through anything)
- Cornrows into a low bun
What to Avoid:
- Fresh installs right before departure (scalp needs time to calm down)
- Styles that require daily maintenance
- Anything too heavy for long flights
Products to Pack (Non-Negotiables)
Here's my carry-on hair kit:
- Travel-size edge control (TSA-approved, always)
- Satin/silk scarf or bonnet (never sleep without it)
- Lightweight oil (I love jojoba for everything)
- Dry shampoo for natural hair (game changer)
- Mini spray bottle (for refreshing styles)
Pro Tip: Put your bonnet in your personal item, not your checked bag. Flight air is DRY and you need to protect those ends.
By Region: What to Know
Africa
Good News: You can find products and stylists who understand your hair!
- In Ghana and Nigeria, natural hair products are EVERYWHERE
- In South Africa, look for shops in townships or ask hotel concierges
- In East Africa, bring your products but stylists are available
My Tip: If you're doing a motherland trip, consider getting your hair done locally. It's an experience AND usually more affordable.
Europe
The Challenge: Products are harder to find in smaller cities.
- UK major cities have great Afro hair shops
- Paris has some of the best Black hair salons in Europe (try Château d'Eau area)
- Smaller European cities? Pack EVERYTHING you need.
My Tip: If you're doing a multi-country Europe trip, stock up in London or Paris first.
Asia
The Reality: Your products likely don't exist there.
- Thailand has some options in Bangkok expat areas
- Bali has limited supplies—pack extras
- Japan, Korea, China? Bring. Everything.
My Tip: Consider a style that can last your entire trip without professional maintenance.
Caribbean & Latin America
Good News: Generally good for finding products!
- Dominican salons everywhere (but be specific about what you want)
- Brazil has amazing Afro-Brazilian hair culture
- Mexico varies by city—resort areas have less, Mexico City has more
In-Flight Hair Care
Long flights are brutal on our hair. Here's my routine:
Before Boarding:
- Apply oil to scalp and edges
- Put hair in a loose protective style
- Edge control where needed
During Flight:
- Put on satin scarf once lights go down (no shame in my game)
- Spritz with water if feeling dry
- Apply more oil before landing
Before Landing:
- Remove scarf
- Quick edge touch-up
- Light oil on any visible dry spots
The Weather Factor
Hot & Humid (Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Africa)
- Accept that wash-and-gos will have a life of their own
- Embrace the natural texture
- Light products only (heavy ones + humidity = disaster)
- Braids or updos are your friend
Cold & Dry (Europe winter, Iceland)
- MOISTURIZE more than you think
- Satin-lined beanies exist (get one)
- Leave-in conditioner is essential
- Limit washes—cold water + dry air = brittle hair
Windy Destinations (Iceland, Patagonia, Safari Jeeps)
- Secure everything (pins, headwraps, the works)
- Keep edge control on hand
- Consider headwraps as both style AND function
Emergency Resources
Finding Products Abroad
- Search "Afro hair shop" or "Black hair shop" + city name
- Ask at your hotel—concierges often know
- Check Amazon for the destination (sometimes they have local options)
- Facebook groups for Black expats in that country
Finding Stylists Abroad
- Instagram search: [city] + natural hair OR [city] + Black hair stylist
- Black travel Facebook groups
- Ask at local African restaurants (seriously, they always know)
Real Talk from Real Trips
Thailand Lesson: The humidity is NO JOKE. My carefully laid twist-out lasted approximately 27 minutes after leaving the Bangkok airport. Lesson learned: just braid it up.
Iceland Lesson: The Blue Lagoon sulfur water + Black hair = not friends. Either skip putting your head in OR deep condition immediately after. I repeat: DEEP CONDITION.
Safari Lesson: The dust! THE DUST! After one game drive, my hair was orange-ish. Protective styles only, or accept that you're taking an involuntary dye treatment.
Paris Lesson: The hard water is real. Invest in a good clarifying treatment for when you return.
The Bottom Line
Your hair shouldn't stop you from seeing the world, but it does require planning. A little prep goes a long way toward making sure you can focus on the experiences instead of hair emergencies.
Pack your products. Protect your crown. See the world.
Have hair tips from your travels? Drop them in the comments—we learn from each other out here!
