Holiday hair essentials to pack

It’s the holidays, so there’s a high chance you’ll be jetting off to an exotic location at some point in the near future (even if ‘exotic’ might just be your uncle’s farm this year!). And heading off on holidays means packing up all the beauty essentials you’ll need for your time away. Most people tend to think about their makeup and skin care products and prioritise accordingly in their luggage. But we’re here to suggest another beauty category that’s just as important for travel – packing the best holiday hair products.

When you think about it, your mane is easily neglected on holiday. After all, most of us like to keep it no-fuss and low maintenance when we’re sipping cocktails poolside. But depending on your destination, your hair might be subject to all number of weather conditions, from high sun exposure to frizz-inducing humidity. So this year, we’re encouraging you to revamp your holiday beauty loot and make packing the best holiday hair products an essential part of your trip.

Must-have holiday hair product #1 – shampoo and conditioner

You might think packing shampoo and conditioner for a holiday is the status quo, but a surprising amount of people still forgo bringing their own in favour of hotel toiletries. And while using those mini shampoo and conditioner packs from the hotel isn’t going to destroy your hair, there’s likely a better duo that you could be using – especially if you’re off on a holiday that’s going to see your hair exposed to a lot of sun. Instead, bring a reliable shampoo and conditioner that you know will keep your hair in tip-top shape. Most haircare brands now offer travel minis so you can take away your favourite duo without clogging up your suitcase.

bh loves: Natura Siberica OBLEPIKHA SIBERICA TRAVEL SET, Joico Moisture Recovery Mini Trio Travel Set, Essano Argan Oil of Morocco Haircare Duo.

Must-have holiday hair product #2 – sun protection for hair

Just like sunscreen for your face and body, sun protection for hair is a non-negotiable. UV rays are super damaging for your hair, causing the protein bonds that support your hair’s structure to weaken. What does that result in? Brittle, dry, damaged strands that are vulnerable to split ends. No thank you! Combat the heat of a summer holiday by choosing products that will work save your strands from the glare of the sun. Most don’t come in travel size (yet!) but trust us – they’re well worth sacrificing a little luggage space.

bh loves: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue, Kérastase Soleil Aqua-Seal.

Must-have holiday hair product #3 – mini styling products

Yes, holidays are all about kicking back, and yes, a lot of beauties prefer their hair just do it’s natural thing on vacation. But a little styling can go a long way to looking just that little bit more polished in all those sunset selfies. Skip out on all that bulky packaging and invest in travel minis of your favourite hair styling products. Bring what works best for your mane, but styling essentials should always include a reliable mini dry shampoo (for the days you really can’t be bothered) and a strong-hold mini hairspray (to smooth down pesky fly-aways in your messy top knot).

bh loves: Batiste Dry Shampoo - Blush, from Life Pharmacy. Umberto Giannini Morning After Dry Shampoo, TRESemmé Salon Finish Extra Hold Hairspray.

Must-have holiday hair product #4 – a heat styler

That mini hair dryer at your hotel might be convenient, but it also could be wreaking havoc on your hair! Bring your own quality hair dryer that will allow you to control the temperature and airflow so that your hair in never subjected to unnecessary stress. Or, if you’d prefer to let your hair air dry after those ocean dips, skip the hair dryer and just take a mini version of your hair styler of choice. There are now travel-size products of your favourite straighteners and curlers so you’ll never have to lug that heavy styler around again. You might even love them so much that they replace your regular heat styler throughout the year!

bh loves: ghd ultimate travel gift set, VS Sassoon miniPRO™ Curling Tong - VSCD63A, Remington Jet Setter 2000.

Must-have holiday hair products #5  – a leave-in mask

Planning on leaving your hair up for most of your trip? Why not take the opportunity to give it some extra TLC on your time away by slathering your strands in a leave-in mask or conditioner. Simple pop it on, tie it up and step off the plane home with better hair than when you left. Bonus points for choosing a hair mask that repairs sun-damaged hair and protects your strands from future sun trauma.

bh loves: Schwarzkopf Sun Repair Spray Conditioner, Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque, Kérastase Soleil CC Crème.

What are your holiday hair essentials?