If you’ve been blessed with the overpacking gene, you’re in great company. As someone who loves to travel, and who also lives a fairly simple life, I understand the ability to pack remarkable amount of things for even the shortest of trips.

It’s a gift, am I right?!

In my quest for a pared-down packing list, I’ve (of course) been able to put together the ultimate and ideal list of things to include in your haircare travel bag. These are products and tools that I, as an experienced hairstylist, can tell you classify as absolutely necessary, regardless of vacation type!

So, here’s a list of hair essentials to pack in your travel bag. I’ll also share answers to frequently asked summer hair questions, so you can make sure your warm weather adventures and haircare schedule are perfectly in sync!

Haircare Travel Bag Essentials

I’ve made sure to hyperlink my favorite products via affiliate links below. Thank you for your support!

1. High-Quality Shampoo and Conditioner

Repeat after me: hotel products should not be relied on!

Trust me, I’ve pulled the, “oh, this hotel is so nice, they should have perfectly fine products. I’ll skip the extra packing,” card many times - and it never, ever goes well. Do yourself a favor and skip the funky-feeling hair, and pack your normal, high-quality shampoo and conditioner!

I love 7 Seconds shampoo and conditioner, especially for the summertime. If you’re unable to grab travel-sized bottles, I recommend just portioning out a travel-sized amount of each in your travel containers of choice! I have a set linked on my amazon storefront for you here!

2. Heat Protectant

Even if you don’t plan on using any hot tools for the duration of your trip, you’ll want to use a heat protectant that also offers UVA/UVB protection. Even just a few minutes spent in the sun can dramatically change your hair’s color and tone (I’m sure you’ve noticed that peculiar brassy color you come back with after a tropical vacation) - use a good heat protectant to protect its shine!

I recommend Unite’s 7 Seconds Spray heat protectant for heat styling, and sun exposure. It’s so easy and fuss-free!

3. Hairspray

Hairspray? On vacation? I know, I know - but the thing is, you’ll be visiting and staying somewhere that isn’t your normal climate. You’ll likely be in a ton of recycled hotel air, or out in the beautiful elements - and you’ll want your style to stay!

I recommend using a hairspray with a medium hold, and preferably one with a nice scent so you’re not inhaling the unpleasant fumes of typical drugstore hairsprays all trip long! The Max Control does just the trick ✨ (Bonus: It comes in travel sizes during the summer so be sure to stock up).

4. Oil or Serum

Whether it’s from swimming, tanning, or just washing your hair in unfamiliar water, your hair will need an extra bit of hydration and shine! I recommend bringing a travel-sized version of your favorite oil or serum.

I personally love U:Oil for all year long!

5. Your Hot Tool of Choice

There are two hot tools I always recommend packing for vacation. Pick whichever feels best!

A flat iron: if you’re someone who regularly uses your flat iron to achieve straight, wavy or curled hair, your flat iron will be your vacation’s best friend! You might even choose to skip packing a blow dryer, and allow your hair to dry naturally before heat styling. You’ll save yourself the extra packing, and give your hair a bit of a rest.

Dyson Air Wrap: I LOVE bringing my Dyson Air Wrap with one or two attachments, since they’re so small and portable. The beauty about the air wrap is that you can achieve voluminous, bouncy hair and curls, and you can typically do so without having to finish things off with a flat iron!

My favorite hot tools are linked in my amazon storefront here. Under the list “Heat Styling”.

6. A Wet Brush

How many times have you forgotten your hairbrush and had to use the sad hotel comb? (Probably too many to count, like me.)

A good Wet Brush will take care of your post-pool hair without causing damage. You can also use it to blow out your hair!

I recommend grabbing a Wet Brush Pro. I also love purchasing the travel-sized version for my purse!

7. A Scrunchie or Gentle Hair Tie

You might *think* you’ll wear your hair down for the entire duration of the trip, but still, never forget to bring a hair-safe scrunchie or tie.

I recommend dent-free hair ties or satin scrunchies! They’ll allow you to preserve your hairstyle, without ripping out your hair.

8. A Shower Cap & Sleep Bonnet

Juuust in case your hotel doesn’t stock your room up with a shower cap, I recommend packing your own. And if you prefer to sleep with a sleep bonnet to preserve your hair or extensions, don’t forget to bring that along!

You can find most of these favorites linked in my amazon storefront here.

And finally, 7 summer hair FAQs 👇

Q: I’m headed on a beach vacation. Should I gloss my hair before or after?

A: Your hair is going to fade from the sun, so I’d recommend retouching your gloss after your vacation. However, if you plan to take a lot of photos and want your hair looking its best, glossing it before and after your trip would be the best way to go. Just know it’ll be faded by the end of vacation, but those beautiful photos will be worth it!

Q: I’m planning a few pool days, and I want to *actually* swim. What steps can I take to protect my hair?

A: Wet your hair before getting in the water to help reduce the amount of chlorine and salt water it absorbs. After you swim, use a clarifying shampoo and pair it with a conditioning mask. Make sure to also brush your hair and loosely tie it back before swimming, and rinse your hair immediately after!

Q: I’m a swimmer and I spend a ton of time in the water. Is there anything else I can do to protect my hair?

A: Invest in a swimmer’s shampoo from a professional brand! (Note: always buy professional brands from the brands directly, a salon, or Sephora. Items at stores like TJ Maxx, Amazon, or Marshall’s can be either expired or faked). During the swim season, you’ll also want to book your hair appointments a bit more frequently than you’re used to.

Q: Is it a bad idea to wear extensions in the summer? I like to be out and about - will they slow me down?

A: If you enjoy regularly camping, swimming or simply being on the go in the summer and don’t want to deal with as much haircare, I recommend two options: (1) Remove your extensions temporarily, and get color matched for a set of clip-ins. (2) Opt for a different set of extensions with less hair (intended more for volume than length), and switch back to that mermaid hair in the fall!

Q: Do I need to cut my hair more frequently in the summer?

A: Interestingly enough, our hair tends to grow faster in the summer. To top that off, many of us expose our hair to chlorine, sun and salt. So, it’s a good idea to come in a week or two earlier for your hair cut than you normally would!

Q: Should I add anything to my appointments during the summer?

A: The sun will dry and fade your hair faster. Midsummer is a great time to stop in for a gloss and treatment!

Q: I want to wear my extensions on my beach vacation. Will they be ruined?

A: If you’re planning on swimming or heading on a ton of adventures, you do have a few extension options, depending on what your main priority is. (1) Opt for clip-in extensions if you want to be able to get into the water or head out on a ton of adventures without worrying about your hair. (2) Plan your timing well, and if you’re willing to be careful, properly brush your hair between beach days! If you plan your vacation right at the end of your existing extensions’ life, you can replace them for a fresh set when you return. (3) Apply a shorter set that’s a bit less expensive (due to needing less hair), and preserve your regular extensions for reapplication when you get back home.

Enjoy that light(ish) travel bag, my friend!

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