During 2014 and 2015 I travelled many times to different climates. It was a journey it itself finding out how to protect my low porosity curls, but I want to share with you what I learned along the way.
1. Bring your own product!
Before going to your destination you might want to check whether that area sells curly hair products. Last year I went to Tenerife and the retailers on the island only sold products for type 2 or 3a hair. Luckily, I brought my own.
2. Use sun protection
The consequence of continuously exposing your hair to the sun is sun damage. Not only can the sun have damaging effects on your skin, it has the same effect on your hair, too. The UV rays penetrate into your hair scalp and scatter melanin; as a consequence the color of your hair might change. Lastly, the sun makes your hair dry which might increase how porous your hair becomes. Cover up with a hat, scarf, or use a hair product with UV protection. You can also use natural UV protectants like avocado oil or almond oil.
3. Ward off humidity
When traveling to a humid and hot country or island, it is worthwhile to invest in leave-in conditioners and moisturizing creams. Don’t forget to also bring a deep conditioner in order to nourish your hair after swimming or wandering outside for a long time.
4. Bring the moisture
Buy or bring products that consist of moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil etcetera. Click here to learn more about moisturizing ingredients. I have written an article about my favorite curly hair care products, these products will also moisturize your hair during your stay at a hot country. Here are my current faves.
5. Protect yourself from cold
The cold temperature causes the outer layer of your cuticle to lift. As soon as you enter a warm building or room, the product that is penetrated into your strands melts and the moisture leaves your hair. Consequently, your hair often looks dry and frizzy during the winter. Thus, it is essential to bring a leave-in conditioner, cream and a jelly (or oil”> to your destination. After applying a leave-in and cream, seal your hair with a jelly or oil in order to prevent the moisture to leave your hair.
6. Avoid tangles from the wind
Wind can also be damaging to the hair because it creates tangles and dirtiness. Prevent this from happening by pulling your hair in a bun when you are walking outside or wearing a hat lined with satin inside. When I went to Tenerife, I loved covering my hair with fancy scarves. When I returned home, I noticed that I did not have any wind or sun damage.
7. Try a protective style
In order to make your holidays even more relaxing you can install a protective style beforehand (box braids, Marley twists, or loc extensions”>. Your hair will be protected against the weather circumstances and you can invest your time in something else other than styling everyday!
[prodmod]Do you have travel tips that work for curly hair? Share them with us!
Do not forget to follow @NaturallyCurly on Instagram! And visit my personal blog, Curls N Lashes.
