Summer is upon us, and while you may be busy planning out an array of Instagram-worthy outfits, you should also take some time to evaluate the other non-necessary items taking up too much of your precious luggage space. The main culprit? Your hair care products. The good news? You don’t have to lug around your entire bathroom cabinet in order to have great hair on vacay! Here, five ways to keep your toiletry bag as light as possible.
Tip #1: Opt for a multi-tasking leave-in treatment
The number one way to save space in your luggage? Opt for a multi-tasking leave-in conditioner. Look for a formula that not only conditions your post-shower strands but also provides heat and frizz protection, detangles, and adds softness and shine. That way, you’ll no longer need to pack a separate heat protectant, shine spray or anti-frizz serum!
Our Pick: KEVIN.MURPHY STAYING.ALIVE
Tip #2: Prioritize your styling tools
Let’s face it: Hot tools are big, bulky, and too heavy to be lugging around the airport. If you’re headed to a more relaxed, tropical destination, consider embracing your natural texture. Or, if going au natural simply isn’t in your forecast, opt for a multi-tasking tool, such as a flat iron or a curling iron. Both tools can be used for smoothing and creating curls or waves, so decide which one you’re more comfortable using and pack that!
Our Pick: Sam Villa 1" Professional Curling Iron
Tip #3: Plan out your looks
Although it may seem a little “extra,” planning out your hairstyles in advance helps you evaluate which items you’ll actually need—and prevents you from packing a bunch of products that you never touch. A “hair schedule” should look something like this:
- Day 1: Fresh blow-dry (ideally done the day before you leave)
- Day 2: Straight
- Day 3: Beach waves
- Day 4: Half-updo (Disguise dirty roots with a cute half topknot. Since the bottom half of your hair will be wavy, you’ll still look “done” without much effort.)
- Day 5: Topknot or messy bun
Once you plan out all your looks, you’ll be able to pack accordingly and see which tools or products you can live without.
Tip #4: Store similar items together
Once you’ve figured out which items you have to take, sort them in groups so you can determine how to pack them. For example, stash all of your hair ties on a carabiner. Not only will this prevent them from flying around your toiletry bag, but it will also save a ton of space. (Plus, carabiners are always good to have when traveling!) Another idea? Store your bobby pins in an old (but clean) mint container.
Tip #5: Pack quality over quantity
Again, this echoes back to Tip #1, but look for high-quality products that perform well. No matter where you’re headed, you’ll need shampoo, conditioner, a leave-in treatment, dry shampoo, and hairspray, so opt for powerful formulas that get the job done. Another tip? Don’t ditch your go-to products for cheap, TSA-friendly, travel-size bottles (or worse, rely on the complimentary shampoo and conditioner from the hotel—yikes!). Instead, buy a set of clear plastic bottles and fill them with your favorite formulas. Not only will the smaller bottles save room in your luggage, but your hair will look fab throughout your vacation!
Our Pick: Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo
