8 Easy Travel-Friendly Hairstyles

Because you’re headed to new environments where the elements can be unpredictable, Justin recommends embracing your hair’s natural texture of experimenting with updos or braids when traveling. Check out Justine Marjan’s tips below for simple travel hairstyles. Whether you’re heading out for an island getaway or a weekend work retreat, she’s got a look for you.

Young woman with fluttering blonde hair standing next to a blooming trees looking down. Candid lifestyle photo of fashionable female at spring day. Image courtesy of Getty.

1. Flat Iron Waves

You probably know how to use a flat iron to straighten your hair.But pros like Justine also use it to create a loose, undone beachy texture, and, with a little practice, so can you. Justine’s secret weapon is using a flat iron with a beveled or rounded edge. Curved plates give you the ability to horizontally twist the hair back and forth, which is how you create a wave pattern, Justine says. Get her step-by-step instructions.

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2. Control Frizz With a Scarf

Scarfs or other hair accessories add a nice detail to the hair while controlling frizz in humid weather. “If you are using the scarf as an accessory, wrap it around the head like a headband and tie your hair in a bun,” Justine says. You can also tie your hair in a bun with the scarf instead. Justine recommends using a medium-sized square, silk scarf that can also double as a chic accessory for your purse or around your neck. Chic headbands or turbans that are comfortable and gentle on the hair are also great alternatives.

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3. Stretch a Blowout

Getting a blowout before going on a vacation is perfect for low-maintenance travelers. To make the style last for a few extra days and skip a shampoo, use dry shampoo at your roots to absorb oil. Want to wake up with natural waves in the morning? “When you sleep, separate the hair down the middle and twist each side away from the face into a bun behind the ears and secure with bobby pins,” Justine says.

Related: How to Do a Blowout at Home

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4. Embrace Waves and Curls

Instead of fighting the humidity of tropical destinations, try embracing it. “Hydrating products and humidity resistant products are key.” Justine says. Embracing your hair’s natural texture will allow you to kick back and relax – try wearing your hair down and elevating your curls by using a mousse to add hold and texture. For wavy hair, apply mousse from the roots to the ends, scrunching it in with your hands until it is absorbed and gently twisting hair to create more curls. For already frizzy curls, Justine suggests prepping your hair with curl cream to add moisture and shine. Starting with damp hair, massage a quarter size drop of cream through your hair beginning at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Then, let your hair air dry.

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5. Slicked-Back Hair

Slicked-back looks (Think wet-looking hair that is smoothed back away from the face) for tropical or beach vacations are easy to do on yourself and look super chic. For products, you’ll need a strong hold hairspray and either a firm hold gel or water-based wax. “Starting on dry strands, apply the gel or wax to roots and shape your hair to the style you want to see using a comb or brush, then seal in with the hairspray,” Justine says.

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6. Basic Braid

Braids aren’t just for kids anymore – they’re for vacations too! “If your hair is long, pull the hair all to one side and braid through the length of it, then pair with a cute hat to protect from the sun,” Justine advises. If your hair is shorter, she recommends two French braids on each side of your head, parting your hair in the middle and securing each braid with decorative bows or elastics. To help the style last, use a pomade through your fingers as you braid and then seal with hairspray.

Image courtesy of Getty. Image courtesy of Getty.

7. Polished Pony

If you’re headed out for a work trip, you can’t go wrong with a ponytail. “High or low sleek ponytails are both appropriate, but a low version is easier to master on yourself,” Justine says. To style, she suggests flat ironing the hair first, then working a strong-hold gel through the roots. To finish it off, spray a hair brush with hairspray before gathering the hair back to get a clean end result.

Image courtesy of Getty. Image courtesy of Getty.

8. Statement Bobby Pins

To take your work pony from day to night, use some statement bobby pins. These compact accessories are super travel-friendly and can be added to just about any hairstyle without a ton of styling. “The best way to apply them is to hold the hair flat below where you are sliding them in, open the bobby pin slightly, then just gently slide it in,” Justine says. Wear single bobby pins behind one or both ears or a few bobby pins stacked above a low bun on the back of your head, or with any other hairstyles. The possibilities are endless!