5 of the Best protective hairstyles while traveling
How should I do my hair may sound like an odd question prior to booking a trip, but for many of us it can literally trigger a full scale panic attack. Let’s be honest, as black women, if our hair isn’t right, we don’t wanna go.
When’s the last time you heard a man say “Nope, I’m not going cause my hair isn’t done”? Exactly! This is an issue unique to black women, but not one that you should let deter you from living your best travel life.
The following styles and tips should help alleviate most of your anxiety associated with that dreaded question. Continue reading for our list of the 5 best protective hairstyles while traveling.
Table of Contents
1. Box braids
Now you knew this would be at the top of the list. Box braids are an OG classic for a reason. The versatility provides an abundance of styling options with minimal effort while traveling. Large or small, traditional or faux locs. The 4+ (and even 8+) hour install time is a small price to pay for that kind of ease.
2. Crochet
Crochet hairstyles are also super easy and versatile but typically do not come with the extended salon time associated with box braids. Whether you want long straight hair, big curly hair, or even faux braids/locs, this styling option can withstand just about any vacation setting. Best part? Crochet hair tends to look better the older it gets.
3. Cornrows
In recent years, for a number of reasons we won’t get into, cornrows have made a resurgence. Call em what you want, but the straight backs can be edgy or elegant. Bonus! Depending on how they are styled, they may also serve as the perfect foundation for your wig(s) for added hair styling options.
4. Braided Up-dos
While an updo is the least flexible option on the list, it is also the least maintenance and has the shortest styling time. The textbook definition of wake up and go. You can really get as creative as you want with your styling as well. The only limitations are what you or your stylist place on your own abilities.
5. Twist/Twist out
For the natural hair babes who prefer little to low manipulation, why not rock your flat twist? There are a multitude of options on how to wear them. Get creative with your parting spaces and twist sizes and create something new every few days. Unravel them and let your voluminous curls flow.
Pro Tip
Don’t get swept away with your desire to pack your entire hair care cabinet “just in case”. Stick with your tried and tested products that you know work best. Added benefit if you have a few that serve double duty.
Summary
Your style of choice may vary based on your itinerary and/or location but one thing shouldn’t; Your desire to go! No one has ever said I wish I hadn’t taken that trip with my hair “undone”.
Done is subjective. When in doubt just wear your natural hair out! Your hair is not a burden but a crown that proudly adorns the top of your head. Once that change in perspective happens, you’ll have unrestricted freedom.
What are your favorite protective styles? Share your best tips and tricks below.
About the Author:
Ayishia is a self-proclaimed Charleston native and pseudo digital nomad. After quitting her job in 2020 on the belief that there’s more than one way to make a living, she now lives life on her own terms. Connect with her on her website ayishiaparsley.com
Travel is invaluable for personal growth, and taking time to consider a group trip can help! Immersing yourself in new cultures, trying out new foods, visiting architectural and natural wonders, and building connections all help you learn and grow as a person. That said, traveling can be daunting. You might have the travel bug, while …
Have you ever thought about joining a black women’s travel group? One of the best parts of traveling and experiencing new cultures is sharing those experiences with others. We aren’t saying solo trips aren’t fulfilling, but building connections with like-minded people through shared moments can’t be replicated. Do you crave both a luxury travel experience …
A mother-daughter trip is a special and memorable experience that can strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural immersion in a new city, or an adventurous outdoor trip, there are countless destinations and activities to choose from that can make your mother-daughter trip a unique …
Solo female travel can be an empowering and life-changing experience. However, it can also be intimidating and challenging, especially if you’re a first-time traveler. Here are some solo female travel tips to help make your journey safe and enjoyable. Do Your Research Before you go, research your destination extensively. Find out about the local customs …
We are here to help find you the top solo travel destinations because traveling solo can be a daunting concept. However, solo travel is also one of the most fulfilling ways to experience the world and form new connections. When you travel with friends, family, or a partner, you will always need to make compromises …
Bali is a gorgeous country with so much to explore, and we still think you should travel to Bali in 2023. Recently the Balinese government passed a new law prohibiting sex outside of marriage and banning unmarried couples from living together. Although this law will not come into effect for 3 years, it has …
Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for couples to celebrate their love and show appreciation for each other. Whether you want to plan a romantic getaway or enjoy a day of pampering, it’s important to choose the right destination. With so many destinations, it can be difficult to decide on the perfect place for your …
2023 destination here we come! 2023 is a new year, filled with new opportunities to explore this amazing planet, and we need to find your perfect destination! Whether you’re craving a group trip with like-minded travelers to expand your network, or want to plan a private trip with those closest to you, there are incredible …
How should I do my hair may sound like an odd question prior to booking a trip, but for many of us it can literally trigger a full scale panic attack. Let’s be honest, as black women, if our hair isn’t right, we don’t wanna go. When’s the last time you heard a man say …
Travelling without your phone would be a lot like travelling without money. Sure you could probably survive … but at what cost? Things would get real uncomfortable real quick. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Since you’re going to have your phone on you anyway, you might as well download a few travel apps that …
