GOING ON VACATION? HERE ARE 5 THINGS EVERY NATURAL SHOULD NEVER FORGET TO PACK

Whether going on vacation for a weekend, a whole week or even a month (boss babe status!) there are some items we must have with us to protect our lovely tresses. We discuss this topic a lot but we are on the go naturals and not every inch of the globe will have what you need. Better safe than sorry and while you lounge at the pool or the ocean or take in a unforgettable Safari you need to protect those strands. 

TAKING A TRIP? TRY THESE NATURAL HAIR TRAVEL PACKS FOR SIMPLER PACKING!

Before you set out for your destination, there are a few items that every natural must never forget to pack. The following are 5 things to pack for natural hair while on vacation.

SATIN BONNET OR SCARF

If you have natural hair you know the importance of sleeping with a satin bonnet or scarf. I have since ditched the scarf and rock the Loc Soc as my go to for sleeping and for rocking on the plane. Vacations are no exception. Most hotel sheets and pillowcases are cotton and they will surely draw all of the moisture from your hair if it’s not protected. I’ve even thought about bringing my own zippered pillowcase. Yea, I can be extra sometimes. 

Can you see my Loc Soc under my helmet? Yup, I was prepared for my ATV ride in the Bahamas.

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

This may seem like a no brainer, but you don’t want to get to your destination and have to rely on those mini bottles of hotel shampoo and conditioner. Not only should you pack your regular conditioner, you should also pack a bottle of cheap conditioner. Cheap conditioners are great for prepping your natural hair for swimming. 

Shampoo is a must if swimming a lot and know that what the hotel offers or what you may find in the gift shops will not be curly girl friendly!
A lot of brands are catering to our vacationing needs and have travel kits now like DevaCurl, SheaMoisture and Jane Carter. 

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HATS / HEAD WRAPS / HEADBANDS

Even if you’re wearing a protective style, you should always pack a few accessories as a backup. Natural hair doesn’t always respond well to changes in the environment and your usual routine may not work depending on the climate of your vacation destination. If you’re suffering from a bad hair day, having your favorite hat or head wrap can save the day. Also, wearing a hat or head wrap will reduce your hair’s exposure to the sun. 

HAIR OILS

No matter if it’s cold or hot, packing your favorite hair oils will make sure that your tresses can withstand the elements. If you’ll be swimming or laying out in the sun, it is important to apply oil to the hair before and after exposure to the sun or water and it can always double as a body oil to leave the lotion at home and help save space in your suitcase.

FAVORITE HAIR CARE PRODUCTS

Every natural has at least one favorite hair care product (mine is Olive Oil Eco styler gel) When going on vacation, make sure that you pack a few of your favorite products in travel-sized containers. You like these products for a reason and chances are they’ll give you the same, usual results when used while on vacation. 

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SUNSCREEN!

Here’s an extra tip as far too many of us assume we are purely protected by our glorious melanin…not! We can get skin cancer too (and do) so pick up some great sunscreen, slather it on and do yourself and your family a huge favor by protecting all that lovely brownness and blackness.

No one says you have to bring your entire hair care arsenal. Just bring the basics to keep hair simple and easy to work with so you worry more about what to do next while vacationing and worry less about what to do with your hair. 

What’s your favorite thing to bring on vacation for your hair?
Sabrina

PRODUCTS MENTIONED