Like many travelers who become world nomads, you eventually learn to live without certain things from back home, reliable cell phone service (and not forgetting decent Wi-Fi), good TV shows, a big closet with different outfits to choose from, and dare we say… your own bathtub where you can find some peace and quiet. Even though all those items are easy enough to sacrifice, keeping your body healthy must never be forgotten.
Consuming the right food and drink is simple if you research places beforehand or even try your best to cook your own meals (being a vegan in some countries can be difficult), but treating our hair correctly is sometimes an afterthought when jet setting around the globe and experiencing the highs and lows of traveling. Thankfully, you can have a great time when on the road and still have beautiful, healthy hair wherever you go. Here’s how.
Don’t stop the habit
If you were avidly caring for your hair back home, then traveling doesn’t mean you have to let your foot off the gas. Hair care should occur 24/7, 365 days a year, so going island hopping around Thailand and spending several weeks in a hostel doesn’t give you the excuse to ease up on hair maintenance. Traveling allows you to calm down and gives you a break from your typical lifestyle, but to make sure your hair is looking its best, keep up the good habits (or start them now) that you would do back in your homeland. Pack a few bottles of your favorite shampoo and conditioner and wash your hair at least twice a week, or a bit more depending on how oily your scalp gets. Pack that trusty hair brush as well!
Ease up on the heat
For those with thin hair, using a blow-dryer is one of several ways to add a bit of volume and enhance your look, but ensure your hair isn’t becoming damaged by the heat. We know there’s nothing quite like a compact blow-dryer for the traveler in mind, but if you’re already lounging by the pool, tanning at the beach, and wandering around city markets in the summertime, then your hair is much more prone to damage and frizz. If you need a blow-dryer, try using it on a cold or low-heat setting, and use special sun protection sprays and hats to shield your hair when the temperature is hot.
Use special treatments now and then
Dry shampoo is great for boosting volume and cleaning hair quickly when you can’t exactly get into a shower, but don’t forget a weekly hair mask to give your locks a lot of great nutrients and TLC. Don’t use too much product, as this can build up and cause greasy, itchy hair if you don’t wash it out.
Furthermore, If you know you’re going to be away for six months or longer, it’s a good idea to get at least one haircut during that time to ensure there are no split ends. This is especially important if you want to keep growing your hair, as damaged hair can really slow down and hinder the process. Sleeping on scratchy pillowcases, swimming in seawater or chlorine-filled pools, and even general wear and tear from exhausting traveling will take its toll on your hair. Search Google for a reliable hairdresser wherever you’re staying, as a haircut will do you good.
If you’re doing all those tips, then we see no reason why you can’t own beautiful, healthy hair and have the time of your life while traveling the world.
