Oh! The drama! You’re going traveling for months and you don’t know what to do with your hair. Long or short? Styled or not? If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language, what will happen when you get a trim? Relax, we’re here to help with some much-needed travel tips.

Snip-snip goes the scissors

No, we’re not trying to make you look like a boy and tell you to chop off all your hair. However, before you hop on the plane you need to take a trip to the salon. A good haircut can make a world of difference to your appearance when you’re rushing between long train rides, marathon touring and going out on the town. When looking for a dazzling ‘do, we recommend thinking about the following:

• Temperature: If you’re about to trek the jungles of South America, traverse the Australian Outback, or tour the Deep South during summer, you need to think twice about having a horse mane hanging down your back. Consider when and where you will be traveling. During the winter, it may not matter, but in summer, tropical areas will become even more sweltering. Remember: heat stroke is not fashionable. Those with considerably thick hair should consider thinning as an option.

• Ease: Come on now, do you really want to spend an hour every morning in an icky hostel bathroom trying to blow dry your hair into that super cute style, only to have it fizz out 20 minutes after you walk out the door into the midmorning rainstorm? Seriously? We didn’t think so. Ease is the key to a good haircut on the road. Avoid any style that will require you to spend an excessive amount of time in front of a mirror, holding a hair dryer or applying product. Wash and go styles work best. If you’re going to be on the road for a long time, choose a style that is easy to trim and maintain.

• Flexibility: Up, down and sideways; there are a lot of things you can do with your hair. A cut that will allow you a little bit of flexibility isn’t a bad idea. You don’t know what you’ll end up doing while traveling, so might as well come prepared. Whether it’s rough and tough hiking or dancing to your heart’s content at the most fashionable club in town, having a hairstyle that will work with you in all situations is ideal.

• Comfort: Haircuts can require a compromise between fashion and practicality. However, it doesn’t have to be a forfeit of fun. In short, chopped hair makes your forehead look so big you could reflect the sun, or if a bob gives your face the shape of a bowling ball, don’t do it! Always go for a style that you feel comfortable with. As the cliché goes, in the end, only you know what works best for you.

Color me crazy

Sorry girls, having dyed hair on the road is a bad idea. Anyone who is traveling for more than a month must deal with highlights and colors that grow out. Not cute, unless that’s the look you’re going for If you’re going away on a short escape, try your best not to cart along too many extra products, it’s amazing how little we need on a beach or mountain break.

Product picking

So what should you take? Hair binders are a must, both thick (for ponytails) and thin (for the cute pigtail look). Unfortunately, those with longer hair won’t be able to use most two-in-one shampoo/conditioners for too long, so if you must, take both. Leave the hairdryer at home, along with most of your hair products. A travel-size bottle of gel or hairspray can go a long way if you use it sparingly. If you’re going to an island, bear in mind that most showers consist of salt water, which can wreak havoc on your hair, if it’s already under the stress of dyes, blow dryers and products. Yet another reason to leave the bottles at home!

About the Author

 Mahy Medhat

A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.