Getting ready for a trip can be stressful enough without having to worry about how to style your hair while traveling.
Airport bathrooms are not exactly conducive to doing your hair, and airplane seats can mess up even the most meticulously styled dos.
That’s why it’s important to choose a hairstyle that will look great from takeoff to touchdown and be easy to maintain during your journey.
The Sleek Low Bun
The sleek low bun is a timeless hairstyle that works for relaxed or natural hair.
It looks polished and professional, making it ideal for business trips or important meetings you may have when you land.
Plus, it keeps all of your hair securely pulled back and out of your face during travel.
Start by brushing your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic. Next, divide your ponytail in half lengthwise.
Take one half and wrap it clockwise around the elastic.
Pin it in place with bobby pins. Repeat this process with the other half, wrapping it counterclockwise and pinning. Use your fingers to gently tug and smooth any pieces that stick out.
Finish with a spritz of strong hold hairspray.
For extra polish, try adding a center part or flat-twisting the front sections of your hair back before gathering into the low ponytail.
This puts an elegant twist on the classic low bun.
Always carry extra elastics and pins in your carry-on in case your bun starts to loosen during the flight.
The Top Knot Bun
A top knot bun is another stylish yet simple go-to airport look. It keeps all of your hair off your face and neck without requiring a lot of time or effort.
For this style, start by spritzing your hair with sea salt spray and rough drying with a diffuser attachment to add texture. Once dry, brush it straight back into a high ponytail atop your crown.
Wrap the ponytail base around itself to create a bun shape and secure in place with bobby pins crisscrossing in opposite directions.
Tightly wrap a thin elastic around the base of the bun to further hold it in place.
Finish with a light hold hairspray. For second or third day hair, touch up the style by re-wetting with water and scrunching for added volume before re-bunning.
This style works well with most hair lengths and textures.
Curly and coily hair types can achieve more definition by styling the top knot on stretched, day-old hair. Try covering it with a silk scarf or invisibobble at night to maintain the texture.
Long Braids
Long, neat braids are a dream travel hairstyle whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair.
They keep your strands off your shoulders and contained during flights when personal space is limited.
Braiding your hair the day before traveling allows the style to set and offers the added benefit of beautifully waves and curls when you take them out post-flight.
For a polished airport updo, begin with a clean, tangle-free base.
Apply smoothing cream or gel to make braiding easier.
Part your hair down the center and divide each side into three equal parts. Begin braiding down each section, adding in pieces as you go to incorporate all your hair.
Secure ends with elastic bands. For extra hold, apply gel to the finished braids and wrap the ends with silk or satin scrunchies.
If your braids begin to loosen in transit, simply cross them tightly over each other and use bobby pins to hold in place.
Touch up the parts and flyaways with edge control gel or serum. Scarves and headwraps layered over braids also disguise styling imperfections.
Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a fun,gravity-defying option for natural textures ranging from loose curls to tight coils.
The knotted mini buns allow you to travel with your curls while avoiding tangles and providing definition.
Bantu knots also double as an easy protective style overnight when stretched into heatless waves or curls the next day.
To achieve this look, start on freshly washed, conditioned, and detangled hair. Section damp hair into square parts. Take a small section and wrap it around two fingers into a coil shape.
Twist the hair into aknot at the base and use bobby pins to secure. Continue making knots throughout your hair, keeping them neat and uniform in size.
Let the knots air dry or diffuse them on low heat. Carefully remove pins and unravel each knot. Separate the curls with fingers and lightly fluff for maximum volume.
Finish by gently massaging in a few drops of hair oil to boost shine and moisture retention. Your knots should maintain their curly pattern for a couple days of traveling before needing to be redone.
The Fashion Headscarf
A chic headscarf takes your airport style to the next level while providing major functional benefits.
The wrap contains your hair, absorbs oils, and protects your strands from dry airplane air.
Headscarves also disguise greasy roots or bad hair days when you don’t have time for a wash pre-flight.
Place a silk or satin-lined scarf on your head with the ends hanging down past your shoulders.
Take one end across your forehead and tie the two ends together at the nape of your neck.
Crisscross the front again and tie another knot to secure.
You can then style the scarf ends multiple ways, such as leaving them hanging loose, neatly tucking them in, or tying them together into a pretty bow or bun.
This versatile look works with your hair styled straight, curly, up or down.
Play around with different scarf fabrics like cotton, silk or even a printed style that coordinates with your travel outfit. It’s an easy way to look put together for any early morning or late night flights.
The Half Updo
Keep your hair out of your face but maintain a loose, casual vibe with a half updo.
This half-down style is comfy for long haul flights while preventing your hair from looking overly disheveled en route.
It also transitions nicely for evenings out exploring your destination after airport arrival.
Start by running a curl defining cream or serum through the lengths of your hair and combing through to evenly distribute.
Gather the top section and secure into a ponytail with an elastic, leaving the rest of your hair down in back.
Tease the ponytail base to create volume and lightly spritz with hairspray. Fan pieces around the hair tie outwards and finish by misting with medium hold spray.
For second day styling, refresh your waves or curls with leave-in conditioner spray and let air dry or diffuse to reinvigorate shape and bounce before re-creating the half up style.
The flexibility of this half-half look makes it work for everything from beachy waves to perfect spirals.
Slicked Back Bun
The slicked back bun exudes retro elegance.
It’s a dramatic yet practical option for keeping hair tightly secured during hectic travel days.
The polished finish also makes it a nice choice if you have any important arrivals planned.
Prep by washing and drying your strands super straight. While hair is still warm from the blowdryer, evenly apply a heavy gel or pomade all over.
Using a hard bristle brush or denman brush, smoothly brush hair back away from your face.
Guide hair into a tight, low bun positioned at the nape of your neck and anchor with bobby pins in an X shape.
For extra control, wrap hair around itself to create a bun before pinning.
Mist the finished, shiny bun with firm hold hairspray. Keep flyaways at bay by using extra gel to slick and smooth down the hairline and parts.
Your immaculate, sculpted bun will turn heads as you stride through airport security. Finish off the retro pin-up vibe with bold matte lip and cat eye sunglasses.
The Fishtail Side Braid
Fishtail braids are a gorgeous, intricate option for keeping hair neatly secured for travel days.
The flattering style adds bohemian flair to any airport outfit.
While more elaborate than a basic braid, the fishtail technique is easier to master than it looks!
Part damp hair to one side.
Take a small section from the heavier side of the part and divide into two equal parts. Take a sliver of hair from the outside of one section and pull it across to the other.
Repeat, alternating pieces from the outer edge of each section in a crisscross motion to create the braid. Work down the length of your hair until you reach the ends and secure with a hair tie.
Pancaking the braid and gently tugging the edges gives it a fuller, messier finish. Mist with sea salt spray and lightly scrunch for extra texture.
The fishtail design keeps its shape well, so you can braid hair the night before a trip. Touch up flyaways by smoothing with clear brow gel for polished strands on the go.
Double Dutch Braided Pigtails
Pigtails might remind you of childhood, but double Dutch braided pigtails are a whimsical hairstyle option that works at any age.
The intricate plaited design keeps hair off the face and neck without looking too juvenile. For natural textures, the braided pigtails stretch out curls for a wavy or curly pigtail effect after take down.
Part clean, damp hair down the middle from forehead to nape. Working on one side first, divide hair into three sections.
Begin a basic three strand braid but after a few stitches, grab a small section of hair from underneath and add it to the middle strand as you continue braiding down.
Do the same on the other side. Secure braids at the ends with elastics.
For second day hair, gently mist pigtails with leave-in conditioner mixed with water and scrunch to reinvigorate texture and volume before re-braiding.
The crisscrossed Dutch braid design disguises frizz and flyaways that may accumulate during your travels.
Show off the braided pigtails by tying a bandana or scarf over your head for a eye-catching airport ensemble.
Twisted Updo
This twisted updo is stunning yet simple enough to recreate on busy travel mornings.
It also creates gorgeousdimension to show off highlights or ombre color.
Start by parting dry hair into a deep side part. Take a 1-2 inch section from the heavier side and divide into two. Twist each piece away from your face and cross one over the other.
Grab hair next to the twists and incorporate into the section, twisting away from your face again. Continue twisting hair up toward the crown, coiling the lengths over each other.
Once all the hair from that side is twisted up, use bobby pins to secure the twisted knot in place. Hairspray over the finished style to lock in the shape.
Hide the pinned base with the other section of hair left loose and swept over one shoulder. The weight of the twisted knots helps hold the updo in place as you travel.
Unravel gently at your destination to release beautiful spiraled waves.
The Invisibobble Ponytail
An invisibobble ponytail is a go-to airport look for busy travelers who want practical hair containment without sacrificing style.
The tight, spiral phone cord shape of an invisibobble doesn’t leave dents behind like regular hair ties. This makes the ponytail comfy for sleeping on long haul flights.
Smooth hair back with a wet brush into a sleek, low ponytail. Wrap an invisibobble elastic multiple times around the base to secure the ponytail in place.
Leave ends loose and tousled or neatly pull through the elastic loop for a bun effect. If desired, wrap a silk scarf around the ponytail base as a pretty hair accessory that also prevents flyaways and smoothing.
The coiled invisibobble grip holds styles strongly during trips.
While providing less tension than regular hair elastics, the gentle, consistent hold prevents ponytails and buns from loosening prematurely mid-travel.
For curly types, the springy cord also leaves beautiful spiral crimped texture when you let hair down post-flight.
Messy Side Braid
Embrace effortless, undone texture with a messy side braid.
This loose, french braid-inspired look requires little precision, making it easy to achieve when rushing to the airport.
The imperfect styling helps strands maintain a cool, casual vibe even after hours of traveling.
Prep hair with texturizing sea salt spray. Gather most of your hair over one shoulder and divide into three pieces, with the middle section largest.
Start a loose french braid, incorporating additional hair as you cross pieces towards the heavier side. Braid down past the collarbone, keeping it relaxed by not pulling too tight.
Secure the end with a leather wrap or tie a knot.
Gently pull on the outer edges to loosen and pancake the braid. Scruff up the crown area by running fingers through for added volume.
Finish with medium hold hairspray to lock in the nonchalant texture. The key to perfecting messy braids is not overthinking it!
The Textured Low Bun
This unpolished, low bun is a comfortable go-to for travel days when you want an easy, tossed-together vibe.
Embracing your hair’s natural texture makes airport styling less tedious and helps strands hold up to long periods of movement.
Start with dry hair.
For straight hair, mist lightly with sea salt spray to add grit. For curly hair, define curls with a curl cream or mousse.
Gather all your hair into a loose low bun at the nape of your neck and secure with a snag-free elastic. rather than smoothing flyaways, gently pull pieces out to create a soft, layered effect around the face and bun.
Use bobby pins to tack down only the loose pieces that need extra hold.
Finish with a flexible hold hairspray, massaging in with fingers rather than spraying directly to maintain texture.
The undone look disguises sock bun creases and frizzies so you can focus on travel bliss, not hair stress. Embrace the imperfection!
Traveling is the perfect time to have fun experimenting with quick and quirky hairstyles you might not wear everyday.
Braids, buns, twists, and ponytails keep your locks contained while looking fab. The key is working with your hair’s natural texture and needs.
The right airport hairstyle minimizes hassle, keeps strands from going haywire mid-route, and lets you focus on making travel memories.
Which style are you most excited to try on your next journey?
Remember, the perfect airport look should make you feel confident, comfortable and carefree as you embark on new adventures.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the style your own.
Your hair will look great from take-off to landing and beyond when you pick an easy, breezy ‘do made for traveling the skies in style.
