Vacation Hair Prep: What to Do Before You Travel
So your hair looks good from takeoff to touchdown
Vacations are meant to be relaxing — your hair routine shouldn’t add stress. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a city getaway, or an international trip, a little planning before you travel can make a huge difference in how your hair looks and feels while you’re away.
Here’s how I recommend prepping your hair before vacation so it stays polished, healthy, and easy to manage.
1. Book Your Hair Appointment 1–2 Weeks Before You Leave
The sweet spot for vacation hair prep is about two weeks before your trip — or the week of your vacation if your schedule allows.
This timing is ideal because:
Your haircut still looks fresh
Your color has settled
You have time to adjust or tweak anything if needed
Last-minute hair emergencies are stressful — planning ahead keeps everything smooth.
2. Refresh Your Haircut (Even a Small Trim Helps)
Even if you’re growing your hair out, a light trim before traveling makes a big difference.
A fresh haircut:
Removes dry or split ends
Helps hair air-dry better on vacation
Makes styling quicker and easier
Keeps hair from looking stringy in photos
Think of it as maintenance — not a drastic change.
3. Gloss or Toner = Instant Shine
If you color your hair, I always recommend a toner or gloss before vacation.
Yes, toner will fade a bit with sun, salt water, and pool time — and that’s okay.
Why it’s still worth it:
Adds shine and richness
Helps even out tone before you go
Makes hair look healthier in photos
Gives you that “just left the salon” glow
It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your hair before traveling.
4. Highlights? Plan Them the Month of Your Trip
If you get highlights or lived-in color, try to schedule them within the same month as your vacation.
This gives you:
Fresh brightness without harsh contrast
Time for your color to soften and blend
Lower maintenance while you’re away
Fresh highlights + a gloss closer to your trip is a perfect combo.
5. Grab Travel-Size Hair Products (This Matters More Than You Think)
Hotel shampoo is not your friend — especially for color-treated hair.
I always recommend traveling with mini versions of your regular shampoo, conditioner, and styling products so your hair behaves the same way it does at home.
I carry travel-size minis from Kevin Murphy, which are perfect for:
Carry-on luggage
Beach bags
Gym or pool days
Easy touch-ups on the go
Using unfamiliar products while traveling is one of the fastest ways to end up with dry, dull hair.
6. No Time or Budget for Color? Do a Blowout Before You Leave
If you don’t have the time or budget for a full color service, a blowout the day before you travel is such an underrated move.
A professional blowout:
Makes hair easier to manage for days
Helps styles last longer
Reduces the need for heat styling on your trip
Starts your vacation feeling polished
It’s a simple way to feel put together from day one.
7. Add a Treatment for Extra Insurance
Sun, heat, salt water, and chlorine are all drying — adding a deep conditioning or moisture treatment before your trip helps protect your hair while you’re away.
This is especially helpful if:
You’re traveling somewhere sunny or humid
You plan on swimming
Your hair already feels dry
Healthy hair holds color better and styles easier.
8. Vacation Hair Care Tips While You’re Away
A few quick tips to keep your hair happy on vacation:
Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming
Use a leave-in or lightweight oil on the ends
Avoid daily heat styling if possible
Wear a hat or loose braid in the sun
Low effort, big payoff.
The Bottom Line
Vacation hair prep doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning goes a long way — and your future vacation photos will thank you.
Whether it’s a haircut, gloss, highlights, blowout, or just grabbing the right travel-size products, prepping ahead helps you actually enjoy your trip.