As much as I love going on holiday, something that I don’t look forward to is a long haul flight. I struggle to sleep on airplanes, my skin gets really dry and my hair always ends up looking a little worse for wear, which means I often turn up at my hotel ready for a nap and a big pamper session. However, over the years I have created my own routines that help make flying a whole lot easier. From downloading relaxing meditations on my phone to finding the perfect in flight skincare products, I feel like I am definitely getting better at travelling to those long-haul destinations.
This year, one thing I am really focusing on is my hair health. After years of bleaching and heat styling, my ends aren’t looking their best, so I was keen to know what kind of hairstyles I could wear on a long hail flight to minimise any damage but also mean I’ll still look somewhat put together when I reach my destination.
If you didn’t know, your hair will often rub against the rough chair fabric on flights or trains when travelling which can cause unwanted friction. Plus, if you’re not wearing a protective hairstyle, this could cause further damage. But don’t fear, as I spoke to Ross Kwan, celebrity hairstylist and TRESemmé ambassador, all about the best hairstyles to help prevent this and look stylish in the process. Keep on scrolling for everything you need to know…
4 of the Best Protective Hairstyles for Long-Haul Flights
1. Pigtails
First up is braided pigtails. This is such a great protective hairstyle as Kwan tells me that it doesn’t cause any stress on the hair follicle.
To keep things as gentle as possible, made sure to use a silk scrunchie to secure your braids in place.
Get the look
Slip
Pure Silk Minnie Scrunchies
These Slip silk scrunchies are my personal faves.
Tresemme
Lamellar Shine Finishing Oil
Kwan recommends putting a little bit of this oil on the ends of your hair before styling to add extra shine.
2. Top Knot With Silk Scrunchie
Another great hairstyle is a top knot secured into place with a silk scrunchie. You want to keep the tension on the hair minimal, so don’t feel the need to secure your top knot too tightly.
I personally love this hairstyle as I feel like it gets my hair out of my face while still looking put together and chic.
Get the look
Drowsy
Pillow Scrunchie – Dusty Gold
This silk scrunchie from Drowsy is pretty genius as it “cocoons” your hair, preventing it from pulling while you sleep.
Slip
Pure Silk Large Scrunchies – Sea Mist
I love these summery designs.
3. Low Ponytail
Not only does this ponytail look chic, but it’s super easy to do and will help prevent breakage compared to other hairstyles.
For extra protection, Kwan recommends bringing a silk pillowcase on your flight to prevent unwanted friction.
Get the look
TRESemmé
Leave-In Cream Hair Serum Lamellar Shine
Apply a little bit of this to your ponytail before your flight to keep your hair looking fresh.
John Lewis
Organic Mulberry Silk Standard Pillowcase
This silk pillowcase has lots of rave reviews.
4. Cornrows
If you have curly hair, Kwan recommends a braided hairstyle, from Dutch braids to cornrows. He also recommends travelling with a silk hair wrap to protect your hair from rubbing against the rough chair fabric on the airplane.
A silk pillowcase will definitely come in handy too!
Get the look
Charlotte Mensah
Manketti Oil Finishing Mist
This protective finishing spray is suitable for all curly hair types and will help nourish your hair pre-flight.
A long hail flight essential.
