You may be soaking up every second of vacation, but your curls might need a little extra care to keep up. Between the dry airplane air, salty ocean breeze & all that glorious sun, they might need more TLC compared to at home.
Wondering how to wear your natural hair on vacation? Just like your skin deserves SPF, your hair needs protection & a little planning ahead to thrive no matter the backdrop.
But there’s no need to overpack or stress. A few intentional products & protective practices for every element can help your curls stay nourished, defined & ready for wherever your trip takes you. Whether you’re rocking curly hair on vacation or switching it up with braids, you’ve got options.
Pre-Trip Prep: How to Get Your Curls Ready for Vacation
Effortless curls? (Okay, maybe they take a little effort.) But with a touch of planning & the right care, your locks can stay vibrant & healthy without taking time away from sun-drenched beach days or those dreamy, scenic hikes.
Here’s how to give your hair a little extra love before you jet off:
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Clarify your scalp & strands – Start fresh by gently cleansing away product buildup & impurities. Reach for a hydrating shampoo that won't strip your curls, like the PATTERN Cleansing Shampoo, infused with Aloe Vera & Matcha Green Tea to help soothe the scalp & support stronger strands. A clean canvas equals better moisture absorption.
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Deep condition for strength & shine – After clarifying, it’s time to bring in the hydration. The PATTERN Intensive Conditioner delivers rich moisture with ingredients like Avocado Oil & Shea Butter, helping curls soak up nourishment & work to protect against damage from dryness. You could also try a mask like our Breakage Barrier Hair Mask to fortify against breakage.
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Trim those ends – Split ends can attract frizz & stunt your length goals. A light trim helps curls look & feel their healthiest (aka defined, soft & ready for any climate).
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Pre-style with intention – Keep it easy on travel day. A sleek bun, flat twists or a protective braided style (hello goddess braids) helps your curls stay preserved & protected en route. Bonus: they make restyling a breeze once you arrive.
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Set realistic hair goals – Every trip is different & so is your curl care routine. Whether you’re lounging oceanside or chasing adventure, tune into what your hair really needs on this trip & don’t stress about keeping it perfect. If you're strutting your natural hair on vacation, the goal isn't perfection—it's protection & hydration.
Must-Have Travel Products for Natural Hair
You’re narrowing down whether to pack five swimsuits or six. But when it comes to hair care, you don’t need to sacrifice precious suitcase space to keep your curls thriving. The secret? Intentional picks that do more with less.
Here’s what to bring along for the ride:
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Travel-size essentials – You adore your full-size routine, but vacation calls for light packing. The PATTERN Texture Travel Kit has your back, with TSA-friendly bottles of our Leave-In Conditioner, Intensive Conditioner & Cleansing Shampoo. Compact & powerful, it’s made to keep your curls moisturized & poppin’ no matter where you land.
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Multitasking products – When a product can moisturize & define, that is a travel win. The PATTERN Styling Custard delivers hydrated hold for twist-outs, slick backs & everything in between. It’s the curl chameleon that fits effortlessly into your routine when traveling.
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A misting bottle – A spray bottle is your on-the-go reset button. The PATTERN Juicy & Joyful Mist Spray Bottle delivers the perfect, even mist for reviving second- (or third-) day curls. Pro tip: mix in a touch of your go-to oil for a custom hydrating cocktail your hair will drink up.
How to Keep Curls Moisturized in Different Climates
If you’ve ever hopped from a humid beach town to a high-altitude escape, you know that curls react to climate just like your skin does. Different temps & moisture levels call for different hair rituals.
Luckily, a little prep & the right moisturizing hair products can keep your curls lush & thriving no matter where your passport takes you. Here’s how to tailor your hydration routine to your destination:
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Dry climates – Whether you’re desert-bound or exploring a sunny city with bone-dry air, your curls may feel parched & your scalp might get tight or flaky. Reach for thicker, moisture-rich formulas like our Styling Cream. Infused with Sweet Almond Oil & Cacay Oil, it is designed to deeply nourish, seal in hydration & keep curls soft & defined.
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Humid climates – From tropical beaches to lush rainforests, humidity can swell the hair cuticle, leading to puffiness, flyaways & frizz. The key? Lightweight curly hair products that shield without smothering. The PATTERN Shine Spray offers a delicate veil of protection that smooths & enhances shine, letting your natural texture flourish in all its glory.
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Cold or windy weather – Chill in the air? Blustery breezes? Worry not. Try layering the PATTERN Leave-In Conditioner with a few drops of your favorite Jojoba or Argan Oil to lock in moisture & create a barrier against the elements. When possible, tuck your curls into a protective style to avoid wind-whip & tangling.
Sun, Salt & Chlorine: What Your Hair Needs to Stay Safe
Between pool dips, ocean breezes & golden-hour strolls, vacation is a vibe—& so is protecting your curls through every moment. Here’s how to shield your strands so they stay strong & ready for every photo opp.
Chlorine & Salt Water
Sure, those sparkling pool waters are calling your name (& we’re not saying don’t answer), but underneath the refreshing dip is one not-so-refreshing ingredient: chlorine. While it keeps the pool clean, chlorine is also known for stripping hair of its natural oils.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, chlorine dissolves the very lipids that act as your hair’s protective armor, leaving your curls more vulnerable to dryness, breakage & frizz.
But don’t worry—your hair doesn’t have to sacrifice moisture for pool (or beachside) fun. Here’s how to prep like a pro:
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Pre-soak & protect – Before diving in, soak your hair with clean, fresh water. Then apply our Leave-In Conditioner or a light oil (like the PATTERN Jojoba Oil Blend or Argan Oil Blend). This helps saturate your strands, so there’s less room for chlorine or salt to sneak in.
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Cover or contain – Not into post-swim detangling? Pop on a swim cap or tuck your curls into an easy protective style, like cornrows or a braided ponytail. It helps reduce exposure & makes rinsing a cinch.
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Rinse ASAP – The moment you step out of the water, rinse your curls with fresh water. The quicker you remove chlorine or salt, the less time they have to dry out your strands.
Sun
We’re all about soaking in the sun’s good vibes—but just like your skin, your curls can get sun-scorched, too. UV rays can break down proteins in the hair, leading to dullness, dryness & color fade (especially for chemically-treated hair).
To keep your curls thriving under the rays:
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Style smart – Rock a wide-brimmed hat, satin-lined cap or a silk scarf when you’re out in the sun for long stretches. Bonus points if your headwear comes with UV protection for extra coverage.
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Deep condition regularly – After a long day out, treat your curls to some extra TLC. Apply a product like the PATTERN Intensive Conditioner after shampooing, let it sit for 10 minutes in the shower & rinse with cool water to lock in all that goodness.
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Stay hydrated (inside & out) – Hydrated curls start with a hydrated you. Keep up your water intake & don’t be afraid to mist your curls with water & a leave-in conditioner cocktail throughout the day.
Protective Hairstyles That Make Traveling Easier
On travel day, few things get you from point A to point B smoother than a go-to protective style. These vacation braids are designed to go the distance—keeping your curls tucked, stylish & stress-free:
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Braided bob – Looking for travel braids that are chic with a low-maintenance vibe? A braided bob brings the best of both worlds—style & simplicity.
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Twists – Quick to install & easy to refresh, twists (or mini twists) are the reliable travel companion your curls deserve.
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Faux locs – Long, luscious & ready for anything, faux locs & passion twists serve major looks & handle humidity like a pro.
Pro tip: Planning to rock a protective style beyond travel day? Pack a hydrating mousse like the PATTERN Curl Mousse & your go-to hair oil to help keep your style moisturized, defined & fresh.
Nighttime Hair Care Tips While You're Away
When you’re caring for curls or coils, your nighttime routine matters just as much as your daytime one. Caring for your hair at night is key to making the most of your vacation curls or summer braids no matter how far you are from home.
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Pack a travel pillowcase – Don’t feel like bringing your bonnet or scarf? A silk or satin pillowcase is your backup bestie, letting your curls glide freely while you sleep, reducing friction & frizz.
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Go for loose braids or a pineapple – These styles help keep your definition intact & make your morning refreshes smoother & quicker.
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Keep it light – You’re on vacation, after all. Give yourself permission to simplify your routine. Focus on moisture, a gentle nighttime style & letting your curls live a little.
Jet-Set, Road-Trip & Wander Freely with PATTERN
When you’re out making memories, your hair should feel just as carefree as you do. Luckily, a little prep goes a long way. With the right products & a simple game plan, you can stay photo-ready from sun-up to sundown, rocking low-maintenance luscious curls every day of your getaway.
PATTERN has your back, no matter where your travels take you. Our full lineup of shampoos, conditioners, stylers & tools is made with curlies, coilies & tight-textured hair in mind. Packed with naturally nourishing ingredients (& scents you’ll want to bottle up forever), you can build your perfect travel routine with ease.
Adventure confidently & style effortlessly with PATTERN.
Sources:
UMBC. Why does your hair curl in the summer? A chemist explains the science behind hair structure. https://umbc.edu/stories/why-does-your-hair-curl-in-the-summer
AAD. Must-Try Summer Hair Care. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/summer-hair-care
