16 Vacation Hairstyles for Every Kind of Destination
I learned the hard way that vacation hair needs a plan. On my first trip to Europe, I packed my favorite flat iron, plugged it into an outlet adapter in my Rome hotel room and watched it smoke, fizzle and die in about ten seconds. My hair spent the rest of the trip in a ponytail, and my flat iron went straight into the bin.
Since then, I’ve traveled to beaches, mountains, deserts and busy cities, and I’ve learned that every destination asks something different of your hair. Salt water, snow, dust, wind, roller coasters and even hard water can all change how your hair behaves.
So I’ve organized these 16 vacation hairstyles by destination: the beach, the ski slopes, city breaks, desert and safari trips, cruises, camping, theme parks and lake getaways. For each, you’ll find a short packing list, what it’s climate-proof for, and stories from my own travels.
Beach Vacations
Sun, sand and salt water call for easy, relaxed styles.
1. Salt-Spray Waves With a Silk Scarf Headband
Loose, beachy waves created with a little sea salt spray, finished with a silk scarf tied as a headband. The scarf keeps hair out of your face and protects your hairline from the sun.
Packing list: travel-size sea salt spray, silk scarf
Climate-proof for: sun, wind and humidity
2. The Wet-Hair Slicked Low Bun
After a swim, comb your wet hair back with a little leave-in conditioner and twist it into a low bun. It looks intentional, chic and perfect for a beachside lunch.
On a trip to the Mediterranean, I wore this almost every afternoon after swimming. People kept asking if I’d done it on purpose. I always said yes.
Packing list: leave-in conditioner, wide-tooth comb, elastic
Climate-proof for: wet hair and salt water
Ski and Snow Trips
Hats, helmets and dry mountain air need protective styles.
3. Low Braids Under a Beanie or Helmet
Two low braids starting behind your ears fit comfortably under a ski helmet or beanie and stay neat all day.
Packing list: two elastics, satin-lined beanie
Climate-proof for: cold, wind and helmets
4. The Twisted Low Knot With an Ear-Warmer Headband
A low, twisted knot at the nape with a fleece ear-warmer headband. It’s warm, practical and cute for après-ski.
Packing list: elastic, bobby pins, ear-warmer headband
Climate-proof for: cold, dry air
City Breaks
Long days of walking, sightseeing and dinners out.
5. The Sleek Low Ponytail With a Tortoiseshell Clip
A polished low ponytail finished with a tortoiseshell clip. It’s elegant enough for museums and dinners, and easy for long days on your feet.
Packing list: elastic, tortoiseshell clip, small brush
Climate-proof for: busy days of walking
6. The Hotel Hot-Air-Brush Blowout
A bouncy blowout created with a compact, dual-voltage hot air brush. It’s perfect for evenings out in the city.
After my flat iron disaster in Rome, I bought a dual-voltage hot air brush. On my next city trip, I had salon-style hair every evening, with no smoke and no surprises.
Packing list: dual-voltage hot air brush, heat protectant
Climate-proof for: dinners and nights out
Desert and Safari Trips
Dust, heat and strong sun call for covered, protected hair.
7. The Bandana-Wrapped Braided Bun
Braid your hair, twist it into a bun and wrap a bandana around your head. It keeps dust out and protects your scalp from the sun.
Packing list: elastic, bobby pins, cotton bandana
Climate-proof for: dust, sun and heat
8. The Wide-Brim Hat With a Low Braid
A low braid worn under a wide-brim sun hat. The braid stays neat, and the hat shades your face and neck.
My friend wore this on a desert tour in Morocco and said it was the only way she survived the afternoon heat with her hair (and her sanity) intact.
Packing list: elastic, packable sun hat
Climate-proof for: strong sun and heat
Cruises
Windy decks by day and elegant dinners by night.
9. Formal Night Glam Waves With Pearl Pins
Soft, glamorous waves with one side pinned back with pearl pins. It’s perfect for cruise formal nights.
Packing list: travel curling wand, pearl pins, hairspray
Climate-proof for: indoor dining rooms and evening events
10. The Wind-Proof Bubble Ponytail
A high ponytail with elastics every few inches, creating bubbles. It stays secure even on the windiest deck.
Packing list: several elastics
Climate-proof for: strong ocean winds
Camping Trips
Limited showers and outdoor adventures call for low-maintenance styles.
11. Two Dutch Braids for Multiple Days
Two Dutch braids can last several days without restyling, perfect for camping trips with limited shower access.
On a three-day camping trip, my sister and I braided each other’s hair on the first morning. By day three, our braids still looked good, even after hiking, swimming in a lake and sleeping in a tent.
Packing list: two elastics, satin scarf for sleeping
Climate-proof for: outdoor living and multiple days
12. The Messy Top Knot With Dry Shampoo
A quick messy top knot with a little dry shampoo at the roots. It’s easy, quick and practical in the outdoors.
Packing list: travel-size dry shampoo, scrunchie
Climate-proof for: heat, sweat and no showers
Theme Parks
Long days, roller coasters and lots of photos.
13. Space Buns
Two space buns stay secure on rides and look fun in photos.
Packing list: two elastics, bobby pins
Climate-proof for: fast rides and long days
14. Braided Pigtails With Scrunchies
Two braided pigtails with scrunchies at the ends. They’re secure and won’t whip into your face on roller coasters.
Packing list: two scrunchies, elastics
Climate-proof for: rides, heat and crowds
Lake and Cottage Getaways
Relaxed days on the water and evenings by the fire.
15. Air-Dried Texture With a Headband
Let your hair air-dry naturally after swimming, then push it back with a soft headband for an effortless look.
Packing list: soft headband, leave-in conditioner
Climate-proof for: swimming and relaxing
16. The Kayak-Ready Low French Braid
A low French braid that keeps hair secure while kayaking, paddleboarding or boating.
Packing list: one elastic
Climate-proof for: wind and water sports
Packing Hair Products for Flights
If you’re flying, check your airline and airport rules for liquids. In many places, including the United States, carry-on liquids must be in travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, packed together in a single clear, quart-size bag. To save space:
- Choose multi-use products, like a leave-in conditioner that also styles.
- Try solid products, like shampoo bars and solid hair oils.
- Decant products into small travel containers.
- Pack aerosols carefully, checking airline rules.
Hair Tools Abroad: Voltage Matters
Different countries use different electrical voltages. Many hair tools designed for one voltage can overheat or break when plugged into another, even with a plug adapter. An adapter changes the plug shape, but not the voltage.
To avoid my Rome flat iron disaster:
- Choose dual-voltage hair tools designed for travel.
- Check the label for the voltage range before plugging in.
- Use a voltage converter if your tool isn’t dual-voltage.
- Consider leaving heat tools at home and choosing heat-free styles.
Dealing With Hard Water
In some destinations, the tap water contains more minerals, known as hard water. It can make hair feel dry, dull or coated. To protect your hair:
- Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo occasionally.
- Deep condition to restore softness.
- Rinse with filtered or bottled water if your hair is very sensitive.
Theme Park Ride Safety
On rides, loose accessories can fly off and get lost, or even pose a safety risk. Before you ride:
- Remove loose clips, headbands and sunglasses.
- Choose secure styles like braids and buns.
- Keep accessories in a zipped bag until after the ride.
Hotel Hair Dryers
Hotel hair dryers are often less powerful than the ones at home. If you rely on a strong blow-dry:
- Bring a compact travel dryer that’s dual-voltage.
- Let your hair air-dry partially before using a weaker dryer.
- Choose styles that don’t need much heat.
Final Thoughts
The best vacation hairstyle depends on where you’re going. Salt water, snow, desert dust, ocean winds and roller coasters all call for different styles. With the right plan and a small travel kit, your hair can look great from the moment you arrive until the flight home.
Check your destination, pack accordingly, and enjoy your trip without worrying about your hair.
Where are you traveling next? Let me know in the comments below.
