Packing the right toiletry items can be stressful. However, when it comes to shampoos the sheer number can make things complicated. We are here to give our best recommendations for travel shampoos and to give you tips on how to keep your hair clean and moisturized while you travel!
TSA Shampoo Allowances
The first requirement that you have to check when packing shampoo is TSA requirements. You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. One key item to remember is the size of the container and the amount of fluid you have. For example, you may have a bottle of shampoo that says it contains 6 ounces but really you have 4 ounces. The TSA at checkpoint will still ask you to toss your bottle.
The amount of liquid inside the container does not matter if the the container looks to be over 3.4 ounces. I have often made the mistake of packing a perfume with what appears to be 3 ounces. However, once at the TSA checkpoint because the bottle read over 3.4 ounces I was asked to discard it.
There are no restrictions for checked luggage. However, we recommend that you are modest in the amount of shampoo you carry. Liquids can quickly add weight to your baggage. You want to avoid a fee for having an over weight bag.
Dry Shampoo
Dry Shampoo is a product in powder or spray form that you can use to clean hair without wetting it. As per Cleveland Clinic, these alcohol or starch based sprays removes the grease and oils from the hair and adds volume. Some dry shampoo have aerosol spray while some have tinted powder to match hair color.
Dry shampoo can be a great addition to your travel bag since it is anti-spillage. However, it is still considered and aerosol which has TSA restrictions. The TSA limits aerosol sprays to 3.4 ounces as well.
The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). See the FAA regulations for more information.
Permitted aerosol release devices (button/nozzle) must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release.
Benefits of Dry Shampoo
One of the benefits to dry shampoo is that it comes to in powder form. If you do not want to be inconvenienced with worrying about aerosols, dry shampoo provides a great alternative.
Dry shampoo provides a simple way to get rid of the look and smell of dirty hair and oiliness. When you use a little bit on your locks, you can once again enjoy cute hairstyles without worrying about your mane looking greasy or unclean. Dry shampoos also come in a variety of scents that’ll help make your hair smell fresher.
For instance, if you have dark hair, there are specific dry shampoos made to blend in with your color and not leave that white flaky finish that makes your hair look like it was tossed with baby powder. If you have extra oily hair, there are dry shampoos made to soak up excess oil and leave a matte finish.
Dry shampoo is convenient for long travel trips and trips in which you will be out with nature.
The Downside to Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo may also leave residue on your scalp. Without regular shampooing with water, that residue will build up. If you don’t clean your scalp and use only dry shampoo, you can get rashes and inflammation there. You can also get dandruff if you use dry shampoo too often without properly washing your scalp.
Additionally, shampooing in the shower clears away bacteria and yeast. It can help you avoid clogged pores in the scalp and washes away styling products.
Experts recommend that you still wash your hair with shampoo and water a few times a week as part of your routine. People with hair that is not dry or oily can usually wash it two or three times a week. Those with curly or textured hair usually follow other hair care routines and may wash it less often.
Once you get to your final destination, consider washing your hair with actual shampoo and water. The last thing you want to have on a vacation is scalp inflammation.
Using Dry Shampoo
Use dry shampoo correctly to prevent damage to hair and scalp build-up. Hold the bottle about 6 inches from your head and spray only as much as needed. Once you’re done spraying, massage your scalp or run your fingers through your hair to make sure the dry shampoo gets spread evenly and can’t be seen.
Experts recommend using it no more than 2 days in a row. They also recommend using it for no more than 3 months at a time, to avoid scalp and hair damage.
There are many types of dry shampoo. Some add volume to your hair. Others are for extra oily hair, and still more claim to cover undyed roots. You may have to try a few products to find the one that works the best for you. If you end up picking the wrong color, the dry shampoo can discolor your hair temporarily. For example, if you have blonde hair but pick a dry shampoo for brunettes, you may have dark spots in your hair.
Recommended Dry Shampoos
Dry shampoo can be very convenient for all trips whether flying, driving, or cruising. Below are the dry shampoos we recommend based on reviews.
Dove Dry Shampoo
Dove’s dry shampoo leaves hair feeling almost suspiciously clean, closer to the freshness of a real shampoo than any other product we tested. The spray is fine and leaves behind little to no visible residue or chalky buildup in any hair type, from thin, light hair to thick, dark locks. The spray doesn’t weigh hair down or stiffen it up, but on the flip side, it doesn’t add too much volume, either. Dove products are also easy to find at any convenience store or online retailer.
Detox Drybar Shampoo
Detox DryBar dry shampoo is the quintessential dry shampoo: Though not a texturizing spray, it adds high-impact texture and volume and zaps grease and excess oil with just a little spritz. It’s amazing and effective. It has the brand’s classic, musky salon scent that can be perfumey, if not overpowering at times. It leaves behind some residue that can leave roots feeling a little chalky after use, but the trade-off is incredible volume. The spray comes in both light and dark tones to match your hair color.
This is a spray like Dove and will be regulated by the TSA and FAA. This product is also not as affordable as the Dove Dry Shampoo.
Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
With over 9,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon — boasts the ability to work for all hair types without leaving behind visible residue. If you’re constantly figuring out how to deal with an oily scalp, this is the answer to your prayers. This dry shampoo guarantees getting rid of an oily scalp.
Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Dry Shampoo
According to the brand, it’s safe for color-treated hair and shoppers love that it’s an affordable option that gets the job done. It has a list of natural ingredients such as rosemary, oats, and peppermint. These ingredients will leave your scalp refreshed and your hair smelling great.
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo
Moroccanoil dry shampoo is great for dry, dehydrated, or curly hair. It’s infused with argan oil, so it moisturizes as it de-greases and it actually leaves hair feeling clean and silky instead of chalky and dull, while still adding some volume. It comes in both light and dark tones to match hair, and a little scalp massage totally eliminates any visible residue. Its light vanilla scent is not overwhelming and an added bonus.
Batiste Dry Shampoo
The waterless formula absorbs dirt and grease and leaves behind a subtle lavender scent. It’s also great for those with thin hair, as it helps to break up strands and add texture. This product has been on the market for awhile and has remained at the top of best performing dry shampoos.
Why Moisturizers Are Important
Moisturizing your hair during travel is also important. Depending on where you travel to: sun exposure, humidity, dirt, and saltwater are merely a few of many environmental factors that can damage your precious locks. Additionally, the cold recirculated cabin air in flight can dry your hair out an make it look limp and greasy.
Locking in moisture and moisturizing your hear is also important of hair care during travel. The changing of the climate plays a huge role in when your hair needs extra moisture. When we travel, we can go from hot to cold temperatures quickly. This does not give our hair an opportunity to adapt.
For example, winter produces cold, dry air. Indoor heaters are on, sucking moisture out of the air around you as well as your hair. Everyone should be moisturizing their hair during the winter months, but individuals with coarser or drier hair may need it all year long. This is especially important when traveling.
Tips on Keeping Hair Hydrated
There’s no need to wash your hair every single day. The scalp has natural essential oils that maintain the hair’s pH level. Washing it every day actually does more harm than good as it makes your locks go dry. Ideally, you should wash your hair every two to three days, ultimately depending on what you want.
You might want to consider using swim caps to keep your hair dry. However, if you’re someone who loves to swim in the ocean or the pool, you can always keep your hair protected by using an oil or leave-in-conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
First, hair conditioner should not be applied to the roots. The hair that does need regular conditioning is anything that’s able to fit into a ponytail. Apply conditioner from where the hair tie would go all the way down to the end of the ponytail. Try a leave-in conditioner if you regularly experience spells of dry hair.
Leave-in-conditioner is especially important when traveling for a long time or if you are going swimming. A leave-in-conditioner will protect your hair from the harsh chemicals of pools and from the drying effects of salt water.
Hydration is also Key
Hydrating your hair is not only about using the right hair products. Keeping your locks moisturized is also about ensuring that you are staying hydrated during your travels. It can be difficult to keep hydrated when traveling. Flying is already dehydrating due to the altitude and and recirculated air of the flight cabin.
Your hair is thirsty, too. Dehydration is the number 1 reason for most peoples’ hair worries. When your hair lacks water, it dries out and gets frizzy. It is important that you drink water to keep your hair from drying out as you travel.
the hair structure is such that the moisture in the strand evaporates easily, leading to dry hair. Each strand of hair has the medulla at the centre — the innermost layer. The middle layer, known as the cortex, surrounds it.
The cortex is what gives your hair its texture, curls, elasticity and shape. If the outer layer, cuticle, is loosely placed, it allows the moisture to escape from the hair. This in turn causes dry hair that is weak and breaks easily.
The more hydrated your hair, the healthier your hair stays. When you keep your hair well hydrated, it reduces hair fall, gives your hair a shine and you have thick, strong and healthy hair.
Best Products to Hydrate Your Hair
To keep your hair hydrated during your travel, we recommend that you use a combination of oils and leave-in-conditioners. Using the combination of these two products will also help protect your hair from the harsh elements of pools, beaches, hot and cold weather.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is mostly used as a moisturizer for skin and hair because it is full of fatty acids, mainly oleic acid and linoleic acid. These oils have been shown to lubricate the hair shaft and help your hair maintain moisture.
Argan oil is also rich in vitamin E, which provides a fatty layer to your hair and scalp that may help prevent dryness and can help reduce fizziness and boost shine. Make sure to pack a small container with this magic oil to moisturize your hair.
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
This leave-in ascended to cult-favorite status thanks to its ability to do a a myriad of things (smooth, detangle, add shine, color-protect, heat-protect) in very convenient spray form. Great for on the go, it can be spritzed on damp or dry hair to quickly deliver benefits. Many beauty and convenience stores sell TSA friendly bottles. This can be sprayed on to protect hair before going to the beach or to keep hairstyles in place.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the richest natural source of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), special types of fatty acid with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are very nourishing to the body. It is especially high in the C12 chain of MCFAs known as lauric acid.
Coconut oil’s properties allow it to penetrate hair in ways that other oils are not able to, which is why some people notice amazing results relatively quickly when using coconut oil for hair.
This is because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain structure, which reduces the protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair.
For best results, studies suggest coconut oil is best used before or after shampooing.
Infusium 23 Leave-In
Infusium 23 miracle therapy leave-in treatment is a weightless formula with natural healing properties that instantly delivers protection from split ends, brittle breakage, flyaways, tangles and styling damage with no residue or sticky build-up. Works great on wet or dry hair. Perfect for all hair types.
It also perfect for travel as it keeps hair greatly hydrated and moisturized. This is an oldie but a goodie.
Jojoba Oil
An oil extracted from the seeds of an American shrub, jojoba oil can make a great leave-in treatment or a hydrating mask. This oil helps to promote a healthy inflammatory response in the skin (where the hair lives), leading many experts to believe jojoba oil can help support a healthy hair growth cycle. For in-shower use, mix jojoba oil with conditioner to reap all of the hydrating benefits without weighing your strands down.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple of at-home beauty. When applied topically, olive oil can help induce anagen, the growth phase of hair. In its natural state, olive oil is not the best for use as a styler; however, the ingredient is wonderful for pre-wash and wash day use. Mix olive oil with other good-for-you must-haves, like avocado and honey, to create a mask. Rinse with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and your scalp and strands will be renewed.
Best Shampoo and Conditioner Combination
Sun Bum Hair Tripper
The Sun Bum Hair Tripper is a travel size kit consisting of a revitalizing shampoo, a conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, a dry shampoo, and a coconut oil-infused conditioning comb to nourish and strengthen the hair. The nutrient-rich formula of the shampoo and conditioner is enriched with coconut oil, banana, hemp seed oil, quinoa protein, and sunflower seed oil to manage frizz and offer smoothening effects. The dry shampoo boosts volume and keeps your hair smelling fresh while on the go. The conditioner spray detangles the hair and prevents frizz and split ends. products also detangle the hair and prevent scalp irritation.
Argan Oil of Morocco Combo
The shampoo and conditioner from OGX are infused with high-quality Moroccan argan oil that deeply penetrates the hair shafts to strengthen them from within. It also restores shine and softness and protects your hair from heat and UV ray damage. They sell TSA compliant bottles.
Oribe Gold Lust Repair Shampoo and Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner set combines century old healing oils like cypress, argan, and maracuja to rejuvenate hair and give it a youthful and healthy appearance. It’s formulated for all hair types, but especially hair that’s been damaged from styling and processing over time.
R+ Co TV Perfect Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
R+Co’s perfect hair shampoo and conditioner provides body and shine; strengthens, softens, and smoothes all at once; and includes ingredients like Juniper berry extract to help maintain optimal oil balance of the scalp and detoxify hair follicles.
Pantene Intense Rescue Shots
Although not a shampoo and conditioner combination, these are miracle workers. Quick hair treatments on the go? Yes please. These Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots come in single-dose tubes and contain a deep absorbing blend of Pro-Vitamin B5, natural glycerin that protects strands from environmental stresses and heat damage. All you need is one minute from start to rinse and you’re immediately closer to smoother, softer hair.
Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner
Are you into hair? You’ve probably already heard of Olaplex. The brand has a cult following which is what initially led me to try it out – and WOW. I honestly have never had such smooth and soft hair as I get from using the Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo and No. 5 Conditioner – for real. But my absolute favorite thing about this brand, is that the products come in perfect 3.3 oz travel sizes, and are super concentrated. A shockingly small amount of the shampoo thoroughly suds up all of my hair – including my inhumanely long and thick extensions, and the travel size actually lasts me for weeks.
Travel Tips
Make sure that when you are packing your various hair care items that you check TSA requirements . While traveling with hair care items might feel overwhelming, try to relax. Even if you don’t pack all necessary items you will always have the opportunity to buy products when you arrive at your final destination.