I don't generally travel with a ton of hair products because if I'm only gone for a weekend, I usually won't wash my hair. If I'm going to the lake or on a road trip, I'll just toss my full-size products in the car and don't think twice about bringing whatever I want.
I just got back from Italy, and for one leg of our trip, we took a regional airline with baggage weight restrictions... which is a new variable for me. My suitcase is almost always overweight, and normally I just pay the overage and move on. With this airline, though, there's an actual weight limit per bag, so I have to be much more selective about every single thing going into my suitcase.
Because of that, I think it's pretty telling which products actually make the cut. When space and weight are at a premium, you realize which things feel essential to your day-to-day routine. These are the haircare products that came with me to Italy!
For shampoo and conditioner, I usually just use whatever the hotel provides. If I end up not liking their options, I'll just pop into a store and buy something locally rather than taking up valuable suitcase space with bottles from home.
I've been using all 4 of these products for many years and would highly recommend them.
This bond repair hair mist makes an immediate difference in how my hair feels. I use it after washing, before styling, and it helps make my hair feel smoother. I especially love it for my highlighted hair because it helps with that dry, slightly rough feeling I can sometimes get through the ends without weighing my hair down. It also adds a shiny finish and makes my hair feel healthier. This travel size is great because you can try it without committing to a full bottle since it is pricey. I just refill this little travel-size bottle as it is more cost-effective that way!
This is not a heat protectant, which is important to note. I actually used it for years just assuming it was!!! Think of this product more like a repair serum/treatment. It is designed to help strengthen damaged hair, reduce breakage, and improve the feel of hair. I think of this as the step that helps address damage rather than protecting my hair from heat.
This blow-dry mist is the product I ordered once I realized the Wella product above is not, in fact, a heat protectant. This mist is more of a styling product for me. I use it before blow-drying because it helps smooth the hair and cuts down on frizz and flyaways. It also provides heat protection, so I rely on it to help protect my hair from the heat of the blow dryer and hot tools.
The problem it solves for me is mostly frizz and that slightly puffy texture my hair can have after washing. It helps my hair dry smoother and look shinier without feeling heavy or coated. This smells absolutely wonderful but isn't overpowering.
I reach for this hair mask when my hair feels dry. It is supposed to help strengthen weakened hair while adding moisture, so it is especially nice if you highlight or use hot tools.
The problem it solves for me is that it hydrates my hair and gives it more shine. I don't use a mask like this every wash, but I love having it on hand for when my hair feels like it needs a bit more help.
There are many hair masks I use and love, but this is definitely one of my top favorites, as I think it makes the biggest difference in just one use. The travel size is small and is probably only enough for about 2-3 hair washes for me.
This cream styling wand tames flyaways and frizz. It's as small as a lip gloss, so I tuck it away in my handbag. Besides my handbag, I always have one in my makeup bag and one in my bathroom at home. The wand has bristles like a mascara wand, so you can quickly touch up your hair on the go. I've tried the less costly options, but I truly think this is worth the higher price tag, since the cream melts into my hair and it isn't noticeable. Some of the others I have tried don't have as nice a styling wand, so the application is uneven, and the product can get goopy and crunchy.
This gives my hair a much more polished look without having to use hairspray all over.
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