How to Prep Your Hair for Winter Travel (Planes, Dry Air, and Climate Swings)
Winter travel is hard on hair — even when the trip itself is relaxing. Between airplane cabins, dry hotel air, temperature swings, and long days on the go, hair tends to come back from travel dull, dehydrated, or harder to manage than before.
The good news: most travel-related hair damage is preventable with the right prep.
Here’s how we recommend preparing your hair before winter travel so it stays healthy, polished, and low-maintenance while you’re away.
How flying affects your hair
Airplane cabins are extremely dry. The low humidity pulls moisture from both your scalp and hair shaft, which can lead to frizz, breakage, and tangling — especially for color-treated or extension hair.
Long flights also increase friction from headrests, scarves, and coats, which can weaken hair over time.
That’s why travel prep matters more than most people realize.
What to book before you travel
If you’re traveling during winter, we generally recommend booking hydration and maintenance-focused services before you leave.
These tend to make the biggest difference:
Gloss or toner refresh to improve shine and longevity
Bond-repair treatments (like K18) to strengthen hair before exposure
Trim or dusting to prevent splits from worsening
Extension maintenance so rows sit correctly before long days of wear
Healthy hair holds up better to stress — just like skin does.
How to style for travel days
For travel days themselves, low-manipulation styles perform best.
Depending on your itinerary:
A sleek blowout works well for shorter trips or carry-on travel
A mini upstyle or braid is ideal for long flights, multiple connections, or destination arrivals — it reduces friction and holds shape longer
If you’ll be walking through multiple climates in one day, less daily styling = less damage.
Travel-friendly hair care tips
Before you leave:
Pack a travel-size leave-in or oil (Goldie Locks Signature Serum) for mid-lengths and ends
Sleep with hair loosely secured (braid or low bun)
Avoid over-washing — dry air already strips moisture
After you return:
Book a detox or Malibu treatment to remove buildup from water changes and travel residue
Follow with hydration or repair as needed
Travel doesn’t have to wreck your hair — it just needs a little strategy.