Catch flights, not hair anxiety!
You know that feeling when you’re rushing through airport security, and your locks look like you just wrestled with your luggage and lost the battle? Because, let’s be honest, most hairstyles aren’t built for the chaos of travel (cramped seats, cabin air, random naps, and those tiny bathroom mirrors that make even simple touch-ups feel like performing surgery).
So, if you need a travel-friendly glam, we have some cool hair ideas for you! We’ve found the top five airport hairstyles that will keep your tresses at bay, even if your flight takes hours. Check them out and enjoy your trip with a beautifully styled mane!
There’s a reason the messy bun remains the unofficial uniform of travelers worldwide. It just works! The beauty lies in its comfy and practical feel since a few hours of leaning back won’t flatten it, and that airplane pillow won’t destroy your work!
To create it, flip your head forward and gather your locks into a high ponytail, leaving the last pull-through only halfway complete to create a loop. Wrap the remaining ends around the base and secure with another elastic or pins. Then pull gently at sections of the bun to add volume and texture. The key is accepting imperfection. Those wisps and bumps are what make it travel-proof!
Nothing says “I didn’t just spend eight hours on a plane” quite like a perfectly slick style. To get the look, apply a generous amount of smoothing hair cream to damp or dry hair. Then use a bristle brush to work from your hairline all the way back, smoothing every strand into a high ponytail position.
Twist the pony into a loop bun, turning and tucking the ends as you go, then secure the bun at its base with pins or another elastic. Use a hair stick or finishing wax to tame any flyaways along your hairline and part.
For those of you who genuinely prefer wearing your hair down but know that loose hair and airplane travel rarely mix well, this headband style offers the perfect compromise. You get the comfort of hair off your face during the flight without committing to a full updo.
Part your hair down the middle for balance, then place a headband about an inch back from your natural hairline. Take the front sections on either side and brush them forward over the headband, flipping them toward your face so they drape naturally and conceal the band along the sides. That’s it! You’re ready to go.
Why choose between comfort and style when you can create effortless beachy waves during your flight? This twist-and-go technique is simple but delivers those iconic soft curls that look like you spent an hour with a curling iron.
The secret is in the rope braid method that sets while you travel. Start with two thin front sections and twist them together, adding more strands as you go. The continuous twisting creates a natural texture that sets into loose, flowing waves. Once you land, simply unravel the twists and run your fingers through for a soft texture you can wear straight from the plane to dinner or drinks.
If you’ve got a long-haul flight ahead, why not make those hours work for your hair? This genius technique uses travel time to create gorgeous, bouncy curls without any hot tools, meaning you can literally sleep your way to salon-worthy results. First things first, pack satin flexi rods in your carry-on (they’re TSA-friendly and compress easily).
Once settled on your flight, section your hair starting with the front. Wrap this section around a flexi rod, curling it toward your face, and secure it on top of your head. Repeat with side sections and the back, adjusting the rod placement for comfortable sleeping. Tie a silk or satin bandana over everything to keep rods secure and reduce friction. Upon landing, finger-comb gently for soft, voluminous waves!
Make your travel easier with the right airport hairstyle that makes you feel like yourself once you step off the plane. And as you plan your next trip, consider experimenting with our online hairstyle changer to see which cut works best with your face shape, hair texture, length, and personal aesthetics. Find your perfect match and regain confidence!
