15+ Easy Travel Hairstyles for All Hair Types (2025 Guide)
Ever found yourself in a gorgeous location, phone ready for the perfect travel photo, only to realize your hair looks like it just survived a hurricane? Been there!
As someone with long hair who’s taken thousands of travel photos, I know that vacation hair struggles are real.
Your hair isn’t just hair during vacation – it’s literally part of your travel outfit and can make or break those dreamy Instagram shots.
This post will help you find the perfect hairstyles for your travels. This list includes no-heat hairstyles and quick touch-up options with hair tools.
Quick links for your cooking journey:
- [Check out my recommended travel curling irons with dual voltages]
- [Check out my comprehensive travel hair tips that will save your day]
Quick No-Heat Travel Hairstyles
These heatless styles work on any hair and they only require minimal products. Most hair styles, do not require much heat styling, you can braid it, put your hair in a bun and just release some random loose strands. And you have that look. And you don’t need to damage your hair with styling tools at all!
Messy bun tutorial that stays all-day
The secret to a perfect messy bun isn’t just throwing your hair up – it’s all about strategic placement and the right twisting technique. This style works beautifully for second-day hair and will stay secure through out your traveling days.
Clean Girl Look, Slick Bun
This one of the trendy and sleek looks, that is perfect for both fancy dinners and casual sightseeing. The key is using the right brushing technique to minimize bumps.
Sleep-in braids that create beach waves
Create natural waves overnight by braiding slightly damp hair before bed. When you wake up, just undo the braids and run your fingers through your hair. The tightness of your braid will determine how defined your waves will be.
Quick pull-through braid variations
Pull-through braids look complicated but they’re actually just ponytails stacked on top of each other. They work well for keeping hair secure during activities and you can adjust how tight or loose you want them.
Space buns tutorial
Perfect for those days when you want your hair completely off your face and neck. These work especially well for shorter to medium-length hair and can be worn either sleek or messy depending on your preference.
Milkmaid Braid Tutorial
This style keeps all your hair off your neck while looking put together. It works best on second-day hair since clean hair can be too slippery to hold the style. The key is making sure your initial braids are secure.
Rocking Short Braided Hair Style
Even with shorter hair, you can still create interesting braided looks. These work particularly well for keeping layers and shorter pieces contained during travel activities.
@.ashley.kay recreating hailey bieber’s braided half-up half-down 🤍🎀 #hairtok #hairtutorial #halfuphalfdown #shorthair #haileybieber #shorthairstyleinspo #shorthairstyle #swifttok #taylorswift #daylight #noheathairstyles #heatlesshairstyles #greenscreen ♬ King of my heart – • taylor < 3
Hair Styles With Hair Accessories
Hair accessories are a traveler’s best friend – they’re lightweight to pack and can instantly transform your look. Plus, they’re often gentler on your hair than elastic bands and can help you create styles that last longer through out the day.
4 Simple and Easy Hair Styles with a Hair Stick
Hair sticks are incredibly versatile and take up almost no space in your bag. They work particularly well for medium to long hair and can hold your hair more securely than you might expect. The trick is learning how to twist your hair in the right direction so the stick stays in place.
Hair Styles With French U-Pins
U-pins are perfect for creating quick updos that look more polished than a regular bun. They distribute the weight of your hair better than single pins, which means your style stays put longer. These work especially well for thick hair that tends to slip out of regular clips.
Easy Hair styles with Claw Clip
Claw clips are having a moment right now, and for good reason. They’re perfect for creating quick updos that don’t damage your hair. The key is choosing the right size clip for your hair thickness – too small and it’ll slip, too large and it’ll feel bulky.
Heat-Styled Travel Hairstyles
Sometimes you need a polished look that requires heat styling. Just remember to always use heat protectant and check your hotel’s voltage requirements before plugging in your tools. These styles are worth the extra effort when you want to look more put-together.
Curly Look for Long Hair
This style is incredibly versatile – once you’ve curled your hair, you have a base for multiple looks throughout your trip. Wear it down for dinner, throw it in a messy bun for sightseeing, or create a quick half-up style for lunch.
The curls add texture that actually makes updos hold better and look more intentional, even as they loosen over a few days.
Curly Look For Short Hair
Short hair can hold curls really well, and often requires less time to style than longer hair. The key is using smaller sections and smaller curling barrel size and alternating the direction of your curls for a more natural look.
@.ashley.kay had to use this curling iron on my short hair 🤭 what do we think?? 👀 #hairtok #tightcurls #shorthair #shorthairstyles #hairtutorial #curlyhair ♬ original sound – ⭐️
Wavy Look For Short Hair
This relaxed style works great for short hair when you want something that looks effortless. You can achieve this look with a hair straightener and just a few quick waves, perfect when you’re short on time.
@.ashley.kay this literally takes me 15 minutes & it’s so easy 💅🏼 (products: @Aveda light hold hairspray & @IGK Hair flexible finishing hairspray) #hairtok #hairtutorial #shorthair #shorthairstyles #shorthairtutorial #beachywaves #sabrinacarpenter #shorthairwaves #howtostyleshorthair ♬ buy me presents – Sabrina Carpenter
The 90’s Blowout Look
This volumized style has made a huge comeback. While it takes a bit more time, it’s worth it for special occasions. The style actually holds up well in different weather conditions and can last several days with proper care.
Half-Up, Half Down Wavy Look
Perfect for when you can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down. It gives you the best of both worlds – keeping hair off your face while still showing off length and style.
Airplane Friendly Hairstyles
Long flights can be rough on your hair, and the last thing you want is an uncomfortable style digging into your head while you try to sleep.
This style is specifically chosen to be comfortable against airplane seats while keeping your hair neat during your journey.
Two Twist Braids
Simple, comfortable, and practical – these braids lie flat against your head so you can rest comfortably. They also help prevent tangles during long flights, and when you take them out, you’ll have subtle waves perfect for your arrival.
Plus, they work with any hair type and keep your hair completely off your face during the flight.
5 Tips For Having a Good Hairstyle
Now that we’ve covered various styles, here are some essential tips to help your travel hairstyles look their best and last longer:
Tip For Best styles for different hair lengths
Fine hair works best with styles that create volume, while thick hair benefits from styles that help control and distribute weight. Shorter hair often holds styles better but has fewer options, while longer hair offers more versatility but might need more products to hold.
Tip For How to Make Styles Last Longer
Start with day-old hair when possible – clean hair is often too slippery to hold styles well. Use dry shampoo strategically, and always secure styles with additional bobby pins in key spots.
Tip For Product-free options
Many styles can work without any products – focus on twist-and-pin techniques and braiding patterns that create natural hold. This is especially useful when you’re trying to pack light.
Tip For Quick touch-up techniques
Keep a small brush and a few bobby pins in your day bag. Learn which parts of your hairstyle typically need fixing first (usually around the face) and focus on those for quick fixes.
Tip For Tips for humid weather
Work with your hair’s natural texture rather than fighting it. In humid conditions, styles that embrace a bit of frizz or volume often last longer than ones trying to maintain a super-sleek look.
Final Thoughts,
Having good hair doesn’t have to be complicated when you travel. The key is choosing styles that work with your natural texture and lifestyle.
Remember – the best travel hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident while being practical enough to let you enjoy your adventures.
Pro Tip: Before your trip, practice these styles at home so you can perfect your technique. This way, you’ll know exactly how long each style takes and which ones work best for your hair type.
