From planning to packing to panicking in your uber on the way to the airport, the road to relaxation is a stressful one. In the whirlwind dash to make it to your flight by boarding time, there’s hardly a moment to grab a decent meal let alone worry about your hair. But lazy-girl staples like ponytails and messy buns just don’t fly on a five hour flight. Between the recycled plane air and the static-inducing seats, air travel leaves your hair feeling grimy, greasy, and unmanageable. Not a great way to kick off your vacay. To solve these problems, we’ve pulled together 7 no-fuss hairstyles to get you through those long travel days. So you can look great at the airport, on the plane, and when you land with ease.
1. Pineapple Ponytail
There’s nothing more uncomfortable or unflattering than the post-plane hair bump and scalp pain that comes with a classic pony. A pineapple pony is the perfect alternative. Pulling those strands to the tip-top of your head keeps your hair off of the headrest for a more comfortable flight experience.
Via @sophmartine
2. Hair Scarf
Add a hair scarf to a classic top knot or low bun and travel like Katharine Hepburn. This old school staple is the ideal accessory to glam up your in-flight ‘do. And 40s glamor isn't its only perk. The hair scarf also hides pesky flyaways and flight-induced oiliness. Win-win.
Via @raymesilverberg
3. Half-Up Fishtail
A solid option for every hair length. Just like a half-bun, this trendy style keeps your mane away from your face. But unlike a half-bun, the fishtail lies flat against the back of your head. It’s the cool-girl answer to your travel-hair conundrum.
Via @hairbyjaxx
4. Double Braids
Bring back grade-school style with a sporty pair of braids. This style keeps your tresses tied up so you can focus on more important things, like the romcom you're streaming or the in-flight work you need to power through. Easy but elaborate-looking, double braids work double time. Rock the braids in flight, then shake them out with a little texturizing spray when you land for vacation-ready waves.
Via @hairbyjaxx
5. Low Side-Braid
Classic, fishtail, dutch, french- the low side-braid is one and done. This style can be done in mere minutes, the ideal solution to your airport time crunch. So you can serve Blake Lively vibes straight off the tarmac.
Via @blakelively
6. Space Buns
Not an intuitive pick, but a good one nonetheless. Positioning your space buns high up on your head and off the headrest provides comfort without compromising cuteness.
Via @vanessahudgens
7. Low Barrette
Great for medium to long hair lengths, the low barrette is easy and eye-catching. Placing a thick barrette at the nape of the neck ensures it won’t press against your head in flight. Its a purposeful look too, perfect for those of us who have post-plane places to be ASAP.
Via @kattthomson
In-flight hairstyle, check. Now get your ultimate vacation hair with THIS new line of styling products by Beachwaver.
Ally Kolsky
Ally Kolsky is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. Her work primarily focuses on fashion, beauty, and entertainment. In addition to her work as a writer, she is currently pursuing a JD at the UCLA School of Law
