Curly-haired travelers, I feel your pain. I know that maintaining awesome locks on vacation can sometimes feel like an impossible challenge. I know that changes in water and humidity and water are only the beginning—there’s also sun and wind to contend with, not to mention the on-off of hats all day.
And since fixing frizzy hair is a process, I also know it makes far more sense to get it right the first time, when you’re fresh out of the shower with your products at the ready. Here are some tried-and-true faves that curly-haired travelers swear by.
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Deva Curl Travel Kit
DevaCurl's Trial and Travel Kit keeps hair fiercely curly without frizz by blending a wash-to-finish set of products. No-Poo, a co-washing alternative, pairs with a conditioner that can double as a leave-in. There's a gel for styling, plus a spray that protects hair from frizz. Note that these products aren't good if you're looking to calm your curls; they're geared toward making the most out of every twist.
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DevaCurl-Travel-Kit.jpg.webp)
Deva Curl Travel Kit
DevaCurl's Trial and Travel Kit keeps hair fiercely curly without frizz by blending a wash-to-finish set of products. No-Poo, a co-washing alternative, pairs with a conditioner that can double as a leave-in. There's a gel for styling, plus a spray that protects hair from frizz. Note that these products aren't good if you're looking to calm your curls; they're geared toward making the most out of every twist.
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Perfect-Curl-Cream.jpg.webp)
Perfect Curl Cream
Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream is a powerhouse against humidity, and unlike mousse, it can be squeezed into a travel-sized bottle. It's non-sticky and battles frizz while also adding great shine to hair. It even creates curl definition for coarse curls that have other ideas.
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Bb.Curl_.jpg.webp)
Bb.Curl
Worth the splurge, Bb.curl by Bumble & Bumble takes a one-size-doesn't-fit-all approach to curly hair. Instead, Bb.curl products are geared toward different curl types—waves, spirals, ringlets, coils, and corkscrews.
Because it's more expensive than many other curly-hair products, you'll get better value buying a larger bottle and refilling your own travel-size bottles, rather than buying the higher-priced-per-ounce travel-sized versions.
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BeachBabe Texturizing Hair Spray
BeachBabe Texturizing Hair Spray is useful if you're willing to embrace a wilder look on vacation—but want your hair to look beach-tousled rather than beach-pummeled. The sea-salt spray eliminates frizz but leaves the volume and craziness of curly hair in its natural element.
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Co-Wash Cleansers
Legions of curly-haired people swear by co-washing—washing hair with conditioner alone. The approach cleans hair without stripping the natural oils and keeps curly hair smoother and easier to manage. For travel, try the affordable SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser, which offers affordable suds-free washing that helps hair stand up to humidity in a variety of destinations.
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Microfiber Towels (or a T-Shirt)
Curly haired friends don't let other curly haired friends dry hair with a terrycloth towel. Why? According to curly-hair experts, the rough fibers cause frizz. Luckily, the alternatives are travel-friendly. A microfiber towel—or simply an old T-shirt—is a perfect tool for frizz-free drying and scrunching.
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Diffusers.jpg.webp)
Diffusers
There are plenty of curly-haired people who forgo the daily blow dry, but if you swear by the magical power of dry heat, you're going to need a travel-size diffuser. The Curly Co. has a collapsible diffuser that packs flat and fits on almost any hair dryer.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Foldable and Collapsible Shoes Perfect for Your Carry-On
- 7 Products to Keep Your Summer Glow
- 10 Walking Shoes You Won’t Be Ashamed to Wear in Public
Christine Sarkis is the proud owner of curly hair. Follow her on Twitter @ChristineSarkis and Instagram @postcartography for more advice about making every vacation the best vacation.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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