What do you curly hair people take in the quart size bag?

I found it is all in the cut and then just let it do it's own thing. Freedom.

Curly hair is definitely its own “special” thing! 😬

I like Aveda’s Be Curly products and use them every day.

For travel, I take their Co-Wash in a 3-oz tube; lasts 2+ weeks for my long-ish curly hair. No need for conditioner since it doesn’t strip the oils out of your hair.

I mix their StylePrep product with their Curl Enhancer (50/50 mix) in a 2-oz tube, also lasts 2+ weeks.

Done.

I use Lewis n Clark’s flat bottles. They take up very little space when full, collapse when empty, and don’t leak (so far!).

My hair frizzes in the eastern US but has a nice curl in Europe--different climate. Since curly hair is dry hair, I use hair oil and can buy some in Europe if needed.

Great topic, venotraci!

First, I check what the climate is going to be like (humid or rainy vs. dry). If it's humid, I bring extra conditioner (decanted into tubes that fit in the quart-sized bag) and try to rinse and condition vs. shampoo (if I can), as that abates the frizz. Then I use DevaCurl b'leave-in, wrap in a towel, then Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls, a gel which has awesome hold (and both products are decanted into the tubes; I get mine from Muji).

If it's drier, I swap the gel for John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Mousse, which is easy to find in travel-sized toiletry sections of drug stores. I also bring hair spray in one of the mini travel sprayers that you can get in a pack from Container Store; these take up practically no room in the bag.

I travel with a little 3.3 oz bottle I fill with Garnier Fructis Hair Creme. It lasts me over two weeks. On this trip I'm currently on, I also brought along a tiny bottle I filled with John Freida Frizz spray and the two, working together, are making my hair look great. I'm 10 days into my trip and both of my bottles are about half empty.

Thick, wavy, frizz prone hair here

I do a small bottle of aveda be curly shampoo, a slightly larger bottle of the conditioner, a travel size style prep, travel size aveda confixor, then a drugstore leave in conditioner. At home I use a hair dryer with diffuser, but that is way too big to bring and dryers without a diffuser just cause serious frizz. So I end up air drying my hair - wash, put all that product in, air dry. Often this leads to lovely loose waves. Occasionally it leads to my hair put up or in a hat! So I also bring a hat and a selection of bobby pins or clips.

I buy 1 or 2oz bottles and tubs from the container store - these seem to fit more easily in the bag. Also, I DO NOT use a ziplock - travel stores sell TSA approved quart size bags that seem to fit more than a ziplock. For example, all the hair products, plus deodorant, contact solution, skin lotion, toothpaste, and a few other tubes of stuff I'm forgetting all fit in my quart size bag.

I only wash every 3-4 days (my hair is dry so doesn't need to be washed frequently) so I always bring a shower cap because while my hair can go days without washing the rest of me cannot! On air dry days I still use the leave in conditioner.

Also, if you are in a big city in Europe, sephora is usually there. Yes, you can go to a pharmacy in any town and get perfectly good hair and skin products, possibly better than the ones at home...but if you want brands you know then remember many are sold there!

First, I get a good haircut before I leave and have my hairdresser put in more layers than usual (I call it a good "thatching"). I have relatively short hair so I don't usually use a lot of product, but I always take a small bottle of Infusium leave-in conditioner (1.5 ounce bottle lasts 4 weeks), a lightweight hair gel (I use this brand), and I bought this travel friendly diffuser for my travel hair dryer which actually worked great! And I always take a hair band or two to pull back the curls on days it is out of control.

A "scrunchie" can be a girl's best friend in humid locales. When a scrunchie or a ballcap is too informal, twisting a ponytail into one of the large comb-like clips works. You'll be on vacation, so don't your hair stress you out...seriously. Took me decades to learn that. I'd start out looking normal in the morning, and an hour (and sometimes just minutes) later...... B O N G G G G. So, why fight it -- scrunch it, cap it, or clip it :)

Still searching for "the perfect solution" for my hair. I unfortunately don't have "wash and wear" hair. It needs to be blown dry with product & styled with occasional flat iron to look presentable. That said, when traveling in humid, sunny weather a hat is my friend. I agree with others who say a shorter haircut, that has been well texturized, AKA "thatched" is beneficial. My current product line include's Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo from Nordstrom's Anniversary sale in July. I like Kenra "perfect blowout" Styling Creme. All said and done I use Aquage transforming paste for lift/shine and promoting random texture. I can transfer any of these products in a TSA required container and they last several weeks. Thanks for all the great recommendations! I may do some more experimenting prior to our upcoming journey.

I have short curly hair and use American Crew forming cream. A tiny bit rubbed into my palms then through my hair works for me. I think it is a guys product, not that it matters! I need so little that even when I am away for a month, I need about an ounce.

After years of travel with frizzy hair, I’ve given up and get a Brazilian blowout three weeks before a big trip. Result? Straight hair that will take a curl with a curling iron.

These posts intrigue me. (See my first post, first poster.) I had extremely thick, extremely wavy auburn hair (have more gray now so is somewhat straighter, and shorter). The first hairdresser I had as an adult (in my 20s, Boston) told me to use nothing on my hair as product ruins the wave/curls. Also, never use conditioner. He told me to comb once, if I have to, and then don't touch it until it is dry. Then it could be combed (but I use my fingers). This works like a charm. I've never used hair product. Is this a regional thing? Or a particular age thing? Did I miss out on something feminine that I should have been educated about? I do come from a family of 3 generations of women who rinse and go...but do look put together. I am honestly curious. These posts are fascinating! I did iron my hair in the early 70s, but other than that... Or is this all about fighting your natural hair? ...which is fine. I'm just intrigued, as I said, and not being difficult, just first I really heard about this...and I'm in my 60s now. :)

Wray, that's interesting. I have always been told by hairdressers that curly or wavy hair is likely to be drier so needs conditioner. Also that you should comb it only when wet (and put product in then), then not touch it when dry. Combing curls makes them frizz for most people. Apparently this is the common advice, going by what other people online say. Before I learned all this I spent a lot of time straightening, because my hair was a poofy mess otherwise. Once I started washing, conditioning, product, done I was able to go with my natural waves and not fuss. A lot of people say this - conditioner and the right products allow them to go more natural, not spend a lot of time with straightening irons or whatnot. If your way works for you, great! Don't change it - but it sounds specific to your hair.

Ah, the difference between curly, wavy and frizzy. I live in a very humid climate, so I look like a Brillo pad with no product. Maybe in New England, I could let it go, but not deep in the heart of southern Indiana. I have a hairdresser who cuts very well, but in summer, I have to see her every four weeks.
I, too, have been instructed to comb my hair only once after washing. In the morning, I use my fingers to go through my hair, never a comb. And the cream and oil goes on before I get anywhere near the door. Then to tame further, I flick the hair into curls to keep it from frizzing.

The texture of my hair has changed as I’ve gotten older, it’s also gotten thinner, so I’ve used many different products throughout my life to maximize my natural hair... which is wavy in some parts, curly in some parts, and frizzy in other parts. Oy. I use Mop lemon grass volume shampoo and Redken Curvaceous conditioner, which I leave in.
I scrunch my hair often as I let it air dry. Then, I at least blow dry my bangs, sometimes all of it with a small round brush (Nano Thermic ceramic brush which holds the heat so it’s quicker than other brushes). I have a small, French blow dryer that works well. I do use a comb after it’s styled during the day, but it’s a big, wide tooth comb that enhances the curl.
Here’s the type of comb I use (but I don’t have this exact one):

https://unitedsalonsupplies.com/aristocrat-9-3-4-rake-comb?gclid=CjwKCAjwg_fZBRAoEiwAppvp-Yyte_A-KV2WCRzkAwUqEPWIle7idWRYIgJymEjL3xQdWo1qO2SFoRoCloEQAvD_BwE

My hair is mostly wavy, thin in texture, sometimes a bit curly. I let it air dry and then usually use a curling iron to bring some order to it. In hot and humid weather, I hate my hair. Sweating makes it greasy looking and frizzy. Cool and humid, on the other hand, gives me nice curly hair without frizz. Further proof that I should live in northern Europe.

“Further proof that I should live in northern Europe”... love that... and same here!

Wavy, shoulder length, highlighted hair here --

There indeed IS no room in those 3-1-1 bags. I no longer pack shampoo/conditioner/smoothing cream/hair spray. I buy the products when I arrive overseas. I love trying new products. Makes things SO much easier this way.

I have thick naturally medium curly just past shoulder length hair and I have perfected my travel needs/routine (works well for real life, too). My curls are very delicate and if miss-handled can get frizzy or lose definition-- oh, the horror. My hairdresser is magnificent and cuts the right layers and also thins every other cut.

I use Mixed Chicks Leave-In conditioner after washing--coat generously, dry for 5 minutes and let it finish on its own. Without it my curls do not have the proper definition. I prefer washing at night to save time in the morning and it looks best that way, home or travel. I calculate how much goop to bring--usually my trips are 12 nights so I fill 3 of the 3 oz travel bottles; I check a bag but at least 1 bottle goes in my 3-1-1 bag.

I can go 3-4 days between washing as I have 3 styles--freshly washed it looks best down, with a side part and sort of Veronica Lake effect. At night it goes up in a high ponytail so I don't mash the curls. Day 2 it gets refreshed with water--I try to avoid adding more product. Day 3 and possibly 4 I sometimes pull the front part back (no bangs, just long layers in front) in a high clip, or do the high fluffy top-knot--ideal in hot weather. I spend maybe 5 minutes on it total, if washed the night before.

christa, can I have your hair please?

Susan—as a teen I hated my hair with a passion and would gladly have given it away! I had it straightened in the mid 70s and it looked awful, like an old paint brush. Then I found a hairdresser who said to find a style that works rather than fight the natural curl and that’s been my mantra ever since.

christa, you and your hairdresser are so right. My hair doesn’t have pretty curls though, mostly thin flat waves and dried out frizz now that I’m older. Not a look I’m going for... 😂

Mixed Chicks products have worked well for me, and now they're available in retail markets. But nothing works for me 100% of the time.

I'm always amused when I visit my hairdresser. You should do this. (I do.) You shouldn't do this. (I don't.) -shakes head- But I do the best I can, and now I no longer care that my hair isn't cute, smooth & straight.

I have long curly hair that is very layered (or else I look like Rosana Rosana Dana!) and I swear by Nexxus promend leave-in Crème. I usually comb through on wet hair, blow dry my bangs only and air dry the rest. Then I never brush or comb my hair again till the next wash (wash every other day), even when I straighten or curl I use my fingers only. I find that it is not so much the shampoo or conditioner but the product afterwards that is the key. All my products fit in my 3-1-1 bag and can last about 21 days (last day is a struggle to squeeze some out). I use a TSA approved plastic bag I purchased on Amazon that fits so much more in that a baggie and I can tetris the items in better. I also deep condition twice a month (Put on in the evening, sleep with it and rinse the next day, has done wonders for my hair). I also use really really good tools, all are ceramic tourmaline, which leave my hair smooth and shiny and I have found some mini/travel ones that do the trick (Babyliss brand or Conair). People think that hair takes a long time, not at all when you have the right products. My hair takes about 6-10 min in the morning, If I want to go silky straight it could be closer to 15 min. When I travel I will do my hair at night and just wake up, run my finger through and go.

I love braids when I travel be it tiny ones in the front only and pulled back, a one big one on the side. I wish I could do hats but I just don't like the feel of them.

Wray- If you do not color your hair or use hot tools on it, there is probably less of a need to care for your hair. I do all of it and I deep condition my hair 1-2 times a month and use product to protect my hair from hot tools or it would look really fried. I am lucky in that my grey is only on top (dark brown hair) and does not run through my whole head, so I just get highlights and have not colored my hair in about 20 years.

Letitzia, You are correct, I don't color my hair or use hot items on it so maybe that is why. (Just a flat iron in the 70's with peer pressure. LOL)

The manner my hair grayed started growing in was with highlights in the proper locations so it worked out well. Now I can't wait until it is totally gray.

I am like a lot of you in that I don't comb my hair after the first wet comb, when it is finally dry (my hairdresser said I could if I had to do so). I'm a little paranoid about saying I never comb/brush my hair because my husband was shocked one day...lol...I should have known that it was ok with all of you. I will run my fingers through it in the morning.

This post has been fascinating. Thanks Venotraci.

haha thank you guys.
I hope it goes on for a bit more.
I totally think the copious amounts of product used on curly wavy hair now has boomed this century.

It has been freeing for me to read what you all do. I try to go as simple as I can. Last time I went over I took a shampoo bar and some hairspray and plopped or wrapped my hair before bed. It worked okay but was a little dry after a few weeks. I just started doing gel on wet hair and that has worked wonders for this 42 year old frizzy top. This time I am bringing conditioner wash, gel, .....maybe hairspray if I can fit it :) I wish I could wash and go... but my wash and go looks a bit crazy with scalp showing through, until day three....or....four hehe
oh I was thinking because my hair loves the humidity in europe that maybe I could do a dry shampoo and wet my hair less. I'll experiment at home first.

I've also enjoyed reading how others handle their hair, can always do with new tips (it took me until I was 52 to perfect the not washing every day routine) and alternate styling product ideas--though I must say Mixed Chicks has been the best for me, doesn't leave flaky residue like a Biolage gel I tried that gave great definition. If by some horrible chance I had to wash my hair and didn't have any MC I would just do the fluffy top knot ponytail and be done with it. In an extreme pinch a bit of hand lotion can also smooth decently.

As I get older and go through the wonderful change of life, I have noticed my hair is actually getting more manageable. Although, perhaps, I'm just now learning what to do with it.
I've just begun reading about cowashing, etc., Thanks to my husband turning me on to the articles!
I am still experimenting with products to find one that works best for my passed the shoulders curly hair. I wash my hair about once every 10 days, refresh in between with a mix of wAter and conditioner in a spray bottle. I'm actually on day 3 hair today, although it was in a pony tail, but the weather in GA in July is ungodly so even if it was as good as day one, it was going on a pony today!!
Ive enjoyed this thread and it's good to know I'm not alone! Lol

Nothing for my older thinning black (henna and indigo) wavy hair is in my 3-1-1 quart bag. I use a solid conditioner bar while on the road. No shampoo for me, although my husband uses a solid shampoo bar. He likes it so much... less dry scalp... he uses it full time. If my hair is a little frizzy, I am known to rub a bit of my solid lotion bar in my hands and gently scrunch my hair up with it. That's it. I finger comb freshly co-washed hair, too. I don't experience a lot of frizz these days, but it will never be completely frizz-free. I can live with that. If all else fails, I clip it up. No one will remember me!

Think of it as an excuse to try a new product! But if you're truly pressed for space, what about a small amount of coconut oil? Straight out of the cupboard, and you can continue to use the rest for cooking. If you've never used it, just allow it to properly melt in your hand and go light at first. Added bonus: you'll smell delicious.

This is a great post! I've got to save this for future reference!

I just got back last month from 2+ weeks in Austria and Croatia. My naturally curly hair is usually just the right amount of curl at home with very little fuss but I do have to use product and I color it as well. On this recent trip I decided, in the interest of saving space, to use the shampoo and conditioner offered in our accommodations and take a travel size mousse. I can't remember the brand but it was a decent so I thought, I'll be on vacation and I don't want to worry with it any way. How bad can it be? Oh my word, was it bad.

Here's what I learned...

Don't count on complimentary toiletries. I have to use conditioner and it was not always offered or it was in a small plastic one-use size that still wasn't enough for my hair. Shampoo and conditioner are readily available at the neighborhood grocery store and even if you have to chunk it, it's not a huge loss. I figured this out a little late in our trip.

Do use a travel size bottle to take your own products. I've seen several recommendations here for travel size bottles that are easy to squeeze and disperse the product. Even ask your stylist if they can get your favorite product in a trial size that would be suitable for travel. Sometimes Ulta has high-end product (i learned cheap product is not going to work well) in trial sizes at the checkout too. I use Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream and John Freida Frizz-Ease Extra Strength Serum. The Frizz-Ease just happens to be 1.69 oz but the bottle is a little bulky. Regardless, both WILL be at my side the next time I pack a suitcase.

Do take advantage of low-maintenance travel partners who don't use up all their space in their quart sized bag. The males in my family are quite accustomed to carrying some girly product or the other in their bag! They would rather do that than hear me rail about my frizzy hair although they do find it humorous.

Happy, frizz-free travels!!

I always carry a bottle of travel sized coconut oil and I typically freeze it. I use coconut oil for shine enhancement, moisturizing my hair, styling my curly hair while traveling, detangling, frizz control and deep conditioning treatment. I also carry a wide tooth comb to detangle my hair and a universal diffuser, that attaches to any hairdryer, to dry my curly hair faster. If all else fails (we’ve all had bad hair days), I just pick up my hair in a quick bun. I always carry a brush, pins, some spray or gel and hear shears.