7 Hair Products Every Curly-Haired Traveler Needs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.