Airplane skin, we’ve all experienced the uncomfortable skin dryness while flying one time or another. Well, as it turns out, airplane hair is a thing, too.
While traveling 36,000 feet up in the air, the humidity in aircraft cabins usually falls to less than 20 percent (as opposed to the normal 30 percent), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This, in return, can suck out a lot of the moisture from your skin, leaving you with an incredibly parched, tight and dehydrated complexion.
And according to L’Oréal Paris expert and celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Colombini, the low humidity at such a high altitude can also do a number on your hair. Just as skin becomes dry in the air, hair also loses its much-needed moisture and nourishment. As a result, your strands can look dull and lifeless, feel rough and brittle, and even develop breakage and split ends — no thanks.
Luckily, the effects of airplane hair are treatable. It all comes down to the nourishing products you use and when you apply them. Ahead, we share the best tips for taking care of hair on a long flight so you can step off the runway feeling and looking model chic.
Prep Your Hair Before Take-Off
Before you board or even arrive at the airport, it’s important to take precautionary measures to help prevent hair dryness and damage. That means reaching for hair care products with ultra-nourishing ingredients that deeply condition.
Layer on Nourishing Hair Products
Colombini also suggests applying nourishing products — such as lightweight serums, oils and leave-in conditioners — while on a flight to protect and add moisture to your mane. Just be sure to run a dime-size amount through your mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots, to prevent a weighed-down look.
Tip: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) only allows travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or less on carry-on bags. So, if you plan to care for your hair on your flight, make sure to have a travel-size product or transfer your oils, serums and creams into a smaller container.
Wear A Loose Hairstyle
When you’re on a long flight, avoid very tight hairstyles with elastic scrunchies (think: sleek ponytails and ballerina buns). Tighter ‘dos can pull and tug at your strands, while elastics can cause friction, leading to unwanted hair breakage and damage.
Instead, wear your hair loosely in a low ponytail or a braid with friction-free hair ties, clips or bobby pins that won’t wreak havoc on your hair. For those with a natural texture, you can wrap your tresses in a silk or satin headscarf to protect your spirals and coils and prevent any frizz or flyaways.
Use A Silk or Satin Travel Pillow
On overnight flights, make sure you get your beauty sleep on a silk travel pillow. Pillowcases made from cotton tend to be rougher on the hair and can cause breakage, frizz and tangles. When you switch to a silk or satin option, you can avoid unnecessary hair damage while you snooze.
Refresh Post-Flight
Upon landing, revive lifeless hair post-flight by spritzing on dry shampoo. This will add texture and volume, and also soak up any oils on your scalp.
Via: Lorealparisusa.com
