Easy Vacation Hairstyles You’ll Want Every Day ✈️
Vacay vibes call for hair that’s equal parts carefree and camera-ready. Whether you’re catching a flight, soaking in a sunset, or hiking coastal trails, the last thing you want is a complicated hair routine. That’s why we’ve rounded up the easiest vacation hairstyles you can do in minutes—no stylist, salon, or stress required.
From beachy waves to chic braids and airport-proof buns, these low-maintenance looks will have you feeling fresh, free, and fabulous. Let’s get into it.
Hair Tools & Travel-Friendly Must-Haves
You don’t need a full salon kit to travel smart. These compact essentials make styling a breeze:
- Travel-size dry shampoo
- Detangling comb
- Heatless curling ribbon
- Silk pillowcase (protects hair overnight)
- Foldable travel hairbrush
Easy Vacation Hairstyles
These styles are perfect for those dreamy vacation moments—from sunrise hikes to seaside dinners. You’ll find looks that travel well, feel comfortable in heat or humidity, and look great in every selfie.
1. Beachy Waves Without a Curling Iron
Nothing says vacation like effortless beachy waves. Skip the curling iron and embrace a heatless routine that works while you sleep. After showering in the evening, towel-dry your hair gently with a microfiber hair towel to reduce frizz. Then, divide it into two or more braids and sleep on it.
In the morning, unravel the braids and run your fingers through your hair. Spritz in a texturizing sea salt spray to enhance volume and add that lived-in beach texture. Finish with a touch of anti-frizz serum if needed. This is one of the easiest ways to look stunning without any tools.
Perfect for: Ocean getaways, tropical cities, or road trips with no time for hot tools.
2. Messy Bun With a Twist
The messy bun is a classic for a reason—it’s quick, chic, and holds up to travel. But on vacation, we like to give it a little flair. Start by brushing your hair into a high ponytail. Then, twist and wrap your hair into a loose bun, leaving some face-framing strands out for softness.
Add a playful twist with a colorful silk scrunchie, a patterned scarf, or a few gold hair pins to elevate the look. This style is especially great for those moments when your hair feels less than fresh, but you still want to feel put together.
Great for: Travel days, beach outings, or casual dinners with a view.
3. Half-Up Knot for Photo Days
The half-up knot is one of those styles that looks way more polished than the effort it takes. Simply grab the top half of your hair (from temples back), twist it into a mini bun, and pin it in place with a spiral hair tie or sturdy bobby pins.
This keeps hair out of your eyes, adds volume, and works beautifully with both curls and straight hair. To add texture, mist your ends with a volumizing spray or gently tease them. This style works especially well for taking travel photos—you get the full-face frame without sacrificing movement or playfulness.
Ideal for: Sightseeing days, walking tours, or markets where you’ll be snapping lots of pics.
4. The Braided Headband
This dreamy, romantic style gives off that fairytale-on-vacation vibe. Start by parting your hair in the middle. Take a small section from just above your ear on one side, braid it, and pull it across the crown of your head like a headband. Secure it behind the opposite ear with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side if you want a double-braided look.
Use a light-hold gel or cream to smooth flyaways, and spritz with humidity-resistant hairspray if you’re in a hot or tropical location. This is the go-to style for adding elegance without heat or fuss.
Best for: Romantic dinners, museum visits, or dreamy evenings watching the sunset.
5. Claw Clip Magic
Claw clips are officially back—and honestly, we’re thrilled. They’re the MVP of travel-friendly hairstyles. With just one clip, you can create a stylish updo, a French twist, or a casual half-up style in seconds.
Try twisting your hair into a loose roll and clipping it vertically for a classic look, or clip just the top half up to give your hair dimension. Look for sturdy, travel-sized claw clips that won’t snap mid-style. The best part? No hair dents or heat damage, even after hours of wear.
Ideal for: Poolside lounging, long train rides, or mid-hike refreshes.
Easy Casual Hairstyles
Vacation isn’t always about lounging—it’s also about exploring, moving, and staying present in the moment. These casual hairstyles are ideal for active days when you want to feel confident and carefree without spending extra time in front of the mirror.
6. Side Braid With a Loose Vibe
This laid-back braid adds charm without looking too “done.” Start by gathering your hair to one side, just below the ear. Loosely braid it and secure the end with a clear no-snag elastic. For extra softness, gently pull each section of the braid apart to make it look fuller and more relaxed.
Let a few face-framing strands fall naturally. This simple style holds up well to wind, sun, and long walks, while still looking photo-ready. If your hair is layered, a touch of styling cream will keep shorter pieces from flying away.
Great for: Wandering cobbled streets, coastal hikes, or browsing open-air markets.
7. High Ponytail With Volume
The high ponytail is a timeless travel hairstyle—and it doesn’t have to feel basic. Flip your hair forward and gather it at the crown of your head to create natural volume. Secure with a strong elastic hair band and tug gently at the roots for lift.
To elevate the look, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic. Secure it with a pin underneath. Spritz with light-hold hairspray for extra staying power, especially in humid spots. Sleek or messy, this style works with every outfit and mood.
Ideal for: Sightseeing, cycling, or trying street food with friends.
8. Bandana Wrap
For those days when you just need to cover up a little vacation hair chaos, a bandana is your stylish best friend. Fold a cotton bandana into a triangle, place it on your head with the point at the back, and tie the ends underneath your hair near the nape of your neck.
This look works for any hair length or type and offers extra sun protection for your scalp. Bonus: It adds a pop of color and personality to even the most minimal outfits. You can match it to your swimwear, denim, or travel dress for an effortless style statement.
Best for: Beach days, scooter rides, or when you’re skipping the hair wash.
9. Double Twists
Double twists are simple, versatile, and surprisingly elegant. Part your hair down the middle and take a section from each front side. Twist each piece away from your face and pin it behind your ears with mini clips or discreet bobby pins.
This keeps your hair out of your face while letting the rest flow freely. It works beautifully on freshly washed hair or even slightly wavy second-day hair. Add a dab of smoothing balm for hold, and you’ve got a style that’s quick but put-together.
Perfect for: Brunch spots, waterfall hikes, or train rides with scenic views.
10. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail adds playful volume and holds up even after a long day out. Start with a regular low or mid ponytail. Then place small elastic bands every few inches down the length. Gently tug at each section to create a puffed “bubble” effect.
This style is a conversation starter—it’s fun, functional, and looks amazing in photos. If you want to glam it up, wrap a scarf at the base or add decorative elastics. For travel days, it stays neat and avoids tangling in backpacks or seats.
Great for: Amusement parks, picnics, or long road trip stops.
Plane Hairstyles
Let’s be real—no one feels glamorous on a long-haul flight. But your hair doesn’t have to suffer. These plane-proof hairstyles are comfortable enough to sleep in, won’t leave dents or tangles, and still look cute when you land.
11. Low Braided Ponytail
This is a go-to for flight days. Start by brushing your hair back into a low ponytail, securing it with a satin scrunchie to avoid creases and breakage. Braid the ponytail loosely and tie the end with a soft elastic.
It keeps your hair tangle-free, contained, and comfy—even if you lean your head back for a nap. When you land, simply unravel the braid and shake out instant waves.
Perfect for: Long-haul flights, overnight trains, or even road trips with naps in between.
12. Sleek Bun With Leave-In Conditioner
Flights can dry out your skin—and your hair. Combat the dehydration with a slicked-back low bun using a leave-in conditioner or styling cream. Apply it evenly through damp or dry hair, brush it back into a low ponytail, twist, and pin into a bun.
This style seals in moisture and keeps your hair neat while you travel. Bonus: It looks polished at passport control and still feels soft when you take it down.
Ideal for: Early flights, airport lounges, or any travel where you want to step off the plane looking fresh.
13. Headband and Bun Combo
Need comfort, style, and no flyaways? This combo wins every time. Start with a soft fabric headband—wide enough to cover your hairline and hold everything in place. Then pull your hair into a low bun or chignon at the nape of your neck.
The headband absorbs oil and holds your hair together while adding a cozy travel-day look. You can even pair it with a hoodie or neck pillow and still feel cute.
Best for: Long flights, chilly cabins, and walking straight from the plane to your hotel lobby.
14. Loose French Braid
A single French braid down your back is surprisingly low-effort and protects your hair from knots and static. Start at the crown of your head and braid loosely all the way down, securing with a coiled hair tie that won’t pull or leave dents.
Use a light-hold styling spray to keep the braid soft but in place. When you arrive, unbraid for easy waves and volume—no heat needed.
Great for: Window seat naps, windy tarmacs, or when you plan to head straight into exploring post-flight.
15. Twisted Low Space Buns
Split your hair into two sections and twist each into a loose bun behind your ears. Secure with scrunchies or mini clips. This look is playful, gentle on your scalp, and won’t mess with your comfort if you lean against a neck pillow.
Even better, it adds personality to your outfit—and takes under two minutes to do.
Perfect for: Budget flights, early departures, or trips with kids where you need both hands free.
Best Travel Hair Products That Actually Work
The right tools make all the difference when you’re on the road. These compact, effective hair products are favorites for a reason—they save time, protect your hair, and fit perfectly in your carry-on.
1. Travel-Size Dry Shampoo
A must-have for reviving flat or oily roots without water. Spray a little into your scalp, massage it in, and brush through. Look for formulas that are talc-free and tinted if you have darker hair.
Our pick: Batiste Travel-Size Dry Shampoo
2. Leave-In Conditioner Spray
Hydrates dry ends, detangles after a swim, and adds softness with zero effort. Great after pool days or beach winds.
Try: It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Travel Size
3. Compact Detangling Brush
A palm-sized brush with flexible bristles that easily glides through wet or dry hair—without pain or breakage. Essential for post-beach showers or windy adventures.
Reader favorite: Tangle Teezer Compact Styler
4. Heatless Curling Ribbon
Create overnight curls without electricity. Wrap damp hair in the ribbon before bed and wake up to soft waves—no damage, no hassle.
Great option: Satin Heatless Curling Set
5. Silk Pillowcase or Hair Wrap
Protects your hair from friction and dryness while you sleep—especially helpful in hotels or vans with less-than-ideal linens.
We recommend: 100% Mulberry Silk Travel Pillowcase
6. Multi-Use Styling Balm
Tame flyaways, smooth ends, or refresh curls with a compact balm that fits in your purse. Doubles as lip or skin balm in a pinch.
Handy pick: OUAI Finishing Crème Travel Size
Final Thoughts: Hair That Moves With You
Vacation is all about freedom—freedom to explore, to rest, to feel like your best self. These easy vacation hairstyles aren’t just quick fixes—they’re feel-good rituals that travel with you. Whether you’re road-tripping through mountains, strolling coastal towns, or hopping flights across continents, your hair can keep up with every plan, every moment, every adventure.
So let go of the fuss. Embrace the breeze in your hair, the last-minute mornings, and the spontaneous plans. You’ve got travel-ready styles at your fingertips—plus products that truly work wherever the road leads.
Ready to feel light, stylish, and free? Try a few of these vacation hairstyles and see which ones become your new travel staples. ✈️
