For some products, I don’t mind buying whatever is on sale, but this is not the case with shampoo. When I find something that makes my hair smell AND look great, I stick with the brand. In fact, I’ve only changed when my favorite shampoo was discontinued!
I know I could purchase a bottle of shampoo once I arrive at my destination, but I prefer to pack my own. For most of us, liquid shampoos are our first choice, but are they always the best solution?
Liquid shampoo
Liquid shampoo is my go-to shampoo when I travel, no matter where I’m going and how long my trip will be. While two-in-one shampoo plus conditioner products are available, I prefer to use a separate shampoo and conditioner.
Where do you fall on the bottle size debate? Do you pack a travel sized bottle, adhering to carry-on baggage liquid restrictions, or do you toss a regular sized bottle in your checked luggage?
Carry-on bottles must be 3.4oz/100ml or less in volume. On short trips, when I save checked baggage fees by traveling carry-on only, I opt for the travel sized bottle. If I’ve checked a bag, I almost always pack a regular sized bottle, as it is better value for money.
Pros:
- Bring your favorite shampoo with you on the road! You’ll love the way your hair smells and feels.
Cons:
- Sometimes the travel sized bottle just isn’t enough, especially if you have long or thick hair.
- Regular size bottles can spill if you do not pack them correctly and can take up precious room.
Dry shampoo
I have not used dry shampoo, but I’ve regularly seen it available in two different styles – paper shampoo (or shampoo sheets) and canned or bottled dry shampoo (which may actually be a liquid!).
Paper shampoo is available in paper-thin sheets that are approximately 1×2 inches per sheet. You can find the sheets in small packets, roughly the size of a package of dental floss, and each packet holds 30 or so sheets.
Pros:
- No spills in your luggage.
- Pack it in your carry-on bag.
- It’s small and lightweight.
Cons:
- You will most likely need multiple sheets to product enough lather, so one package of sheets won’t last for long.
- The sheets can be difficult to individually remove from the package, especially when your fingers are already wet in the shower.
Dry shampoo is often sprayed on the roots of your hair, and the shampoo then absorbs or breaks down oil and grease. This gives you a clean look, and some products also add volume to your hair and make styling easier and longer lasting.
Pros:
- Running short on time? It’s super quick to use.
- No access to a shower? You can use this anywhere.
Cons:
- Dry shampoo is a short term solution to producing a clean look – you will still want a lathering shampoo for a trip of more than a few days.
- Some products come in an aerosol can, and like liquids, these are restricted by volume for carry-on luggage.
>> Read Caroline’s post on how to use the dry shampoo (plus find out her favorite brand!)
Shampoo bar
If you want to avoid a traditional liquid shampoo but aren’t too keen on dry shampoo, consider a shampoo bar. A shampoo bar is solid and similar to the size of a bar of soap used to wash your hands or your body. I tried Lush’s natural Godiva shampoo + conditioner bar, and Caroline loves Dr. Bronner’s products, one of which is a solid shampoo bar.
To use a shampoo bar, first thoroughly wet your hair. Next, slide the bar from the roots of your hair to the tips. With the Lush bar, I used 3 slides on the left, middle, and right of my head, and my hair is 5-6 inches past my shoulders. Play with the number of times you may need to apply the product to product enough lather for your hair!
Pros:
- There are no accidental spills in your luggage to worry about.
- You can always stash the bar in your carry-on luggage.
Cons:
- Shampoo bars can melt if they are left in water (e.g., on a shelf in the shower) and do not dry. Remove them from the shower and store in a tin designed for shampoo bars or soap dish.
- Some people, including yours truly, do not like the feel of their hair after using a shampoo bar.
>> For more about shampoo options, read about the best concentrated shampoo for travel and eliminating shampoo altogether!
What is your shampoo packing solution when you travel? If you love a dry shampoo or a shampoo bar, let us know!
I have very difficult hair. I travel with good shampoo and conditioner with no regrets. My mini hair dryer and full size GHD flat iron are among my most favored items I packed and was told not to. Lastly, the Oscar Blandi bottle of dry shampoo you show here is the absolute best for those days when you can’t or don’t want to wash! It’s amazing and I can go 3 or more days without a proper wash and still look and smell clean!
3+ months on the road, 13 countries later!
Great feedback, Amber! Also glad to see that Caroline’s pick for dry shampoo has been recommended by others. I’ll have to go and buy some!
Thanks Amber! I haven’t dried that brand but it’s great to have another gal saying she loves it!
I’ve never heard of a shampoo bar. Good to know it exists!
I actually have refill bottles for when I travel. That way I can pack a small bottle that I can take with me as carry-on AND have my favorite shampoo with me. Hema (a Dutch chain) sells these refill bottles, but I’m sure other stores do as well.
I usually don’t do real long term traveling, so the refill botles are a good option for me. I also use them for body lotion, day cream etc.
If I would go on a looooong trip, I think I’d prefer my brand of shampoo in my check-in bag.
Or I’d stay in hostels and hotels that offer shampoo:D
I am a no ‘poo girl. Plus I have a pixie cut.
I buy baking soda and vinegar at my destination… or I just buy some of those small travel size packs and use them. Chances are if the trip is under a month I won’t need to wash my hair much – and a lot can be washed out in only water!
That said, I don’t scrimp on the showers, dependent on destination! – I use a lot of body wash and deodorant. 😉
If you don’t like the residue left by Lush shampoo bars, you’ve got to try Basin solid shampoo! I’ve considered switching from my usual shampoo to this for every day. One bar lasts a long time, too.