Best Travel-Friendly Hairstyles For Long-Haul Flights

Last Updated on 19th May 2023

Picture the scene, you’ve spent hours researching flights, hotels or the best deal for your romantic cruise. You’ve packed, gone to the airport, and queued for check-in and security. And now you can finally relax with a cheeky Weatherspoon’s drink and pre-holiday selfie before that long-haul flight with hours spent sitting in cramped seats and dealing with dry cabin air.

For many travellers, the last thing on their minds is their hairstyle, as comfort and convenience take precedence. So in this article, we will explore the top five best travel-friendly hairstyles for long-haul flights.

These hairstyles are easy to do and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for travellers with bed head who want to look their best without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or a vacation destination, these travel hairstyles will help you arrive looking and feeling great even after resting the back of your head on a headrest all flight.

1. Top Knot

The classic Top Knot hairstyle offers a practical and convenient option for individuals seeking a low-maintenance hairdo during extended periods of travel.

This hairstyle involves gathering the hair into a high bun on top of the head, secured with bobby pins or a hair elastic. Tutorials can easily be found online, demonstrating various techniques and tricks to achieve the perfect bun.

Accessories can be added to elevate the Top Knot to avoid the Croydon facelift look, such as scarfs, headbands, or hairpins.

The Top Knot is often compared to the messy bun, but the Top Knot is a neater and more structured version so perfect choice of long haul hairstyles.

The fishtail braid on lovely auburn hair
An easy hairstyle that holds more than a traditional ponytail and messy bun

2. Fishtail Braid

This hairstyle is versatile and can be styled in many ways for women with long hair, such as the French braid, messy bun, waterfall twist, Dutch fishtail, half up half down, braided crown, twisted ponytail, double braid, side swept, and boho waves.

The fishtail braid is an excellent choice for long-haul flights because it keeps the hair off the face and neck, which can be uncomfortable during long flights.

The fishtail braid is also easy to create, and it does not require any special tools or products.

The hairstyle can be created by dividing the hair into two sections, taking a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section and crossing it over to the right section. Repeat the same process on the right section, and continue alternating sides until the end of the hair is reached.

The fishtail braid is a great option for those who want to look stylish while also being comfortable during long flights.

3. Low Side Braid

A low side braid is a versatile and easy braided low-maintenance hairstyle that can be created in a matter of minutes with a bobby pin and can stay in place for hours. This hairstyle can help keep your hair away from your face and out of the way during your flight, making it a practical choice for air travel.

Additionally, a low side braid can be styled in various ways to suit different preferences. For a more casual look, a messy bun or twisted ponytail can be added to the braid. For a more formal look, a half up half down or sleek ponytail can be created by incorporating the low side braid.

Loose waves or a crown braid can also be added to the braid for a more bohemian vibe, while a bubble ponytail or French twist can give it a more sophisticated look.

Overall, a low side braid is a practical and stylish hairstyle that can be a great option for a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.

4. Pineapple Ponytail

This hairstyle involves gathering hair at the crown of the head and securing it with a hair tie, creating a ‘pineapple’ shape that resembles the fruit.

The Pineapple Ponytail keeps hair off the face and neck, making it a comfortable option for air travel. Additionally, it maintains its shape even after hours of sitting in an airplane seat.

To achieve a perfect Pineapple Ponytail, start by brushing hair to remove any knots or tangles. Then, gather hair at the crown of the head and secure it with a hair tie.

For those with longer hair, wrapping the hair tie around the hair twice can create a more secure hold. To enhance the look, try adding accessories such as a scrunchie or headband.

Overall, the Pineapple Ponytail is a versatile and travel-friendly hairstyle that offers both comfort and style.

Travel-Friendly Hairstyles: Blonde girl with space buns
A simple hairstyle will leave you feeling first class when travelling long haul

5. Space Buns

Space Buns is a hairstyle that involves dividing the hair into two sections and twisting each section into a bun on the top of the head, creating a fun and playful look reminiscent of the buns worn by Princess Leia in Star Wars.

This hairstyle is perfect for long-haul flights as it is quick to do and can be accessorized with headbands, ribbons, or scrunchies for added style. Tutorial videos are available online for those who are new to this hairstyle, and there is plenty of celebrity inspiration to draw from as many famous names have sported this playful look on and off the red carpet.

The double buns look also offer versatility in terms of neatness and texture. A messy variation of this hairstyle can give off festival vibes and can be paired with bold and colourful outfits, while a more polished look is perfect for formal occasions.

The half-up variation of this hairstyle can add more volume to the hair and can be paired with different hair textures and colour coordination. Overall, space buns are a great travel-friendly hairstyle that can be easily achieved, accessorized, and modified to suit different preferences and occasions.

So there you go, five easy travel-friendly hairstyles you can put together quickly and easy.