how to keep your hair smooth, healthy, and fabulous on island escapes

warm sun, ocean breeze, salt in the air.
paradise — until humidity enters the chat.

for those of us with natural curls, coils, and textured hair, island life can be a mixed blessing.
the same air that feeds our spirit tries to snatch our edges.
but luxury travel isn't about fighting yourself — it's about knowing how to move through the world beautifully, just as you are.

here’s how i keep my hair thriving while traveling to the world's most beautiful (and humid) destinations:

1. hydration is your foundation

moisture is your first line of defense.
a rich deep conditioning treatment a few days before your trip locks in hydration.

on-island, stick to moisturizing leave-ins and curl creams — ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter are your best friends.

✨ pro tip: pack a travel-size hydrating mist to refresh your curls mid-adventure.

"hydration is the secret ingredient — for your hair and your soul."

2. protective styles save the day (and your energy)

box braids, goddess braids, faux locs, twists —
protective styles are more than fashion: they’re freedom on the road.

they minimize manipulation, shield your hair from sun and salt, and let you wake up ready to slay the day without stressing.

✨ pro tip: ask your stylist to create lightweight versions so you’re not weighed down in tropical heat.

3. silk everywhere — even on the beach

bring a silk or satin scarf or bonnet, no matter how casual your destination is.
sleep in it. lounge in it. wear it under sun hats.
this keeps your hair moisturized, prevents friction, and helps curls stay juicy.

✨ pro tip: a silk-lined bucket hat or baseball cap is the perfect stylish solution if you don’t want to worry about scarves slipping.

4. curl creams > gels

island humidity laughs at crunchy, heavy gels.
and your curls deserve better.

what you need is a soft hold — something that lets your hair breathe while still keeping its shape.
look for lightweight curl creams, puddings, or whipped butters that nourish without weighing your crown down.

✨ pro tip:
choose formulas that are anti-humidity but stay away from anything labeled “maximum hold” — that’s usually packed with hard-drying alcohols and can lead to breakage in tropical weather.

✨ bonus tip:
read your ingredient labels.
avoid products with sulfates, silicones, parabens, and heavy drying alcohols.
these strip moisture, weaken curls, and leave your hair even more vulnerable to island air.

you want hydration, flexibility, and strength — not stiffness.

"move with the breeze, not against it — in hair, and in life."

5. embrace the beauty of volume

this is not the time to fight for slickness.
island air is going to give you bigger, softer, wilder hair — and that’s not a flaw.
it's a flex.

own it.
plan your looks around the vibe: big earrings, off-the-shoulder dresses, easy, effortless energy.
goddess energy.

before you hit the water, smooth in a lightweight leave-in conditioner —
it creates a protective barrier between your strands and the ocean or pool water, helping lock in moisture before the salt or chlorine can pull it out.

✨ pro tip:
a beautiful turban, scarf wrap, or silk-lined sun hat can be a stunning, functional accessory on days you want to mix it up and still protect your crown.

remember: some of the most iconic women alive — from rihanna to tracee ellis ross to solange — don't fight their natural texture.
they celebrate it.
they expand into it.

and you should, too.