7 Low Maintenance Hairstyles For Long Haul Flights

Discover 7 low-maintenance hairstyles for long haul flights that are stylish, comfortable, and practical. Stay chic during your travels with these easy-to-do hairdos.

Long haul flights can be a challenging experience in many ways. From cramped seats and fluctuating cabin temperatures to limited space and long hours in transit, comfort is key when it comes to surviving a long flight. But there’s one often overlooked aspect of travel that can make a significant difference to your comfort: your hairstyle. Whether you’re embarking on a long vacation, a business trip, or a family getaway, choosing the right hairstyle is crucial for looking and feeling your best during your flight.

When traveling, the last thing you want is a hairstyle that constantly requires attention, feels uncomfortable, or leaves you with frizzy or tangled hair by the time you reach your destination. That’s why low-maintenance hairstyles are the perfect solution for long flights. These hairstyles not only keep you looking fresh and stylish but are also comfortable and easy to manage during the journey. From classic ponytails to braids and buns, low-maintenance styles are designed to withstand the test of long hours in the air, keeping your hair intact and in place without constant touch-ups.

In this post, we’ll explore 7 low-maintenance hairstyles for long haul flights that combine comfort, style, and practicality. Whether you prefer your hair up, down, or somewhere in between, these hairstyles will keep you looking chic and feeling relaxed throughout the journey. Let’s dive into these simple yet stylish hairdos that are perfect for both seasoned travelers and those new to long flights.

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Why Choose Low Maintenance Hairstyles for Flights?

When you’re flying, comfort and practicality are key. The dry air on airplanes can cause your hair to become frizzy, limp, or overly dry, and hairstyles that are too intricate or tight can cause discomfort. Low-maintenance hairstyles are ideal for long flights because they offer several benefits:

Comfort: Low-maintenance hairstyles are easy to create and wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort, whether it’s from tight elastics or an excessive amount of product.
Ease of Maintenance: Long flights can leave you with little time or space to fix your hair, so a hairstyle that holds up well during the flight will save you the hassle of constant touch-ups.
Versatility: A simple hairstyle can easily transition from your flight to your destination, whether you need to freshen up or continue your journey straight from the airport.
Protective: Many low-maintenance hairstyles like braids or buns help to minimize hair tangling, breakage, or friction with your seatback, keeping your hair looking fresh and healthy by the time you land.

Now that we know why low-maintenance hairstyles are essential for long flights, let’s dive into the best styles that are practical, comfortable, and stylish.

1. The Classic Low Ponytail

The low ponytail is an incredibly simple yet effective hairstyle for long flights. It keeps the hair neatly out of your face while ensuring it doesn’t get in the way during your travels. Here’s how to do it:

How to Style: Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair elastic. For a polished look, you can wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, or you can keep it casual.
Why It Works: This style keeps your hair neat without being too tight or uncomfortable. It also works for all hair types and lengths, and you can easily adjust the tightness of the ponytail as needed for comfort.

2. Loose Braids for a Relaxed Look

A loose braid is another great option for a low-maintenance hairstyle on long flights. Braids not only keep your hair in place but also minimize tangling, making them ideal for long travel days.

How to Style: Create a simple three-strand braid or a fishtail braid, leaving it loose for a relaxed vibe. Secure the end with a soft hair tie.
Why It Works: Loose braids look cute and stylish without requiring much effort. They help keep your hair neat and prevent it from getting frizzy, which is perfect for long flights.

3. The Messy Bun

The messy bun is a classic go-to hairstyle for any low-maintenance look. It’s quick to create and adds an effortlessly chic touch to your travel look.

How to Style: Gather your hair into a loose, high or low bun. Twist or roll the hair and secure it with a hair tie. For an even more relaxed look, pull a few strands loose around your face.
Why It Works: This style is perfect for those who want to look put-together without spending much time on their hair. It’s comfortable, won’t interfere with sleep, and works well for all hair textures.

4. A Sleek, Low Chignon

A low chignon is another elegant, low-maintenance style that’s perfect for long-haul flights. It gives a polished appearance while keeping your hair neatly tucked away.

How to Style: Twist your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck and secure it with bobby pins. For a smoother finish, use a bit of hair gel or mousse before styling.
Why It Works: A low chignon is sophisticated yet simple, keeping hair contained and preventing tangling. It’s a great option for both comfort and style.

5. Soft Waves with a Headband

Soft waves combined with a headband are a simple yet stylish option for long flights. This hairstyle works particularly well if you have longer hair and want to keep things comfortable.

How to Style: Create soft waves with a curling iron or a beach wave spray. Then, place a headband over your hair to keep it away from your face while adding a cute touch.
Why It Works: The headband helps keep hair off your face, while the waves add volume and texture without requiring much upkeep during the flight.

6. Half-Up, Half-Down Top Knot

The half-up, half-down top knot is a fun and trendy option that combines the best of both worlds—comfort and style. It allows you to keep your hair out of your face while still showcasing your length.

How to Style: Section off the top portion of your hair and twist it into a small bun or top knot. Leave the rest of your hair down or add loose waves if desired.
Why It Works: This hairstyle is practical and playful, giving you a relaxed yet stylish look that can last the duration of the flight.

7. The Simple Side Braid

For a no-fuss, low-maintenance option, the simple side braid is a perfect choice. This hairstyle keeps your hair contained while adding a touch of charm to your travel look.

How to Style: Part your hair to the side and create a loose braid along one side. Secure with a soft elastic and let a few strands fall loosely for a natural, effortless look.
Why It Works: The side braid is perfect for keeping hair out of the way without being too tight. It’s simple, comfortable, and ideal for long flights.

Hair Care Tips for Long Haul Flights

While the right hairstyle is essential for comfort and style, there are a few additional hair care tips you can follow to maintain your hair’s health during long flights:

Hydrate your hair: The air in planes can dry out your hair, so use a hydrating leave-in conditioner or oil to keep it moisturized.
Avoid tight hairstyles: Tight hairstyles can cause hair breakage and discomfort, so opt for looser styles to maintain hair health.
Bring a hairbrush: Keep a travel-size brush or comb in your carry-on to gently detangle your hair throughout the flight.
Use dry shampoo: If your hair starts to feel greasy, a quick spritz of dry shampoo can refresh your style and keep your hair looking fresh.

Choosing the right hairstyle for a long haul flight is about balancing comfort, practicality, and style. Whether you’re flying for business, pleasure, or a family vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is your hair. That’s why these 7 low-maintenance hairstyles for long haul flights are the ideal solutions for travelers who want to look great without spending too much time or effort on their hair.

Each of these hairstyles—whether it’s the classic low ponytail, a messy bun, or a loose braid—offers a combination of comfort, versatility, and ease. These styles are perfect for keeping your hair under control while avoiding the discomfort that comes with tight, complicated styles. They also allow for easy transitions from your flight to your destination, ensuring that you can step off the plane looking polished and feeling comfortable.

Remember, comfort and convenience don’t have to come at the expense of style. By choosing a simple yet chic hairstyle, you’ll not only survive your long flight but also arrive at your destination looking effortlessly put together. So the next time you prepare for a long journey, try out one of these easy-to-do hairstyles for your flight, and enjoy a stress-free and stylish travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best hairstyle for a long flight?

The best hairstyle for a long flight is one that is comfortable, low-maintenance, and easy to maintain during the journey. Some of the best options include:

The messy bun: This style is quick to do, keeps hair out of your face, and can be adjusted for comfort.
Loose braids: Braids prevent tangling and can last for hours, keeping your hair neat.
Low ponytail: A low ponytail is practical, comfortable, and prevents your hair from getting in your way while you sleep or relax.

2. Can I wear a ponytail on a long haul flight?

Yes, a ponytail is an excellent choice for long haul flights. A low ponytail is especially recommended, as it keeps your hair off your face without causing discomfort. Just make sure not to pull it too tightly, as this can cause tension headaches. You can also wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a more polished look.

3. Will a messy bun work for long flights?

Absolutely! The messy bun is one of the most popular hairstyles for long flights due to its low-maintenance and practical nature. It keeps your hair contained while offering comfort during the flight, and it won’t require frequent touch-ups. Plus, it’s stylish enough to wear at your destination.

4. How do I prevent my hair from becoming frizzy on a long flight?

To prevent frizz during a long flight, consider using anti-frizz products such as a leave-in conditioner or a smoothing serum before styling your hair. Opt for hairstyles like braids, buns, or loose ponytails that minimize the risk of friction and tangling. Additionally, keep your hair hydrated with a moisturizing hair mist or oil.

5. How can I keep my hair from getting flat during a long flight?

To prevent flat hair during a flight:

Use a volumizing product: Apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray before styling.
Opt for a looser style: Styles like loose braids or messy buns allow more movement and volume.
Sleep with your hair up: Use a soft hair tie to put your hair in a loose bun or ponytail while you sleep, which helps maintain volume and shape.

6. Should I avoid heat styling on long flights?

Yes, it’s generally a good idea to avoid using heat styling tools on a long flight. The air on planes can be very dry, which may lead to your hair becoming damaged or more prone to breakage. Instead, embrace low-maintenance styles like braids, buns, or ponytails that don’t require heat, helping preserve your hair’s health throughout the journey.

7. Can I wear my hair down for a long flight?

While wearing your hair down is possible, it might not be the most practical option for long haul flights. Hair can get tangled, become flat, or irritate your face during the flight. However, if you prefer wearing your hair down, consider using a leave-in conditioner and lightweight styling products to minimize tangling and frizz. Alternatively, you could try soft waves or add a headband to keep your hair off your face.