How to Keep Your Hair Looking Fresh on a Long Flight

Airplane hair. We’ve all been there—stepping off a long flight only to catch a glimpse of ourselves in a mirror and think, What happened?

Between dry cabin air, hours of sitting, and friction against the seat or pillow, your hair can go from sleek and styled to limp, frizzy, or just plain unmanageable. But don’t worry—there are ways to land with fresh, smooth, and tangle-free hair.

Here’s how to keep your hair looking its best, even after the longest flights.

1. Start With a Protective Style

One of the easiest ways to prevent tangling, frizz, and flattening is to style your hair before takeoff. The best in-flight hairstyles are comfortable, low-maintenance, and protective.

Try these:

• Loose braid – Prevents tangles and creates soft waves when undone.
• Low bun – Keeps hair neat while avoiding tension headaches.
• Silk scrunchie ponytail – Holds hair in place without creases or breakage.

Using a silk scrunchie from Silkie is a game-changer. Unlike regular elastic bands, silk won’t tug, crease, or weaken your strands.

2. Hydrate Your Hair Before and During the Flight

Cabin air is extremely dry, which means your hair can lose moisture fast. The best way to combat this? Hydration.

Before your flight:

• Apply a light leave-in conditioner or hair oil to keep moisture locked in.
• Avoid heavy styling products that can build up and make hair greasy.

During the flight:

• Spritz your hair with a hydrating mist if it starts to feel dry.
• Drink plenty of water—hydration starts from within!

3. Avoid Excess Friction While You Sleep

Long-haul flight? If you plan to sleep, be mindful of how your hair rubs against the seat or pillow. The constant friction can lead to static, frizz, and breakage.

Solution:

• Bring a silk pillowcase. It reduces friction and keeps your hair smooth and frizz-free. If you don’t want to bring a full pillowcase, a silk scarf wrapped around your headrest works too.
• Use a silk scrunchie instead of a regular hair tie to prevent dents and tension while you rest.

A Silkie silk pillowcase is a must-have for frequent travelers. It protects both your hair and skin, keeping them fresh even after hours in the air.

4. Combat Oily Roots Without Washing

By the time you land, your scalp might feel greasy, especially if your flight is long. But since a full shampoo isn’t an option mid-flight, dry shampoo is your best friend.

• Spray or sprinkle dry shampoo at your roots before takeoff. This allows it to absorb oil gradually rather than sitting on greasy hair.
• Opt for a natural, non-aerosol dry shampoo to avoid inhaling chemicals in the enclosed cabin.
• Fluff your roots with your fingers before landing to refresh volume.

No dry shampoo? A quick blast of cool air from the airport restroom hand dryer can lift your roots and reduce flatness.

5. Freshen Up Before Landing

Before you step off the plane, take a few minutes to revive your hair.

Here’s a quick in-flight touch-up routine:

1. Undo your hairstyle – If you had a braid or bun, let it down and finger-comb for soft waves.
2. Use a boar bristle brush – A Silkie boar bristle brush helps redistribute oils for a healthy, refreshed look.
3. Add a little leave-in conditioner or oil – Focus on the ends to tame frizz.
4. Flip your hair upside down and shake it out – This adds volume and movement.
5. Smooth flyaways with a silk scrunchie – It’s a quick way to look polished without extra product.

6. Bonus: Pack Smart for Hair Emergencies

A little preparation goes a long way. Keep these essentials in your carry-on for perfect post-flight hair:

• Silk scrunchie – Prevents creases, tangles, and damage.
• Mini dry shampoo – Absorbs excess oil.
• Boar bristle brush – Redistributes natural oils for shine.
• Leave-in conditioner or hair oil – Hydrates and tames frizz.
• Silk scarf or pillowcase – Reduces friction while you sleep.

Touch Down With Fresh, Gorgeous Hair

With the right prep, your hair can look just as good when you land as it did when you took off. Protect it with silk, keep it hydrated, and refresh before landing.

Next time you fly, bring a Silkie silk pillowcase and silk scrunchie along for the ride. They’ll keep your hair looking smooth, frizz-free, and effortlessly fresh—even after the longest flights.