It’s been over 10 years since rules were introduced around taking liquids in your hand luggage when flying, but even the most frequent of flyers can get confused by the restrictions! When we lived in the UK we became pro’s at travelling with only carry on luggage as we lived close to Gatwick and we would fly with EasyJet, one of Europe’s best budget airlines. Whether you are going on a jam-packed city break, a spa weekend, or a luxurious long-haul holiday, downsizing your toiletries and hair care products to comply with hand luggage restrictions can be a daunting and stressful task! The different weather conditions of holiday destinations can leave your hair feeling lackluster if it’s not cared for properly. Hand luggage restrictions are in place for our safety when travelling, however it can be difficult to decide which of your beloved hair care products make the cut. That’s why we’ve teamed up with FUE hair transplant experts, Crown Clinic, who have generously offered their best tips, so that you don’t have to sacrifice good hair on holiday and can still get those all important, perfect shots for Instagram!
RULES & RESTRICTIONS
It is a little annoying that all liquids, aerosols and gels must fit into one small plastic bag, but it is for our safety and on the plus side it forces you to pack a little lighter and not bring your whole bathroom vanity of make up, toiletries and hair products with you on holidays!
The basic rules and restrictions around travelling with liquids, gels and aerosols are:
- You must take no more than 100ml of any liquids on a flight.
- Liquids must be placed into individual 100ml bottles or containers. Even if a bottle is only partly full they are usually not accepted at security.
- All 100ml containers must fit into a clear, plastic bag no bigger than 20cm x 20cm.
- Each passenger can only have 1 bag, and the bag must be able to close and be sealed.
- Bags must be shown at airport security.
TIPS FOR PACKING THE PERFECT HAND LUGGAGE FRIENDLY HAIR CARE PRODUCTS
PRIORITISE
Organisation and packing light begins with deciding what you can and can’t live without. If you can survive on minimal make up, then you can of course pack all your hair products but if you are someone who likes to travel with everything then you may need to decide between your shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, hair spray and other hair products as to what is most important to you! Also, if you don’t have fussy hair and skin you may even be able to get by on the beauty products that the hotel provides. I personally prefer to bring these home, especially when they are Molton Brown toiletries, my all time favourite! Other than Molton Brown, my favourite toiletries ever have been the amazing Peter Thomas Roth toiletries at Maison la Minervetta in Sorrento. What are your favourite hotel toiletries?
BUY TRAVEL SIZED TOILETRIES
The easiest way to travel with everyday products is to purchase them in travel sizes which are sold in most pharmacies and supermarkets. Most major brands have miniature versions, in handy 100ml containers that will fit in your zip lock bag perfectly and help you to give your hair the TLC it needs whilst you are away! If you are struggling to find your favourite brands in travel sizes it is definitely worth looking online at websites such as Amazon or Feel Unique.
CREATE YOUR OWN TRAVEL SIZED PRODUCTS
If you can’t find your favourite brands in travel sizes, then it may be worth making your travel sized products! Most shops and pharmacies sell empty 100ml tubs and bottles which are perfect for filling up with your own products. This is an inexpensive, reusable method and it is often more cost effective to purchase full-sized products!
SHARE YOUR LIQUIDS WITH YOUR TRAVEL BUDDY
If you’re travelling with a friend or partner who isn’t carrying that many liquids in their hand luggage, it’s always a good idea to see if they can fit any of your products in their carry on bag! This is especially good if you are travelling with a boyfriend because generally they won’t have as many products as you and I am sure they’ll be more than happy to squeeze some of your products in!
FIT EVERYTHING IN
Sounds silly and simple, but if you arrange your bottles optimally you will be surprised by how many you can fit in your little plastic bag!
ONLY PUT LIQUIDS, GELS & AEROSOLS IN YOUR PLASTIC BAG
Obviously items such as your toothbrush, floss, hair brush, hair dryer, empty water bottle, some medications and other similar items don’t need to be squeezed into your liquid bag which should be saved for precious hair products!
PACK ITEMS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE
Again an obvious one, if you are checking luggage then pack most of your toiletries in your luggage and just keep the bare essentials in your carry on! If you are flying with only carry on which is what most people do on budget airlines then you unfortunately won’t have this option.
… AND FINALLY
Once you are all packed, make sure you leave your liquids bag at the top of your carry on bag! You really don’t want to be the person holding up security as you dig through your bag to try and find your toiletries!
I always have to travel with shampoo & conditioner and dry shampoo (a total lifesaver)! x
Our opinions are as always, our own.
