How to Protect Your Braids on a Long Flight (Without Looking Like You Tried)

Cabin air is dry enough to strip moisture out of anything, your skin, your lips, and yes, your braids. If you're getting on a long flight, whether it's a quick hop or the kind where you actually sleep, a little preparation goes a long way toward landing looking like yourself.

Before You Board

Moisturize your scalp and braids the night before with a light oil, not right before you leave, so it has time to absorb rather than sit on top and attract dust from the airport. Pack a small travel-size bottle of leave-in or braid spray in your carry-on. Anything over the liquid limit stays in checked luggage, but a small refresher spray fits easily in a clear bag.

During the Flight

A silk or satin scarf is the single most useful thing you can bring. Loosely wrap it, or simply drape it over a low bun to protect against the seat headrest, which is rarely kind to hair over several hours. If you're sleeping, a satin bonnet does more work than any product.

When You Land

A light mist of water and leave-in, a quick reshape of your part, and you're done. You do not need to redo anything. The whole point of a well-installed protective style is that it protects, through turbulence, time zones, and everything in between.