23 Effortless Airport Hairstyles: Styles for Easy, Chic Travel Hair

Ever found yourself wondering how to maintain a stylish yet comfortable hairstyle while traveling? Air travel often calls for practicality, but who says you can’t be cute and stylish at the same time? Whether you have long hair, curly hair, or prefer something simple and easy, the right airport hairstyle can elevate your travel look and keep you feeling fresh upon arrival. What are the best airport hairstyles for short hair or long hair? How can those with curly hair manage their locks on the go? Let’s explore some stylish solutions that combine beauty with comfort, making your next airport experience as chic as possible.

The Sleek Ponytail

The Sleek Ponytail is an ideal airport hairstyle for long hair due to its simple elegance and ease of maintenance. This style pulls your hair back from your face, which is practical during a long flight. It suits almost anyone, especially those with straight or slightly wavy hair. However, individuals with very curly hair might need some extra styling products to achieve a sleek finish.

Practical Tips

To achieve the perfect sleek ponytail, use a smoothing serum or light gel to tame flyaways. Brands like L’Oréal Paris and Garnier offer excellent products for a glossy finish. A tight ponytail can also help avoid tangles that might happen during a nap on your flight.

Messy Bun

The Messy Bun is a go-to airport hairstyle for those who prioritize comfort but still want to look put-together. It’s particularly suitable for airport hairstyles travel hair because it’s easy to adjust and refresh without needing a full set of tools. This hairstyle works best for medium to long hair and can be a lifesaver for those with slightly oily hair as it can conceal less-than-fresh roots.

Practical Tips

For a durable messy bun that lasts your whole flight, use a volumizing spray before styling to add texture and grip. Dry shampoo can also be helpful to keep your hair looking fresh. TRESemmé and Batiste offer great options that fit easily into your carry-on.

Braided Crown

For those who love airport hairstyles braids, the Braided Crown not only looks regal but is also practical for keeping hair off your face and neck, making it a superb choice for long flights. This style is versatile, suiting those with long hair and curly hair, and adds an element of chic to any travel outfit.

Practical Tips

To ensure your braided crown stays in place without causing discomfort, use bobby pins that match your hair color. Incorporate a light mousse, such as those from Shea Moisture or Moroccan Oil, to enhance the texture before braiding.

Low Chignon

The Low Chignon is another excellent choice for airport hairstyles for long hair and short hair. This understated yet elegant style keeps your hair neatly tied back and is suitable for all hair types, including those with fine or thin hair. It exudes a professional vibe, making it perfect for business travelers.

Practical Tips

Use a fine hair spray to keep the chignon in place without making it too stiff. Brands like Aveda and Schwarzkopf provide strong hold sprays that still allow some natural movement. For a softer look, pull out a few face-framing strands.

High Top Knot

The High Top Knot is an effortlessly chic airport hairstyle that’s perfect for those looking for something both simple and stylish. It’s particularly good for airport hairstyles for kids and those with long hair. This style keeps hair securely in place, which is ideal for active travelers or those traveling with children.

Practical Tips

To keep your top knot from unraveling or looking disheveled, use a scrunchie that offers good grip without breaking the hair, like those from Slip or Invisibobble. A quick spritz of hairspray can help maintain the style’s shape throughout your journey.

Side Braid

A Side Braid is not only cute but also incredibly practical for all types of travel hair, especially for those with long hair or curly hair. It’s versatile enough to look effortless yet put-together, making it one of the ideal airport hairstyles for long hair. This style is perfect for travelers who need a quick, stylish solution that keeps hair out of the face and under control.

Practical Tips

For an enduring side braid, start with a texturizing spray or a light mousse to add grip and volume, particularly for those with fine hair. Try products from Bumble and bumble or Paul Mitchell for best results. This hairstyle is perfect for those on-the-go moments and can be easily refreshed during a layover.

Half-Up, Half-Down

The Half-Up, Half-Down hairstyle is an excellent choice for those who can’t decide between letting their hair down or tying it up. It combines the best of both worlds and works wonderfully as an airport hairstyle for long hair and medium hair. This look is particularly flattering for black women with textured hair, as it allows them to showcase their natural curls while keeping hair manageable during flights.

Practical Tips

Secure the half-up portion with a durable hair tie or a decorative clip to add a touch of elegance. For maintaining curls, use a curl-refreshing spray or serum from brands like DevaCurl or Ouidad to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free throughout your journey.

Classic French Twist

The Classic French Twist is not only timeless but also one of the most elegant airport hairstyles. Ideal for short hair and long hair, it adds a level of sophistication suitable for business or first-class travel. This style is particularly flattering on older women or those in a professional setting.

Practical Tips

To keep your French twist immaculate, use bobby pins that match your hair color and finish with a light mist of hairspray for extra hold. Products from L’Oréal’s Elnett Satin are excellent for securing the style without stiffness, allowing some natural movement.

Textured Lob

A Textured Lob is a trendy and functional airport hairstyle for short hair. It’s easy to manage and perfect for those who prefer a casual yet stylish look. This hairstyle works great for straight and wavy hair types and is an excellent choice for travelers looking for low-maintenance yet fashionable hair.

Practical Tips

Enhance the texture with a sea salt spray or a volumizing product for a fuller look. Not Your Mother’s and Moroccan Oil are brands that offer great texture-enhancing products that last long and withstand the rigors of travel.

Pixie Cut for Easy Maintenance

The Pixie Cut is the epitome of easy and simple airport hairstyles. Ideal for those who value low maintenance and comfort, it works exceptionally well for all ages and provides a fresh, youthful look. This style is particularly suitable for airport hairstyles for kids or active travelers.

Practical Tips

Keep your pixie cut sharp and styled by using a light pomade or wax that offers flexibility without the weight. Brands like American Crew and TIGI Bed Head make styling products that are perfect for maintaining the shape and style of a pixie cut.

Boxer Braids

Boxer Braids are not only sporty and cute but also extremely practical for travel. This airport hairstyle is ideal for anyone looking for a secure style that keeps hair tightly in place, making it perfect for long hair and curly hair types. This style is especially suited for travelers who anticipate a more active trip or those who prefer not to fuss with their hair once it’s styled.

Practical Tips

To ensure your boxer braids stay neat and don’t frizz, prep your hair with a smoothing serum or a light gel. Brands like Carol’s Daughter and Eco Styler provide great products that add hold and shine without weighing down your braids. This style can easily take you from the airport to exploring your destination without the need for adjustments.

Scarf-Tied Updo

The Scarf-Tied Updo is a versatile and stylish option that elevates the basic updo with a colorful scarf, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for airport hairstyles for long hair and short hair alike. It’s particularly appealing for summer travels or destinations with warmer climates. This look is great for adding a pop of color and personality to your travel wardrobe and works well for all hair textures.

Practical Tips

Choose a light fabric scarf that won’t slip off silk or satin for better grip. Secure your updo with bobby pins before tying the scarf to ensure everything stays in place throughout your journey. A quick mist of hairspray from a travel-sized can of Aveda or Alterna can add an extra layer of security.

Space Buns

Space Buns offer a playful and youthful vibe that’s perfect for the easy, cute airport hairstyle category, especially popular among younger travelers and those with medium to long hair. This hairstyle is excellent for keeping your hair out of your face and works beautifully on curly hair as well as straight.

Practical Tips

To achieve fluffy, voluminous space buns, tease your hair slightly before twisting it into buns. Use mini hair elastics and bobby pins that match your hair color to secure them. Apply a light hold spray, like from Schwarzkopf Osis+, to keep the buns intact without stiffness.

Bubble Ponytail

A Bubble Ponytail is an innovative twist on the classic ponytail, making it a trendy and simple airport hairstyle for those with long hair. It’s particularly engaging and can be dressed up or down, depending on your accessories. This style suits all ages and adds an element of fun to your travel look.

Practical Tips

Keep your bubble ponytail sleek and in place by using clear elastics spaced evenly along the length of your ponytail. To add a touch of glamour, incorporate small hair accessories like pearls or gold rings around each bubble section. A smoothing hair serum from Paul Mitchell can ensure your strands stay polished and free from frizz.

Twist-Out Natural Curls

Twist-Out Natural Curls are an excellent airport hairstyle for black women and anyone wanting to embrace their natural texture. This style is not only beautiful but also very practical for travel, as it allows your hair to maintain its natural health without too much manipulation. It’s perfect for travelers who want to look polished yet embrace the natural beauty of their curls.

Practical Tips

To keep your twist-out looking fresh, use a curl-defining cream or gel before twisting. Brands like Miss Jessie’s and Cantu offer excellent products specifically designed for maintaining moisture and definition. At night, cover your hair with a silk or satin bonnet to preserve the style.

Sleek Bob

The Sleek Bob is a timeless choice that embodies sophistication and ease, making it an ideal airport hairstyle for short hair. This style is particularly suited for women who prefer a low-maintenance yet chic look that transitions smoothly from the airport to a business meeting or a city tour. The sleek bob flatters most face shapes and is particularly good for those with straight hair.

Practical Tips

To maintain the sleekness, use a light serum or spray to control flyaways and add shine. Brands like Kerastase or John Frieda offer products that provide smooth finishing without weighing down your hair. Remember, the key to a perfect sleek bob is to keep it trimmed regularly.

Casual Beach Waves

Casual Beach Waves are perfect for creating a relaxed, carefree look that screams holiday mode. This look is one of the most popular airport hairstyles for long hair, suitable for those who want a bit of texture and volume without too much fuss. It works best for medium to long hair and is an excellent choice for those with naturally wavy or curly hair.

Practical Tips

To achieve effortless beach waves, use a salt spray or texturizing spray before you leave for the airport, scrunching your hair as it air dries. Brands like Bumble and bumble or Moroccan Oil offer sprays that can give your hair that perfect undone look. A quick tousle with your fingers can refresh the waves after a nap on the plane.

Pull-Through Braid

The Pull-Through Braid is an innovative twist on traditional braids and is ideal as an airport hairstyle travel hair braids style. It’s great for those with thick, long hair, providing a secure and stylish look that lasts. This hairstyle is particularly suitable for travelers who want their hair neatly tucked away to avoid any fuss during their journey.

Practical Tips

To master this braid, section your hair and use plenty of small elastics to create the pull-through effect. A smoothing hair cream, like those from Living Proof or Aveda, can help manage frizz and add a sleek finish to the braid. This style can easily be refreshed by tightening the elastics or adding a bit more cream.

Fishtail Braid

The Fishtail Braid adds an elegant and intricate touch to your travel look, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy detailed airport hairstyles braids. Suitable for medium to long hair, it looks particularly stunning on those with straight or slightly wavy hair. This braid is also a fantastic option for travelers looking to keep their hair controlled during long flights.

Practical Tips

Start with a texturizing spray for grip and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the braid intact. TRESemmé or L’Oréal Paris provide excellent products that ensure your braid stays neat without looking stiff. Regularly pulling the sides of the braid can help maintain its shape and volume.

Dutch Braid Pigtails

Dutch Braid Pigtails offer a youthful and playful look that is both cute and practical. This style is fantastic for airport hairstyles for kids or adults who prefer a fun, whimsical look. It works well on most hair types and is especially good for keeping curly or unruly hair neat during travel.

Practical Tips

Use a firm-hold gel or mousse to keep the braids neat and flyaway-free throughout your journey. Products from Garnier Fructis or Shea Moisture work well for maintaining moisture and hold. Tying the braids with fabric-covered elastics can add a fun pop of color while being gentle on the hair.

Layered Shag

The Layered Shag hairstyle is a fantastic choice for travelers looking for a simple yet stylish look that requires minimal upkeep. This airport hairstyle works well for both short hair and long hair, offering a chic, effortless vibe that suits various face shapes, especially those with more angular features. Its layered texture is ideal for adding volume and movement, making it a great option for those with thin or flat hair.

Practical Tips

To keep your shag looking great on the go, use a volumizing spray or dry shampoo to maintain body and texture. Brands like Batiste or Living Proof offer products that are perfect for a quick refresh during layovers. Additionally, tucking hair behind your ears can instantly polish your look if it gets a bit tousled.

Simple Headband Style

The Simple Headband Style is an easy and cute airport hairstyle that works fantastically for managing curly hair or keeping unruly bangs in place. It’s a practical choice for travelers who prefer a no-fuss approach but still want to look put-together. Suitable for all ages and hair types, the headband can be a fun accessory to match with different travel outfits.

Practical Tips

Choose a headband that complements your travel attire and is comfortable enough to wear for hours; opt for fabric bands which provide better grip and less strain on your hair. To keep your hair smooth and tidy under the band, apply a light leave-in conditioner or serum, particularly brands like Shea Moisture or Aveda.

Wavy Ponytail with a Twist

A Wavy Ponytail with a Twist adds a touch of elegance to the basic ponytail, making it a great airport hairstyle for long hair. This style is particularly flattering for those with naturally wavy or curly hair and provides a polished, yet relaxed look. The twist element keeps the hairstyle interesting and more secure than a standard ponytail.

Practical Tips

Before styling, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define the waves and prevent frizz—ideal products include those from Moroccan Oil or DevaCurl. Secure the ponytail with a spiral hair tie to minimize creasing and discomfort during the flight.

Conclusion

These airport hairstyles offer a range of options that are both fashionable and functional, ensuring you look your best when you land. Whether you’re looking for something sleek, playful, or elegant, there’s a style to suit your needs. Feel free to try these styles on your next trip and share your experience in the comments below!