Prep your hair pre-flight Before boarding your flight, make sure to take the time for proper hair care. Whether you prefer washing the night before or in the morning, make sure to wash and condition your hair with a nourishing, sulfate free and paraben free shampoo-conditioner combination.

Washing your hair before a flight is a personal preference, but many frequent travelers recommend it for comfort and hygiene. Airplane cabins are notorious for dry air and recirculated environments, which can make hair feel limp or greasy quickly. If you have a long-haul flight, starting with clean hair can make you feel more refreshed upon arrival. However, some prefer to wash their hair after landing to remove the "plane smell" and any buildup of cabin dust. In 2026, the trend of "slugging" hair or using protective styles like braids during flight has grown to combat the extreme dryness of modern high-altitude environments. If you do wash beforehand, ensure your hair is completely dry, as damp hair can make you feel much colder in the air-conditioned cabin.