The Only Two Hair Products I’d Pack for Travel (And Why You’ll Want Them Too!)
Packing Light? These Two Hair Essentials Have You Covered
Let’s be honest—packing for a trip can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to travel light but still want to look put together. Over the years, I’ve definitely been the girl who overpacked all the hair products… just in case. Heat protectant, dry shampoo, serum, oil, something for frizz, something for hydration—the list goes on. But after a lot of trial and error (and way too many overweight luggage fees), I finally found my ride-or-die products that do everything I need, without weighing down my bag—or my hair.
So if I’m hopping on a plane, road-tripping for the weekend, or just trying to keep things simple, these are the two products I’m always packing: R+Co Skyline Dry Shampoo Powder and Mane Ivy Elixir Serum.
And honestly? They’re the only two products you’ll ever need on the go. Let me break it down for you.
Product #1: R+Co Skyline Dry Shampoo Powder
Oil control. Volume. Freshness. Effortless style.
This is my holy grail dry shampoo, and if you know me, you know I’ve tried them all. The Skyline Dry Shampoo Powder isn’t just a quick fix for oily roots—it’s like a complete hair refresh in a little bottle. And the fact that it’s a powder formula? Game-changer. Here’s why I’m obsessed:
- Complete Oil Control & Absorption: This powder completely absorbs excess oil at the roots without leaving behind any weird residue or chalky buildup. You know how some dry shampoos make your hair feel heavy or gritty, like there’s product sitting on top of your scalp? Not this one. Skyline leaves your hair feeling clean, light, and airy.
- Adds Instant Volume: One of my favorite things about Skyline is that it adds a boost of volume at the roots, which is everything when you’re traveling and don’t have time to fully style your hair every day. A quick sprinkle at the scalp, a little fluff with your fingers, and your hair looks freshly blown out.
- Weightless Feel: It absorbs oil without adding any extra weight—perfect for fine hair that can get weighed down easily. No sticky feeling. No residue. Just clean, refreshed hair that looks like you actually tried.
- Perfect for Extending Styles: If you’re someone who wants to extend your blowout or make those curls last another day (or two… or three, no judgment), this powder helps keep your hair looking fresh and voluminous, even after a long travel day.
It’s the ultimate space-saver, too. A little goes a long way, and the packaging is super compact, so it takes up next to no room in your bag.
Product #2: Mane Ivy Elixir Serum
Hydration. Heat protection. Frizz control. Shine. All in ONE.
This product is seriously a multitasking miracle, and I do not use that word lightly. If you’re only bringing one styling product, it has to pull double (or triple) duty—and the Mane Ivy Elixir Serum does that and more.
Here’s why this serum is always in my travel bag (and in my daily routine, for that matter):
- Heat Protectant: Traveling often means heat styling on the go—hotel dryers, curling irons, flat irons, you name it. The Elixir acts as a reliable heat protectant to keep your hair safe from damage, whether you’re quickly smoothing out bedhead or doing a full style for a night out.
- Weightless Hydration: It hydrates and nourishes the hair without feeling heavy or greasy. A lot of serums can make fine or oily-prone hair feel like you need to wash it again (which no one has time for on vacation). But this one? It melts in and leaves your hair feeling light, soft, and healthy.
- Frizz Control: If you’re traveling somewhere humid (hello, beach vacations!) or somewhere cold and dry, this serum keeps the frizz at bay. You don’t have to worry about flyaways or that halo of fuzz showing up in photos—just sleek, smooth hair, no matter where you are.
- Finishing Product: It doubles as a styling finisher, adding a touch of polish and shine. I like to smooth a tiny bit over my ends after styling to make my hair look freshly done. Even on air-dried hair, it adds that healthy, glossy finish that makes you look (and feel) like you just walked out of the salon.
- Universal Formula: What really sets this product apart is that it works for every hair type. Whether you have fine, thick, curly, straight, or color-treated hair, the Mane Ivy Elixir Serum plays well with everyone. I’ve recommended it to so many clients, and it always delivers. No greasy buildup. No heavy feeling. Just healthy, happy hair.
Why These Two Are the Perfect Travel Pair
When I say these two products cover everything, I mean it. They’re the perfect travel companions because they streamline your routine and save space in your bag without sacrificing how your hair looks or feels.
✔️ Oil Control? Covered with Skyline.
✔️ Volume & Refresh? Skyline has your back.
✔️ Hydration & Frizz Control? The Mane Ivy Elixir delivers.
✔️ Heat Protection? Mane Ivy again.
✔️ Finishing Shine & Smoothness? Yep, still Mane Ivy.
Together, they replace at least five or six products I used to travel with. Dry shampoo, styling spray, heat protectant, serum, leave-in conditioner—you name it. These two do it all.
How I Use Them on the Go
If you’re curious how I work these into a quick travel routine, here’s my go-to:
- Morning Refresh (or Post-Flight Reset): Sprinkle Skyline Dry Shampoo Powder at the roots. Massage it in with your fingers and flip your head upside down for extra volume. Sometimes I brush it through for a sleeker look or leave it tousled for that effortless vibe.
- Pre-Heat Styling: If I’m using a curling iron or flat iron, I apply a pump (or less!) of Mane Ivy Elixir Serum mid-length to ends for heat protection. It smooths my hair and helps with any dry ends from plane air or hotel water.
- Finishing Touch: After styling, I take the tiniest amount of Mane Ivy and smooth it over my ends and any flyaways. It adds a soft shine and makes my hair look polished, even if I was rushing to get ready in 10 minutes.
- Air-Dried Days: If I’m skipping heat tools, I still run Mane Ivy through damp hair after washing. It keeps my hair soft, smooth, and frizz-free, even if I’m letting it do its natural thing.
The Bottom Line
If I had to travel light (which, let’s be real, I never do… but hypothetically), R+Co Skyline Dry Shampoo Powder and Mane Ivy Elixir Serum are the only two products I need. They simplify my routine, keep my hair looking fresh, and work for literally every situation—whether I’m sightseeing all day, heading to a fancy dinner, or taking photos on the beach.
So next time you’re packing your bag and thinking, How can I fit my entire haircare routine in here?—don’t. Just grab these two, and thank me later.
Want to try them? We carry both of these game-changers at Vixen Beauty Lounge. Stop in, or send me a DM, and I’ll help you get set up with your new favorite travel essentials.
Your hair (and your suitcase) will thank you.
