Any hairstylist who travels, knows preparation is everything. Whether you’re styling on set, working with celebrity clients, or attending a hair event–the right tools and mindset can make all the difference in the experience. Everything from packing lightweight, multi-use tools to staying hydrated mid-flight, can help guarantee a successful trip. Which is why we’ve rounded up expert tips to make sure you’re ready for anything on the road.
On-the-Go Travel Tips from Sam Villa
Sam Villa, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sam Villa® and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken is no stranger to life on the road. His years of traveling have taught him some invaluable lessons about efficient travel. In addition to your techniques and skillset, success is all about planning ahead, equipping yourself (and your kit) with versatile tools, prioritizing comfort, and maintaining a healthy routine.
1. Review Travel Rules & Regulations
Different airlines, airports and countries have different restrictions for professional hairstyling tools. From shear sizes to hazardous material regulations and carry-on policies, due to their variation, always check airline guidelines before you even begin to pack.
2. Travel Light
Sam recommends packing only the essentials and rolling clothes to save space. He highly recommends packing compact and lightweight tools like the Sam Villa Professional Light Ionic Blow Dryer + Diffuser. This professional blow dryer weighs under a pound, but delivers powerful, professional results and allows you to enhance a variety of textures. Another tip he has is to weigh your bag at home, which helps avoid last-minute stress or the need to reshuffle bags at the airport.
3. Be Prepared For Anything
In addition to keeping a diffuser and nozzle in your “go bag,” the 2-in-1 Marcel Curling Iron and Wand is a great addition to allow you to create a variety of curls, waves, movement and volume. A versatile tool that can be used as a marcel iron and, with a click of a button, also a curling iron, this tool was designed with universal voltage 100/240V for use all over the world (*use an adapter for use outside of North America), and a 9-foot long swivel cord for more mobility. With a range of heat settings for different hair types and a stainless steel barrel and ceramic heating element, hair glides easily over the barrel for flawless results.
4. Stay Organized
Invest in cases to organize tools. You can even color-code them for easy access—ie. red tags for electric tools, blue for brushes. This makes both set up and packing up after a session quick and effortless. Additionally, including an extension cord and power strip in your kit ensures you can set up anywhere, even if outlets are hard to find.
5. Always Have a “Go Bag”
You never know when you might be called for a shoot or even for a house call - but having a pre-packed travel kit with essentials—travel-size styling products, tools, chargers, and toiletries—ensures you're always ready to go. Things like a fully charged Sam Villa Pro Results Cordless Flat Iron give you flexibility for on-the-spot styling.
6. Stay Healthy & Hydrated
Just like those hectic days in the salon, travel and chaotic schedules can take a toll on your body. For this reason, pack healthy snacks like nuts and granola bars to keep energy levels high and keep a refillable water bottle with you for the plane (and on set). Drinking water will also help your energy levels in addition to preventing dehydration and jet lag.
7. Embrace the Unexpected
Despite all the planning, travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a delayed flight or an unexpected style change, being adaptable is essential for success. As Sam says, “Each location presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities,” which is why flexibility is the key to making the most of every experience.
Additional Session Kit Essentials
In addition to the right preparation, tools and mindset, having a few other on-set essentials will ease any day on set. According to Jada Jenkins, Sam Villa Ambassador, Mizani Artist, Celebrity Stylist and L'amour de Rose Salon Owner, she shares that sometimes the desired hairstyle isn’t known at the time of booking so it’s best to be prepared for anything. In addition to the above tools, she recommends also including a few of the following:
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Two different texture types of hair extensions – These are essential when you need to add volume and/or length on set.
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Makeup face cover – This protects clothing from makeup smudges during changes.
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Safety pins and nail polish remover – These are small details that are frequently requested by clients.
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Essentials like pins, clips, elastics, combs, brushes, towels, and a mirror – Because the details matter.
