How to Prep Your Skin and Hair for a Long Flight Before Your Wedding
Traveling for a destination wedding is exciting, but long flights can take a toll on your skin and hair, leaving you feeling less than your best upon arrival. Dry airplane air, changes in cabin pressure, and travel fatigue can lead to dullness, breakouts, and frizz—none of which you want before your big day.
The good news? With a little preparation, you can step off the plane looking refreshed and ready to shine. Here’s how to prep your skin and hair for a long flight before your wedding.
💡 Psst! Affiliate Love: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you decide to snag any of these bridal beauty faves. Not only does this help us keep sharing top-tier tips, but it also helps us stay stocked on coffee and keep our glam game strong — thanks for the love and support! 💕
1. Hydrate Inside and Out
Why It’s Important:
Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, with humidity levels as low as 20%. This can leave your skin and hair dehydrated.
What to Do:
Before the Flight: Drink plenty of water the day before and avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol or coffee.
During the Flight: Bring a refillable water bottle and aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water per hour in the air.
Skincare: Use a deeply hydrating serum and moisturizer like the COSRX Honey Glow Kit before boarding to lock in moisture.
Hair: Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or hair oil to prevent dryness and static.
2. Keep Your Skin Clean and Nourished
Why It’s Important:
Airborne bacteria and dirt can clog your pores during long flights, leading to breakouts.
What to Do:
Remove makeup before boarding with a gentle micellar water or cleansing wipe to let your skin breathe.
Apply a hydrating sheet mask or a travel-friendly sleeping mask mid-flight to boost moisture.
Finish with a facial mist like Mario Badescu Facial Spray to keep your skin refreshed and dewy.
Pro Tip: Avoid touching your face during the flight to minimize exposure to germs.
3. Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
Why It’s Important:
You’re closer to the sun at high altitudes, and airplane windows don’t block harmful UV rays.
What to Do:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before boarding, like COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 for your face.
Reapply sunscreen during the flight if you’re sitting near a window.
4. Combat Puffiness and Dark Circles
Why It’s Important:
Cabin pressure and lack of sleep can lead to puffiness and under-eye bags.
What to Do:
Use a cooling tool like an ice roller or gua sha after landing to de-puff.
Apply an eye cream with caffeine to brighten and reduce swelling.
Stay well-rested by using a neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones during the flight.
5. Keep Your Hair Fresh and Manageable
Why It’s Important:
Long flights can leave hair flat, frizzy, or greasy, especially if you’re traveling overnight.
What to Do:
Pull your hair into a loose braid, bun, or silk scarf to prevent tangles and minimize frizz.
Bring a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo for a quick refresh before landing.
Use a travel-sized brush or detangling comb like the FHI Heat UNbrush Detangling Brush to smooth out any knots.
6. Plan for Post-Flight Recovery
Why It’s Important:
Your skin and hair need extra love after a long flight to bounce back before your wedding.
What to Do:
Double-cleanse your skin to remove dirt, sweat, and sunscreen residue from the flight.
Follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer to replenish lost moisture.
Wash your hair with a nourishing shampoo like Color Wow Curl Wow Hooked 100% Clean Shampoo to remove buildup and refresh your strands.
7. Prepare a Travel Beauty Kit
Why It’s Important:
Having the right tools and products on hand makes it easy to stay fresh during the journey.
What to Pack:
Hydrating skincare minis like the COSRX Honey Glow Kit
A refillable water bottle
Travel-friendly dry shampoo
Lip balm and hand cream to prevent dryness
Sunscreen for face and body
Pro Tip: Keep your beauty kit accessible in your carry-on for easy use during the flight.
Final Thoughts
Traveling for your wedding should be an exciting part of your journey, not a source of stress for your skin and hair. With these tips, you’ll arrive at your destination looking refreshed, hydrated, and ready to enjoy your big day.
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