How to Prep Your Skin and Hair for a Long Flight Before Your Wedding
Photography by Julia Long Photography
Traveling for your wedding should feel magical — not exhausting. But long flights wreak havoc on skin and hair. Dry cabin air, altitude pressure, and travel fatigue can leave you looking off your best when you land. You do not want that for your wedding.
With expert planning and the right products, you can step off the plane looking refreshed, glowing, and camera-ready. Here’s how to prep your bridal beauty for the sky.
💡 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 Matters: Airplane cabins drop humidity to ~20%, zapping moisture from skin and strands.
What to Do:
Before the Flight: Drink plenty of water. Avoid excess caffeine or alcohol the day before.
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: Smooth on a lightweight leave-in or hair oil to protect ends and reduce static.
2. Keep Your Skin Clean and Nourished
Why It Matters: Skin accumulates bacteria, oils, and impurities, especially when confined in a cabin.
What to Do:
Remove makeup before boarding using 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. We love the BIODANCE Overnight Hydrogel Mask.
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 Matters: 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, after your face mask if you’re sitting near a window.
4. Combat Puffiness and Dark Circles
Why It Matters: 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 these bad boys: COSRX Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches for Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles.
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 Matters: 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 K18 AirWash™ 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 Matters: 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 Dream Clean Duo 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
Dry shampoo
Lip balm, we loooooove Clinique Moisture Surge Lip
Sunscreen
Hand cream to prevent dryness like Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Moisturizing Lotion
Compact brush and mirror
Spare hair ties or claw clip
Pro Tip: Keep your beauty kit accessible in your carry-on for easy use during the flight.
✈️ Bonus Tip: Match Your Glam to Your Destination
If you know your humidity is going to be high, mix in humidity-proof primers or anti-frizz sprays. If your destination is extreme cold, pack barrier creams and heavier moisturizers.
⚡ Early-Book for Destination Glam
If you’re eloping abroad or flying your glam team, we build all of these prep details into our packages. You shouldn’t worry about your makeup failing mid-trip — that’s our job. Want a stress-free, photo-ready arrival + flawless wedding glam? Let’s chat.
