21 Airport Hairstyles for Curly Hair Women
Traveling with curly hair presents unique challenges—from humidity changes to limited styling options on the go.
The perfect airport hairstyle for curly hair needs to maintain your texture, remain comfortable during long flights, and still look polished when you reach your destination.
These 21 travel-friendly styles will help you navigate airports and flights while keeping your curls intact.
1: High Pineapple Bun
This protective style secures your curls on top of your head in a loose, pineapple-shaped bun.
The elevated placement keeps your curls from getting crushed against airplane headrests while maintaining your curl pattern.
Create by gathering your curls loosely at the very top of your head and securing them with a scrunchie or soft tie.
This gentle approach prevents creasing while keeping hair completely contained.
Remove upon arrival for perfectly preserved curls with volume at the roots—ideal for transitioning directly to your destination.
2: Loose Braid with Satin Scrunchie
This gentle style incorporates a single loose braid secured with a satin scrunchie.
The braid contains your curls while the loose tension and fabric-covered elastic prevent pattern disruption.
Create a simple three-strand braid without pulling it too tight, which would disrupt your curl pattern.
This versatile style works for all curl types and lengths beyond shoulder length.
The satin scrunchie prevents friction and breakage when resting against airplane seats or travel pillows.
3: Half-Up Curly Topknot
This balanced style secures the top portion of your curls in a small bun while leaving the bottom section loose.
The partial updo keeps hair away from your face during travel while maintaining some of your natural volume.
Gather just the top section of your hair from temple to temple and twist into a small bun on top. This approach prevents the discomfort of a full updo against a headrest.
The style transitions perfectly from flight to destination with minimal adjustment needed.
4: Twisted Crown Braid
This elegant style features a single twisted section that wraps around your head like a crown.
The flat profile keeps your curls secure without creating uncomfortable bulk against headrests.
Create by twisting a section from one temple, continuing around your head, and securing it with pins.
This practical style works for most curl patterns and medium to long lengths.
The secure style prevents tangles and frizz throughout your journey while looking intentionally styled upon arrival.
5: Low Curly Bun with Satin Scarf
This protective style gathers your curls into a loose bun at the nape, then covers with a satin scarf.
The combination keeps curls contained while the satin prevents friction and moisture loss during flights.
Create a loose bun at your nape, then wrap a satin scarf around your head, covering all or most of your hair.
This moisture-preserving technique combats the dry airplane air.
Remove the scarf upon arrival to reveal preserved curls that haven’t suffered from travel-induced frizz.
6: Mini Buns or Bantu Knots
This versatile style divides your curls into several small buns distributed across your head.
The multiple buns distribute weight evenly while creating a style that looks intentional rather than just practical.
Section your hair and twist each portion into small buns, securing them with pins.
This approach works with various curl patterns and can be adjusted based on your hair density.
The secured style prevents tangles during travel while creating defined curl sets when taken down at your destination.
7: Claw Clip Updo
This quick style secures your curls with a large claw clip in a loose, comfortable arrangement.
The simple approach requires minimal styling while keeping hair contained during travel.
Gather curls loosely at the back of your head and secure with a claw clip, avoiding tight tension.
This gentle technique prevents pattern disruption while allowing for quick adjustment.
The style works beautifully for security checkpoints—you can easily remove and replace the clip when necessary.
8: Two-Strand Twist Updo
This protective style incorporates multiple two-strand twists gathered into an updo.
The twisted texture prevents tangling while the updo keeps everything secure throughout your journey.
Create several two-strand twists throughout your hair, then pin them up into your preferred updo shape.
This versatile approach preserves your curl pattern while preventing frizz.
The defined twists create a travel-friendly style that transitions beautifully to a twist-out upon arrival if desired.
9: Silk Scarf Wrap
This protective approach completely wraps your curls in a silk or satin scarf.
The full coverage prevents friction against airplane seats while preserving moisture and curl pattern throughout your flight.
Apply a leave-in conditioner, arrange curls flat against your head, and then wholly wrap with a silk scarf.
This moisture-sealing technique combats the drying environment of airplane cabins.
The scarf creates a smooth surface that slides against headrests without creating friction or distorting your curls.
10: Braided Space Buns
This playful style features two braided sections twisted into buns positioned on either side of your head.
The secure style contains your curls while distributing weight evenly for comfortable travel.
Divide hair down the middle, braid each section, then wrap into buns secured with pins. This balanced style works for medium to long curly hair of various textures.
Position the buns forward enough to avoid discomfort when leaning back against headrests during your flight.
11: Low Loose Curly Ponytail
This simple style gathers your curls into a low, loose ponytail secured with a satin scrunchie.
The relaxed tension maintains your curl pattern while keeping your hair contained during travel.
Create a low ponytail at the nape without pulling tight, securing with a fabric-covered elastic.
This gentle approach prevents the “dent” that traditional elastics create in curly hair.
The low placement allows comfortable leaning against headrests while keeping hair secured throughout your journey.
12: Flat Twist Updo
This protective style incorporates flat twists directed upward into a pinned arrangement.
The secure style keeps curls contained while the flat profile prevents discomfort against headrests.
Create several flat twists starting at your hairline and directing them upward, pinning the ends in a suitable arrangement.
This structured approach works for most curl patterns.
The defined style looks intentionally polished while serving the practical purpose of keeping curls protected during travel.
13: Loose Side Braid
This asymmetrical style gathers your curls into a single braid positioned over one shoulder.
The side placement prevents discomfort when leaning back while keeping curls contained.
Create a loose three-strand or fishtail braid draped over one shoulder.
This versatile style works for longer curly hair and prevents tangling during travel.
The side positioning allows you to comfortably lean against airplane headrests without disturbing your style.
14: Curly Topknot with Edges
This practical style secures all curls on top of your head in a loose bun while keeping edges defined.
The elevated placement prevents crushing against headrests while maintaining a polished appearance.
Gather curls into a high, loose bun and secure with a fabric-covered elastic, then define edges with a light product.
This approach keeps the bulk of your hair contained while framing your face.
The defined edges ensure you look put-together upon arrival even with the practical topknot.
15: Headband Updo
This versatile style uses a wide fabric headband to secure curls away from your face and neck.
The accessory-based approach requires minimal styling while creating an intentional look.
Place a wide, soft headband over your hair, then tuck curls underneath or arrange them above as preferred. This adaptable technique works with various curl patterns and lengths.
The headband creates a smooth surface against headrests while keeping curls contained throughout travel.
16: Stretched Low Bun
This sleek style gently stretches and secures your curls in a low bun.
The smooth finish reduces volume for comfortable travel while maintaining enough tension to keep everything in place.
Lightly stretch sections of your curls with minimal heat, then gather into a low bun. This approach reduces bulk while preventing the complete flattening of your curl pattern.
The stretched technique allows for a sleeker profile against headrests while preserving your curl pattern.
17: French Braid Pigtails
These secure braids distribute your curls evenly in two French braids.
The flat profile prevents discomfort against headrests while the contained style prevents tangling during travel.
Create two French braids starting at your hairline and continuing to the nape.
This balanced style works particularly well for longer curly hair that’s prone to tangling.
The secure braiding prevents friction-induced frizz while creating defined waves upon removal at your destination.
18: Curly Clip-In Half Updo
This quick style uses decorative clips to secure your curls’ top and side sections.
The partial containment keeps hair away from your face during travel while maintaining your natural volume.
Secure the top and side sections with several decorative clips, leaving the back loose. This minimal-effort approach prevents your curls from falling forward during travel.
The clips create an intentional style with minimal manipulation of your curl pattern.
19: Twisted Headband Tuck
This protective style uses twists along your hairline that tuck into a headband.
The contained arrangement keeps curls secure while the headband provides a comfortable buffer between your hair and the headrest.
Create small twists along your hairline, then tuck them and the rest of your curls into a wide fabric headband. This full-coverage approach protects your entire curl pattern.
The style maintains moisture and prevents friction throughout your journey for perfectly preserved curls upon arrival.
20: Low Curly Pigtails
This youthful style divides your curls into two low ponytails positioned below ear level.
The dual arrangement distributes weight evenly while preventing uncomfortable bulk against headrests.
Using satin scrunchies, create two loose ponytails at the nape. This gentle approach maintains your curl pattern while keeping your hair contained during travel.
The low placement allows comfortable resting against headrests or travel pillows throughout your journey.
21: Banded Ponytail
This segmented style divides a ponytail into several sections using multiple hair ties.
The technique maintains curl definition while preventing tangles throughout longer travel days.
Create a ponytail, then place additional covered elastics every few inches down the length. This structured approach keeps curls contained and defined during travel.
The segmenting prevents your curls from tangling together during long flights while creating a stylish, intentional look.
Conclusion
The ideal airport hairstyle for curly hair protects your texture while providing comfort during travel.
By choosing styles that contain curls, prevent friction, and maintain moisture, you’ll arrive at your destination with beautiful, ready-to-wear curls.
