5 Must Have Products For Kinky Curly Hair On A Beach Vacation

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Taking care of kinky curly hair requires extra maintenance, but when you prep for a beach vacation that curly hair regimen goes to a whole other level.

Usually there’s not just the beach, but pool time involved as well, and it’s important to have everything you need in your suitcase to make sure your hair is protected and beyond moisturized. While you don’t have to bring every product you swear by on your trip, it’s a good idea to not leave home without a moisturizing curl enhancer, a good gel for top knots, a detangler, pre-pool protectant oil and deep conditioner for after the pool and beach.

Wash and go styles will trump blow drying and straightening all day during your getaway, so leave your mini blow dryers and straightening tools at home and don’t forget to pack these five key things in your suitcase.

The Smoothing Curl Definer: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, $13.99

When you’re wearing wash and go styles, having products that moisturize and help define your curls is key. SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie ($13.99, SheaMoisture.com) does both. Work an ample amount into your hair, pair it with your fave leave-in conditioner and watch the magic happen. It’s  enriched with shea butter and other natural ingredients, smooths split ends, and helps tame flyaways too.

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The Gel for Top Knot Style: Gummy Hair Gel, $9.93

This alcohol-free gel gives maximum hold, which is exactly what kinky curly girls need when styling their hair into a top knot. Simply apply the Gummy Hair Gel ($9.93, Amazon.com) to damp hair and style it up. You can also use it to slick down your edges as well.

The Post-Beach Leave-in/Detangler: Kinky Curly Knot Today, $12

Never leave home without a good detangler. While you’re swimming in the ocean or pool, it’s easy for kinky curly hair to get tangled and/or matted. Knot Today ($12.00, kinky-curly.com) is one of our go-to products to quickly get tangles out of kinky curly hair. Section off the hair, apply an ample amount to each section, and comb it through your locks. It also doubles as a leave-in conditioner, so it keeps your curls moisturized too.

The Pre-Pool Protectant Oil: Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil, $13.99

If you make a pool run during your beach vacation, one of the best things you can do is to protect your hair before you take a dive. Coating your hair with oil before you go makes it waterproof in a sense, because it helps keep chlorine from penetrating the hair cuticles. While you can go fully natural to do this and use almond, coconut, or olive oil, we love Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil ($13.99, MielleOrganics.com). It locks in moisture and helps prevent breakage too.

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After Pool Deep Conditioner : Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-in Conditioner, $13.99

Whether you’re swimming in the ocean or the pool, it’s important to have a good deep conditioner on hand to bring your curls back to life when you’re done. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Leave-in Conditioner ($13.99, Sheamoisture.com) is formulated with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Shea Butter and softens, detangles, moisturizes, and controls frizz, and even has peppermint in it, which stimulates the scalp.

What are your must-have beauty products on your beach getaways?