How do actresses land with perfect hair after a long flight? Celebrity stylists share 5 tips

Long flights can leave your skin parched, your body tired and your hair in complete chaos. Hours of recycled cabin air, friction against headrests and tight hairstyles often result in flat roots, frizz and stubborn knots. But according to celebrity hairstylists who spend much of their lives travelling between cities and red carpets, great hair after landing is absolutely possible. With the right prep and a few smart in-flight tricks, you can step off the plane looking polished instead of frazzled.

Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, whose client list includes Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba and Christina Hendricks, knows a thing or two about airport-to-event transformations. In an interview with Condé Nast Traveller, Atkin explained that preparation begins before takeoff.

Hair hack 1- Washing on travel day

She recommends washing and blow-drying hair on the day of travel while keeping styling products to a minimum. For the flight itself, she suggests securing hair into two low twisted chignons or braided buns. Once released after landing, the style naturally falls into soft, effortless waves.

Hair hack 2- Loose bun

Another celebrity hairstylist, Wendy Iles, takes a slightly different approach for long-haul journeys. Her method starts with pulling the hair into a ponytail. She then detangles it gently using her fingers before twisting the length and wrapping it into a loose bun secured with pins. When taken down after the flight, the hair appears fuller with soft, natural movement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wendy Iles (@wendyiles_hair)

Hair hack 3- Hydration

Hydration and protection are equally important, according to hair expert Alice Dawkins. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, she stressed the importance of drinking water consistently throughout travel to prevent dryness and scalp irritation.

Hair Hack 4- Pre-travel hair care

Alice Dwakins also advises washing hair as close to departure time as possible, conditioning the mid-lengths while avoiding the scalp, and layering a leave-in conditioner followed by a serum or oil to seal in moisture.

Hair Hack 5- Headscarf against frizz

Dawkins cautions against high, tight ponytails or buns during flights, as they can strain the hair. Instead, she recommends loose braids or low ponytails secured with fabric scrunchies to minimise breakage. For those with textured hair, she suggests carrying a silk or satin bonnet or headscarf onboard to reduce friction against the seat, helping to prevent frizz and split ends.