24 Road Trip Hairstyles That Look Good at Stops
You’ve packed the snacks, mapped the route, and created the ultimate playlist. But there’s one pre-trip dilemma left: what to do with your hair? The struggle is real. You want something comfortable for hours in the car, but you also want to look put-together when you hop out for gas station selfies, scenic overlooks, or that adorable roadside diner. Fear not, road warrior! We’ve curated the ultimate list of 24 road trip hairstyles that are as functional as they are fabulous. These looks are designed to survive nap-head, window-down winds, and passenger seat boredom, ensuring you step out at every stop looking effortlessly cool.
The Foundation: Prep Your Hair for the Journey
Before we dive into the styles, a little prep goes a long way. Road trip hair faces unique challenges: static, dryness from AC, and prolonged sitting that can flatten volume. Start with a good hair day by using a light leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum. Dry shampoo is your best friend—apply it to roots before you get oily for proactive volume and freshness. Pack a small kit with hair ties, clips, bobby pins, a mini brush, and a travel-sized texturizing spray. With these basics, you’re ready to roll.
Quick & Easy: Styles Under 5 Minutes
For those early morning departures or when you just need a fast refresh at a rest stop, these styles are lifesavers.
1. The Classic Messy Bun: The undisputed queen of road trip hair. Twist your hair into a high, mid, or low ponytail, wrap it loosely, and secure with a coil tie. Pull out face-framing pieces and some wispy ends for an intentional, messy vibe.
2. Half-Up, Half-Down: Gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a cute clip or tie. This keeps hair off your face while leaving length down, and it’s perfect for adding a pop of color with a patterned scarf.
3. Low Ponytail with a Scarf: Elevate a simple low pony by wrapping a silk scarf around the base. It hides any greasy roots and looks incredibly chic.
4. Twisted Headband Effect: Take two front sections of hair, twist them back, and secure them behind your head with bobby pins. It acts like a built-in headband and adds instant polish.
Braided Bliss: Tamed and Travel-Ready
Braids are the ultimate road trip hack. They contain hair, prevent tangles, and actually look better as they get a little looser throughout the day.
5. Side Fishtail Braid: A boho-chic option that’s easier than it looks. A side braid keeps hair neatly over one shoulder, away from seatbelt tangles.
6. Double Dutch Braids: Not just for the gym! These braids start at the crown and keep every strand in place for hours. They’re adorable and functional.
7. Braided Ponytail: Put your hair in a ponytail, then braid the tail. It’s a simple way to add interest and prevent the dreaded ponytail knot.
8. Crown Braid (Halo Braid): A gorgeous style that looks intricate but is manageable on second-day hair. It keeps hair completely off your neck and looks ethereal at stops.
9. Rope Twist Pigtails: Simply divide hair into two sections, twist each one tightly, and secure at the ends. It’s playful, easy, and holds well.
Updos with Flair: Polished and Photo-Ready
When you want to feel a bit more dressed up for a destination dinner or a winery stop, these updos have you covered.
10. Low Twisted Bun: A more elegant cousin of the messy bun. Create a low ponytail, twist it, and wrap it into a neat coil, securing with pins. It’s sophisticated and secure.
11. Claw Clip Updo: The 90s staple is back and perfect for travel. Twist your hair, fold it up, and secure with a large claw clip. It’s effortless and takes seconds.
12. Bubble Ponytail: Add fun to a high ponytail by placing evenly spaced hair ties down the length and gently tugging to create “bubbles.” It’s whimsical and unique.
13. French Twist (Simplified): Gather hair at the nape, twist upwards, and secure with a large clip or pins. It’s a timeless look that works for any stop.
14. Space Buns: Divide your hair into two high pigtails and wrap each into a bun. They’re fun, keep hair completely out of the way, and are total Instagram bait.
Down but Not Out: Loose Styles That Last
If you prefer to wear your hair down, these styles incorporate techniques to keep them looking fresh and intentional, not wind-whipped.
15. Beach Wave Refresh: Revive second-day waves with a spray of salt spray or texturizer. Scrunch and go for that “I woke up like this” vibe.
16. Bandana or Silk Scarf: Pop a bandana over your hair like a headband or tie it under your loose locks at the nape. It instantly styles and contains flyaways.
17. Face-Framing Layers Down: Simply part your hair and use a large-barrel curling iron or straightener to add soft bends to the front layers only. It frames your face beautifully for photos.
18. Tucked Behind the Ears: A classic, simple move. Smooth hair behind your ears and secure with bobby pins if needed. It’s clean, fresh, and highlights your features.
Accessorize & Amplify: The Power of Add-Ons
Sometimes, the right accessory can transform a basic style into something special. Pack a few of these.
19. Statement Scrunchies: Swap your basic hair tie for a velvet, silk, or patterned scrunchie on a ponytail or bun. It adds a major style point with zero effort.
20. Decorative Hair Clips: A few strategically placed pearl or tortoiseshell clips can pin back sections or add bling to a simple half-up style.
21. Wide-Brim Hat Over Any Style: The ultimate cheat. Throw on a cute hat over your messy bun or braids, and you look instantly styled and sun-protected.
22. Colored Hair Tinsel or Thread: For a festival-on-the-road feel, weave in a few strands of metallic tinsel into a braid. It’s removable and so fun.
Refresh & Reset: Quick Fixes for Long Hauls
After hours on the road, even the best style might need a touch-up. Here’s your pit-stop beauty routine.
23. The Top-Knot Redo: Take everything down, flip your head over, gather hair into a high ponytail, and twist into a fresh top-knot. The flip adds instant volume at the roots.
24. Braid-Out Waves: If your hair is looking flat, create two loose braids on the sides. Leave them for an hour or so while you drive, then take them out for beautiful, crimped waves at your next stop.
Always have that dry shampoo handy for a quick root boost, and a small bottle of shine spray can work miracles on dry ends. A few spritzes and you’re ready for your close-up.
Hit the Road in Style
A road trip is about freedom, adventure, and making memories. Your hair shouldn’t be a source of stress. With these 24 road trip hairstyles in your arsenal, you can prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. Whether you’re going for quick and easy, braided and beautiful, or accessorized to perfection, there’s a look here that will have you camera-ready for every spontaneous stop, scenic vista, and roadside attraction. So pack your bags, pick your starting ‘do, and get ready for an amazing journey—great hair included.
What’s your go-to road trip hairstyle? Share your travel hair hacks in the comments below!
