Why a hair plan helps
When a storm is on the way, hair is the last thing on anyone's mind, and it should be. But if the power is out for a few days, you lose your dryer, your hot tools and sometimes easy hot water. A little planning keeps you feeling put together without any fuss.
The same kit earns its place on ordinary summer days, too. Afternoon downpours and heavy humidity are part of life here, and the easy styles that work during an outage also hold up in damp, sticky weather. None of it needs to be fancy, and most of it is already in your bathroom.
A small hair kit
Keep these together in a zip bag or small pouch, stored with the rest of your storm supplies. Travel sizes are fine and take up less room. Check the bag at the start of each season and replace anything that's run low.
- Dry shampoo, for the days between washes
- A leave-in conditioner or light cream to tame frizz without heat
- A wide-tooth comb and your usual brush
- Fabric-covered elastics, a claw clip and a few bobby pins
- A scarf or headband for days you'd rather cover it all
- A small spray bottle for refreshing curls and waves
- A small mirror and a battery or rechargeable light for getting ready in the dark
No-heat styles for outage days
Without a dryer, the easiest styles start with damp or second-day hair and need nothing plugged in. A low bun, a braid or a sleek ponytail with a little leave-in on the ends looks tidy and keeps hair off your neck in the heat.
Curly and coily hair often does well in twists, braids or a loose pineapple on top of the head, refreshed with a spritz of water and a bit of cream. For straight or wavy hair, braiding it damp before bed gives soft waves in the morning without any heat.
A scarf tied over a low bun is the quickest put-together look of all, and it hides second- or third-day roots. If you wear a silk or satin bonnet at night, keep it in the kit so your routine stays the same wherever you sleep.
Washing when power or hot water is limited
You don't have to wash every day to feel fresh. Dry shampoo at the roots, a quick brush and a neat style will carry most people through a few days. If you do wash, a cool rinse is fine and can feel good in the heat, and shampooing only the scalp keeps the job quick.
Save generator or battery power for the essentials. Hair dryers and hot tools draw a lot of power, and your hair will be fine with an air-dried style until things are back to normal. If local officials share guidance about water use after a storm, follow it.
Humid days before and after a storm
The air around a storm can be heavy and damp, which makes many hair types frizz. Work a leave-in or light cream through damp hair, let it dry with as little touching as you can and keep your hands out of it afterward. A style that's up and secured holds its shape better than one left loose. Go easy on heavy oils at the roots, which can make hair feel limp faster on muggy days.
If your hair is colored or chemically smoothed, ask your stylist what will help it most in humid weather. They may suggest a lighter product, a different part or a cut that works with the humidity rather than against it.
Salon appointments in storm season
If a storm is forecast near your appointment, call the salon early. Salons may close when a storm is near and reopen once it's safe and the power is steady, and their phones get busy right after. Rebooking early gives you a better choice of times.
If you have a big event between June and November, book your cut or color a little earlier than usual, so a short closure doesn't leave you without it. And if your appointment does get moved, the kit above will keep you comfortable until you're back in the chair.
Questions
What should I pack for my hair in a hurricane kit?
Dry shampoo, a leave-in conditioner, a wide-tooth comb, elastics, a claw clip, pins and a scarf cover most needs. Keep travel sizes in a small bag with your other supplies.
How do I style my hair without electricity?
Choose styles that need no heat, such as braids, twists, buns or a low ponytail. Braiding damp hair at night gives soft waves by morning.
How long can I go without washing my hair?
It depends on your hair and scalp. Many people manage a few days with dry shampoo and a simple style, and curly or coily hair often goes longer between washes.
Should I cancel my salon appointment if a storm is coming?
Call the salon to check their plans. If a storm is forecast, rebooking early gives you a better choice of times once they reopen.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. For scalp, skin or hair-loss concerns, see a dermatologist.