10 Airport Hairstyles Travel Hair Short Ideas That Make Flying Stress-Free & Stylish
Let’s be real—traveling can be exhausting. Between long security lines, rushing to your gate, and spending hours on a plane, the last thing you want to worry about is your hair. As someone who has short hair and loves to travel, I’ve often struggled with keeping my look chic yet casual while also being practical enough to survive a long flight or even a road trip. That’s why I’ve rounded up my favorite airport hairstyles travel hair short ideas that will help you feel stress-free, stylish, and photo-ready for your next holiday adventure.
These styles aren’t just easy—they’re also comfortable enough to wear with headphones, hats, and scarves. And yes, I’ve tried many of them myself on trips, from quick domestic flights to 15-hour long hauls, and trust me, they truly work. Let’s dive in!
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1. Sleek & Chic Low Bun
If your hair is just long enough, a low bun is a lifesaver. It keeps your strands out of the way, works beautifully under a hat, and won’t get ruined when you lean back against the seat. I love this hairstyle for long flights because it keeps me looking polished even after hours of travelling. Pair it with a comfy hoodie or a blazer for a sophisticated, yet casual vibe.
2. Messy Textured Waves
Short hair can sometimes fall flat, but adding a little curly wave texture makes all the difference. The best part? The messier it gets, the better it looks. When I’m heading on a holiday, I spritz a little sea salt spray before heading to the airport, and by the time I land, I’ve got that cute, “I woke up like this” vibe. It’s perfect for casual travelling days.
3. Braided Crown or Side Braid
Braids aren’t just for long hair. Short-haired girls can rock a mini side braid or even a small crown braid to keep strands off their face. This style looks chic in selfies, stays neat during road trips, and is super comfortable with headphones on the plane. When I wore this style flying to Bali, I didn’t have to touch up my hair once—it stayed put the whole time.
4. Half-Up Knot
Somewhere between casual and chic, the half-up knot is a short hair girl’s dream. It gives you that effortless vibe while still being functional enough for travelling. I find it perfect for holidays where I want to look cute in photos without putting in much effort. Bonus: it stays intact even if you nap on the plane.
5. Sleek Side Part with Hair Clip
If you’re running late for your flight, this is the hairstyle for you. Simply smooth down your hair with a little gel, add a side part, and clip one side with a chic barrette or mini claw clip. It’s minimal, easy, and looks way more stylish than it should. I’ve done this on days when my hair was just not cooperating, and it never fails to give off polished vibes.
6. Casual Headband Style
Headbands are a traveller’s best friend. They keep hair away from your face, look cute and casual, and work perfectly with headphones. I usually carry a soft fabric headband in my carry-on just in case my hair gets messy mid-flight. It’s also a lifesaver during road trips when you just want your hair out of the way while still looking chic.
Amazon Pick: Boho Wide Headbands
These soft, stretchy boho headbands are perfect for travel. They’re gentle on short hair, super comfortable to wear with headphones, and come in a variety of holiday-ready prints. I always keep one in my bag for flights and road trips—they instantly make messy hair look intentional.
7. Mini Top Knot
Even with short hair, you can still rock a mini top knot. It’s easy to style, stays put through security checks, and keeps you feeling fresh during long days of travelling. I personally love pairing a mini knot with oversized sunglasses—it instantly gives me that “celebrity off-duty” airport vibe.
Amazon Pick: Silk Scrunchies
Normal hair ties can cause breakage, especially during a long flight. That’s why I swear by silk scrunchies. They’re gentle, look cute, and help prevent creases in short hair when you tie it up. Perfect for messy buns, half-up knots, or mini top knots while travelling.
8. Pixie Cut with Textured Volume
If you have a pixie cut, you already know it’s one of the best low-maintenance styles for travel. A quick spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray adds instant volume and keeps you looking chic. I love this style for holiday trips because it’s fuss-free yet stylish enough for airport photos.
9. Under a Chic Hat
Sometimes the best hairstyle is hiding your hair altogether. A hat is not only practical but also stylish. It protects your hair from dryness during long flights and keeps things casual during road trips. On my last holiday, I threw on a fedora at the airport, and people kept complimenting me on my “outfit”—when really, it was just my hat saving me from messy hair.
Amazon Pick: Packable Travel Fedora Hat
This foldable, packable fedora hat is a must-have for travellers. It’s lightweight, stylish, and fits perfectly in your carry-on. Great for covering up messy travel hair or adding instant holiday chic vibes. I never fly without mine!
10. Low Pony with Scarf Wrap
If your short hair is just long enough for a low ponytail, dress it up with a scarf. It adds a splash of color, makes your style look intentional, and gives off those holiday vibes. I did this look for a trip to Italy, and honestly, it made me feel chic even after hours of travelling.
Tips for Keeping Short Hair Fresh While Travelling
- Always pack a mini dry shampoo to refresh after a long flight.
- Use silk scrunchies or fabric ties to avoid breakage.
- Bring a foldable hat for instant style fixes.
- Don’t overpack styling products—keep it easy and simple.
Over the years of writing about and trying these styles myself, I’ve realized that the best airport hairstyles travel hair short ideas are the ones that balance comfort and cuteness. Whether you’re flying across the world or hitting the road for a quick holiday escape, these looks will keep you confident and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Short hair doesn’t mean limited options—it just means getting creative! From braids to messy waves, chic accessories to casual hats, there are endless ways to make your travel hair look stylish. Personally, I rotate between my go-to messy waves and low bun, but I always keep a scarf or headband handy for emergencies. Next time you’re packing for a trip, try out one of these styles—you might just find your new signature airport look!
So, which of these airport hairstyles travel hair short ideas will you try first? Share your favorites in the comments and let me know if you have a go-to holiday travel hairstyle!