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Posted: 2024-08-16T07:00:20Z | Updated: 2024-08-19T14:18:01Z Should You Use The Mini Shampoo Bottles In Your Hotel's Bathroom? | HuffPost Life

Should You Use The Mini Shampoo Bottles In Your Hotel's Bathroom?

Hairstylists have some pretty strong thoughts.
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LumiNola via Getty Images

Whether youre packing for a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, it can be a challenge to fit everything into your luggage. When you have to sit on your over-stuffed travel bag to get it zipped, it can be a relief to know that at least you didnt have to pack shampoo, too as long as youre OK with using whatever is on offer as a room amenity. But it can be hard to know what exactly is in those bottles, and even more challenging to anticipate how your hair will react to a new product. 

We talked to hairstylists to find out if they use hotel shampoo or bring their own. They offered thoughts about how to suss out the right stuff, what to do if you have an absolute hair emergency on your hands, and what brands theyre happy to see stocked in their hotel room. 

Should you bother packing shampoo? 

The stylists we spoke with have had their share of bad hair days brought on by poor-quality hotel shampoo. The majority of hotel shampoos are super alkaline, harsh for the hair and full of sulfates, parabens and other ingredients that strip the hair of its natural oils, said hair and makeup stylist Marz Collins . Combine that with the frequently hard water from the shower, and your hair can end up looking dull, lifeless and full of static. 

A major concern is that some hotel room products dont provide much information on the packaging. Its hard to trust hotel-branded amenities, as they are often topped up with bulk product, so you never really know what they contain, explained hair expert and trend forecaster Tom Smith . But he pointed out that better products usually come with higher room rates.

In higher-caliber hotels, its more likely the products are worth using, he said. In many boutique hotels, the products used in the rooms are often available for sale in the lobby, so thats a good sign. 

Product safety also plays a role for some stylists. I avoid anything thats not packaged properly, Collins said. If it looks open, I dont trust it. If the dispensers for shampoo and conditioner are wall-mounted, Ill never use them.

Sometimes you just need the space in your bag.

For others, it all comes down to convenience. I took over 60 flights for work last year, and as someone who has short, mostly uncolored hair, Ill often use the shampoo amenities in the hotel, Smith said. As a traveling hairstylist, I have a lot to pack and want to save space where I can. Im willing to compromise, although Im often disappointed by the quality, and I consistently regret not bringing my own preferred products.

Others agree with the idea of compromising on quality in exchange for more packing space.

Personally, I find it more convenient to use the provided shampoo to save space in my luggage, stylist Marcia Hamilton said. Because of my short hair, it typically works in my favor.

Another reason to roll the dice and leave your regular shampoo at home comes from Collins, who noted, Shampoo containers are hard to travel with, because theres the chance they might not just take up space in your bag, but explode everywhere. 

If your hair needs special treatment, you might want to bring your own.

Hotel shampoos and conditioners are often provided as convenient amenities, but in most cases, they wont meet individual hair care needs, said Rhysa Phommachanh , a beauty and skin care expert. These products are usually formulated to be cost-effective and suitable for a wide range of hair types, which can mean they are not specialized for specific hair concerns like color treatment, moisture or volume.

But a smart stylist always has ways to work around these issues. If you have highlighted, bleached or heavily colored hair, it may be better to simply skip wash day and go for an updo-type style, Smith suggested.

If youre truly committed to treating your tresses well, you might follow the approach of stylist Akihisa Yamaguchi , who doesnt stop at bringing just one bottle when on the road.

I pack a few different kinds of shampoo and hair care, because when you travel often, the humidity, water and sun can be very different from what you normally experience, Yamaguchi noted. Even when you use your normal products, your hair often reacts very differently, especially when you have processed or textured hair.

Yamaguchi said you might want to include some emergency items too: I even strongly suggest bringing special hair care, such as deep conditioner, when you travel.

If in doubt, try this trick before lathering up your whole head: Sometimes Ill do a little test of the shampoo, said stylist Netty Jordan . Ill use it to wash my hands and see how they feel once theyre dry. Does my skin itch? Do my hands feel like they need lotion? Thats usually an indicator that the shampoo is going to dry out or not be the best for my hair.

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HowardOates via Getty Images
No label? Not a good sign.

Still unsure? Read the bottle for clues. 

Hair care expert Rossano Ferretti said, First things first, check the ingredients. Stick to labels that mention things like volumizing, strengthening, hydrating or balancing. Ideally you want a shampoo that uses high-quality, naturally derived ingredients, such as avocado, ginseng or macadamia oil. A good shampoo should also have a pH level thats close to your hair, around pH 4.5 to 5.5.

Other key words to look for: When the products label only says shampoo or conditioner, with no other branding information, its definitely a red flag, Yamaguchi said. If theres no information on the label, it can be the quality of dish soap, so Id prefer to just wash my hair with hot water only. And I would never touch anything labeled as 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner. 

If you want to do a little super-shampoo-sleuthing, there are other suggestions for learning more. This is the age of smartphones and Google, so if you truly needed to wash with a hotel bottle of shampoo and you can at least see the name of the brand, you can always research the ingredient list, said stylist Michelle Cleveland

Hamilton said theres nothing stopping you from going full Nancy Drew to find out more: You can call or email the hotel in advance and ask about the brand or type of shampoo they provide. Or look up the hotel online and see if there are any reviews that mention the quality of the shampoo.

Here are the in-room brands stylists will actually use.

Ive tried Balmain hair care products at hotels Ive stayed at, and they were amazing, Yamaguchi said. The line is included in amenities at international luxury properties, including the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris.

The W Hotel carries MOMO by Davines , and those products are sulfate-free, lightweight and gently-cleansing, Collins said. Theyre packed with nutrients and leave hair feeling soft and looking shiny.

Edition hotels carry Le Labo , which I love, Collins continued. The smell is simply intoxicating. Its gentle on the hair, so it feels clean, but doesnt feel like youve stripped every last ounce of natural oil. Instead, hair feels moisturized, and mine in particular feels bouncy. When on a trip to Iceland, she tried the product in her hotel room, then bought the Le Labo shampoo and conditioner from the gift shop. I loved it and wanted it for the remainder of my trip, she said. 

Jordan is another fan of the brand. If a hotel has Le Labo, Ill instantly call the concierge and request extra bottles, she said. She makes a similar call if a hotel carries C.O. Bigelow products. Besides requesting more bottles of shampoo and conditioner from them, she also asks for a couple of the brands toothbrushes. Theyre a staple in my kit for hair touch-ups, she explained.

Collins is also fond of Bvlgari White Tea Au T Blanc , which is available at Bvlgari Luxury Hotels & Resorts and other upscale properties, such as the Four Seasons in New York City. If Im being honest, its mostly because of the scent, she said. Plus, it comes in smaller bottles you can take with you. 

Whatever you do, dont overthink it.

You might want to ask your stylist for advice before your next trip. Cleveland said she tells her clients to do their best to avoid hotel shampoo. But being on vacation is a time to cut loose and relax, so if someone finds themself in a situation where they simply cannot stretch a blowout another day and have to wash their hair, do what you have to, she added.

Finally, you can use the situation to cultivate a little Zen and not sweat the small stuff. Sure, you may or may not have a bad hair day, Collins said. If you really care about your hair, next time you wont forget your products, or youll make time to buy them wherever your travels take you.

Using a hotel shampoo is not the end of the world, and one wash wont destroy your hair, so dont overthink it, Cleveland added. Use common sense and be conscious of protecting your hair as best you can with what you have at your disposal.

Planning on traveling? Try these reader-beloved products to make your trip more comfortable.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Antibacterial hand wipes that reviewers love to keep in their purses

In the age of COVID consciousness, it's never a bad idea to have hand sanitizer nearby. These Wet Ones wipes are a must-have for any traveler especially those with messy kids, as plenty of reviews point out to stay germ-free after touching all the high-contact points on a plane, from your seatbelt to your tray table. The small packets of wipes are also much easier to get through TSA than a bottle of liquid sanitizer, too, since you can just chuck one (or two, or three) in your bag without having to think about the 3-1-1 rule at security.

Promising review: "We have been using since we started traveling in 1989. Great to keep in your purse while traveling to wipe down airline trays, arm rests and to keep your hands clean and sanitized. When Covid first came out, we were out of the country and were so happy we had quite a few packages of these in our suitcase. Then for a while, they became very hard to find everyone was purchasing for protection during Covid . but I hunted and hunted until I found them. I keep a package always in my purse, glove compartment in my car and my work area. These are so handy to keep with you at all times. The smell is nice and nice to keep with you at all times." BB

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A nausea remedy that I swear by

As someone who frequently gets airsick (and carsick and seasick), I swear by Dramamine for motion sickness. Turbulence is to be expected, especially on longer international flights, so don't let it catch you by surprise having these tablets that prevent nausea, dizziness, and vomiting will make sure you don't end up reaching for the barf bag. (Consult a doctor before adding this to your rotation.)

Promising review: "I get easily nauseous when flying, so I always make sure to take some Dramamine before I get on the plane. I love this travel size because it fits perfectly in my carry-on, and I can just quickly pop it open when I need it. The only downside is that they do taste pretty nasty, so just make sure you swallow them quickly. Highly recommend for anyone who gets nauseous on flights, car rides, or rollercoasters!" JustReviewin'

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A seat cushion that can be a game changer for back pain

Plane seats never did anybody favors for back pain, so if you're worried about being stuck in an uncomfortable seat for hours on end, bringing your own cushion may be the way to go. This memory foam cushion is made with a non-slip bottom and has a portable handle, making it easy to carry off the plane. The large size (which measures about 18 inches wide) will fit many plane seats just make sure to check beforehand, especially if you're sitting in economy.

Promising review: "I bought this and took it with me to Europe. This helped me tremendously on my 11 hour plane ride. My tush wasnt tired! I also have used it for long car rides. Great thing about it is that it doesnt go flat once you sit on it! I would recommend!!!!!" Rosa P.

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An airplane foot hammock to make the most of your legroom

No legroom? No problem. This footrest, which you can wrap around the tray table in front of you, allows for three different positions to put your feet in and get a little extra comfort. The footrest especially comes in handy for travelers who have shorter legs, including children, thanks to the adjustable strap.

Promising review: "I fly 24+ hour international flights twice a year. I typically put my carry-on backpack under the seat in front of me and rest my feet on it but on my most recent flight, purchased this hammock to try. It made a huge difference to have my feet suspended, even if it was an inch or two above my backpack (on one leg of the flight, I stowed my backpack elsewhere and had nothing under the seat in front of me apart from the hammock, and that was even better). It stays mostly out of view in use, and for storage rolls tight in its own (compact) bag. Highly recommend this!" LiEr

5
A sleeping mask with Bluetooth headphones

While you may not be able to do much about your limited legroom or ability to recline during a flight, especially if you're sitting in coach, blocking out the noise and lights of the plane can make a huge difference in getting some shuteye. This mask blocks out the light while doubling as wireless Bluetooth headphones so you can listen to music or a podcast uninterrupted, and is made of a stretchy, breathable material that can fit to your face.

Make sure to clip the 20% off coupon to get a discount applied at checkout.

Promising review: "I work on a ship and so a lot of the time I share a room, but I need noise to fall asleep. I used to try and sleep with ear buds in, but theyre always so uncomfortable. I LOVE these headphones; the sound is great and I can fall asleep comfortably while listening to a podcast. Theyre also great for staying comfy on planes while watching a movie or listening to music. I recommend them to everyone!" Amazon Customer

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A toilet spray for the dreaded airplane bathroom

Look, airplane bathrooms are horrible enough before you factor in the potential unpleasant smells. Not only will this TSA-friendly travel-size bottle of the popular Poo-Pourri toilet spray make those bathroom trips a little less smelly for you and your fellow passengers, but a good toilet spray can be useful in any public restroom during your travels and beyond. (The size of the bottle may seem small, but trust me: This stuff packs a punch, and a little goes a long, long way.)

Promising review: "Wow, this stuff really works. I purchased this travel size for a recent cruise. Even with the proximity of the bathroom to the rest of the room, there were no unpleasant odors throughout our trip. Just a squirt in the bowl beforehand did the trick. Nice lemon scent without being overpowering." Amazon Customer

7
Silicone bottle covers to keep your toiletries from leaking

After my facial cleanser spilled all over the inside of my suitcase on one flight gone wrong, I've been looking for a way to prevent leaking or spilling during travel, and these bottle covers do the trick. Able to fit most travel-size toiletries thanks to their flexible silicone design, you can rest easy during your flight knowing none of your liquids will be making a mess. They come in packs of four, eight, 16, 24, and 32.

Promising review: "These work great for sealing your items before you travel. They stretch over a large tub of lotion or over the top of shampoo. Can use over and over. I used to duct tape my items closed before flying. These are so convenient and work great!!" tjmen

8
A compact and adjustable phone holder mount

No more hunching over your tray table to watch that Netflix show you've downloaded on your phone this phone holder mount can be attached to the seatback in front of you for adjustable, hands-free entertainment. When it's not in use, its compact design also makes it easy to store in your carry-on.

Promising review: "I bought this for traveling by airplane and it worked great. It stays clipped to the tray and phone and moves in different positions for adjusting. My only problem was not ordering more since family members traveling with you steal it when you fall asleep!" Amazon Customer

9
A memory foam neck pillow with an ergonomic design

A good neck pillow is worth investing in before you're stuck with the options at the airport bookstore. This memory foam option will keep your neck supported on all sides while still providing soft comfort, and can be compressed down to fit inside a space-saving travel bag when you're not using it.

Promising review: "This is THE best neck pillow. Ive been on multiple 10+ hour flights and can always fall asleep. You will have to shake me to wake up for that mid-flight meal with this bad boy on.

Its super supportive from all angles. Ive tried the regular donut looking ones and the tiktok one that looks like a neck brace and this is definitely superior as the pillow is much taller. I would just make sure to wash and travel with it in its cloth pouch so it maintains its shape and will last longer. Mine lasted over two years and only broke because I didnt handle with care. Will be repurchasing!" Lidia

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