You've packed your clothes, your shoes, your passport... but what about your toiletries?
Can you bring dry shampoo on a plane? Or hairspray or deodorant?
If you're planning on traveling by air, it's important to know the TSA's (Transportation Security Administration) restrictions on what you can and can't bring in your carry-on and checked luggage.
Have you seen someone's hairspray or hand lotion tossed into the garbage going through airport security? Or has it happened to you?
Then you know how important it is to follow the rules!
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about traveling with health and beauty supplies, from liquid limitations to the best way to pack your toiletries and makeup kit.
Read on for all the details!
The 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-On Liquids
You probably already know that there are restrictions on how much liquid you can bring in your carry on bag.
These restrictions are known as the TSA rules or the "3-1-1 Rule" which means that each passenger is allowed to bring:
- 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less of liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, paste, lotion, oil, or shaving cream per container;
- that all fit into one clear zip-top bag,
- that is a one-quart sized bag or smaller (1000 milliliters).
So what does that mean for your dry shampoo aerosol or powdered dry shampoo with a propellant? Dry shampoo is considered a liquid and falls under these restrictions.
This means that if you want to bring dry shampoo in your carry-on luggage, you'll have to find a way to make it fit into that one quart zip-top bag.
The good news is that many dry shampoo brands come in travel-friendly sizes that will easily fit into a one-quart bag. You might also consider our recommended travel-size hairsprays!
What About Checked Bags?
Any containers larger than 3.4 ounces in size must be packed in your checked baggage.
And keep in mind that regardless the sizes of the containers, you are only allowed to travel with a certain amount of liquids in total - combining all products.
For the best understanding of regular and travel size, please refer to the TSA graphic at the end of the article and follow these links to the current TSA Rules and FAA Quantity Guidelines.
Packing Your Health and Beauty Kit
In addition to liquids, gels, and pastes, the TSA rules also restrict powders.
These restrictions are primarily aimed at powders that could be used as an explosive material (like talcum powder), but they also apply to loose powders like blush or eyeshadow.
So, it's important to be strategic when packing your toiletries for travel.
Here are a few tips:
✈️ First and foremost, try to travel light! Evaluate which products you truly need for the location and duration of your trip.
Take advantage of products and brands that offer travel sizes.
✈️Aerosol cans and aerosol sprays are permitted within the referenced TSA rules.
✈️Use solid cosmetics rather than liquids whenever possible (for example, choose a matte lipstick over a gloss).
Many solid forms are still considered a liquid but they will usually cause less damage if they open unexpectedly.
✈️If you must bring liquids, gels, or pastes in your checked bag, make sure they're stored in leakproof containers that are small enough to fit inside the one quart zip-top bag in your toiletries bag.
You might even want to consider traveling with just a sample size of your favorite products.
✈️Pack any loose powders in containers with tight fitting lids—this will help prevent them from spilling out and making a mess in your bag.
✈️Put all of your makeup—liquids, solids, powders—into one makeup bag (with the liquids in the one-quart bag),so you can easily identify everything when it comes time to go through security screening.
Safe Travels!
Getting ready for holiday travel any time of year can be a stressful process. There are so many things to remember and pack, and it can be tough to keep track of everything.
We hope this blog post has helped clear up any confusion you had about traveling with toiletries and your favorite dry shampoo! Nobody wants greasy hair on vacation!
Remember: the key is to be strategic about what you pack and how you pack it.
The next time you hear someone ask, "Can you take dry shampoo on a plane?" you'll know how to help them out!
And if you still have questions about what you can and can't bring on a plane, be sure to check the current TSA website before your next trip.
Whether it's for business or pleasure, stay safe!
More Recommended Articles:
Best Travel Size Hairspray: 6 for Frizz-Free Outings!
Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair: 5 If You're Out of Time!
5 Best Dry Shampoo for Colored Hair: Stop Color Fade 2022
Who Invented Dry Shampoo? Will We Ever Know For Sure?
*Visit the TSA Rules page.
