How Bad Is The Shampoo In The Mini Bottles Of A Hotel Bathroom?

Whether you’re 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 didn’t have to pack shampoo, too — as long as you’re 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 they’re 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 don’t provide much information on the packaging. “It’s 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, it’s 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 that’s a good sign.”

Product safety also plays a role for some stylists. “I avoid anything that’s not packaged properly,” Collins said. “If it looks open, I don’t trust it. If the dispensers for shampoo and conditioner are wall-mounted, I’ll 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, I’ll 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. I’m willing to compromise, although I’m 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 there’s 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 won’t 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 you’re truly committed to treating your tresses well, you might follow the approach of stylist Akihisa Yamaguchi, who doesn’t 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 I’ll do a little test of the shampoo,” said stylist Netty Jordan. “I’ll use it to wash my hands and see how they feel once they’re dry. Does my skin itch? Do my hands feel like they need lotion? That’s usually an indicator that the shampoo is going to dry out or not be the best for my hair.”

No label? Not a good sign.

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 that’s close to your hair, around pH 4.5 to 5.5.”

Other key words to look for: “When the product’s label only says ‘shampoo’ or ‘conditioner,’ with no other branding information, it’s definitely a red flag,” Yamaguchi said. “If there’s no information on the label, it can be the quality of dish soap, so I’d 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 there’s 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.

“I’ve tried Balmain hair care products at hotels I’ve 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. “They’re 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. It’s gentle on the hair, so it feels clean, but doesn’t feel like you’ve 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, I’ll 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 brand’s toothbrushes. “They’re a staple in my kit for hair touch-ups,” she explained.

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

Whatever you do, don’t 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 won’t forget your products, or you’ll make time to buy them wherever your travels take you.”

“Using a hotel shampoo is not the end of the world, and one wash won’t destroy your hair, so don’t 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.

Amazon

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 wipes are a must-have for any traveler — especially those with messy toddlers, 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: “I have bought these several times. I keep a pack in my car, my purse, diaper bag, etc. I am always using them to wipe my grandkids hands when we go to the grocery store (shopping carts are so germy); picking them up from school, etc. I also use them on vacations to wipe down the tray tables on the airplane.” — Brownieyumyum

Target

A pair of fleece jogger pants for ultimate comfort

Prioritize comfort without sacrificing style in these joggers (which, FYI, comes with a matching fleece sweatshirt if you want the full set). The drawstring waistband will keep the fit secure without becoming uncomfortable, the fleece material can keep you warm in the cold plane air, and best of all? These pants have pockets, so you can store your phone, passport, and anything else you might need with ease.

Promising review: “These are my favorite lounge pants ever! So much so that I have 3 colors. They fit well, wash well, and are just so comfortable and cute. They are also very stretchy while still holding shape. Get yourself a set!” — sav123

Amazon

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’

Amazon

A seat cushion that reviewers call 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 with a non-slip rubber 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 cushion on a whim from an advert I had seen; I bought it because I always get terrible back ache when flying, it doesn’t matter the seat or length of time its always the same. So knowing I was taking a 7 hour flight to Hawaii I thought I would give it a go: IT WAS A COMPLETE GAME CHANGER. I sat on it feeling a little tall but the fact that I had no discomfort and could easily walk off the plane was a miracle. I am now looking forward to all future flights :)” — sarah jessop

Amazon

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. This 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

Amazon

A sleeping mask with Bluetooth headphones that’s only $20

While you can’t 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 100% of the light, can pair with any Bluetooth-enabled device so you can listen to music uninterrupted, and has contoured eye cups that won’t feel tight on your face.

Promising review: “Got this as a flight attendant cause I sleep on planes and in noisy crew rooms. They work great! I also love that there is a cushioned circle around the eyes so that the mask isn’t pushing right up against my eyes.” — Lynn W.

Amazon

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

Amazon

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

Amazon

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

Amazon

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. I’ve 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.

It’s super supportive from all angles. I’ve 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 didn’t handle with care. Will be repurchasing!” — Lidia

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