Content for The Switch Fix & ClearTrip
Oily Scalp v/s Oily Hair
The difference, the cause and the solution
Greasy hair can be frustrating especially after being a regular washer, so let’s walk through the cause behind it and the solution to tackling the problem.
What is an oily scalp?
An oily scalp is caused by an overreaction of sebaceous glands or sebum on the scalp. It also leads to dandruff production and sticky hair, sometimes hair fall as well. The main causes behind this are genes, stress, lack of personal hygiene, hormones, scalp infections and an unhealthy diet.
How is oily hair different from having an oily scalp?
Basically, oily hair is a result of an oily scalp. This happens when the scalp is ordered to produce more oil due to the dryness taking over the hair from usage of various products. It may also occur due to a poor rinse job, where the hair-washing product is still present in the scalp.
How to treat an oily scalp?
There are numerous ways to treat an oily scalp and are the most basic changes one should add to their haircare routine.
1. Regular hair wash is a must: Hair wash with a mild shampoo prevents hair from drying out and keeps the required oil intact. An alternate day hair wash routine or a thrice-a-week routine works best to prevent oiliness and dry scalp.
2. Shampoo properly and condition carefully: Only the hair tips need to be conditioned otherwise the scalp would be greasy, leading to hair fall and bacterial growth.
3. Aloe vera is your knight in shining armour: The magic of aloe vera has no limit. It helps balance the pH level and prevents oiliness. It also has anti-fungal properties which keeps dandruff at bay.
4. Switch to a healthy diet: A diet with no oily or fried food will help prevent an oily scalp. Stick to the greens and add Omega-3 in your diet.
5. Stay clear of heat tools: The worst enemies to an oily scalp, heat tools make It greasy, weakens hair and causes damage.
6. Clean your hair brush: All that loose hair needs to go because that’s where the dirt and oil comes from. Wash your hair brush with a mild shampoo or gentle soap every 5 days to clean the buildup.
How to treat oily hair?
Although following the oily scalp treatment would automatically help oily hair, some tips and remedies can also fix the problem such as:
1. No touchy-touchy: Keeping your hands away from your hair is the easiest way to avoid greasiness. Touching it constantly transfers oil and dirt from the hand to the hair, stimulating the oil glands to produce more oil.
2. Right hair products are your saviour: Switching to specifically designed products and avoiding silicone in them is the key to preventing oiliness.
3. Coconut oil for the win: The go-to oil for every problem lifts oil from the scalp, nourishes and conditions it. So don’t be scared to add it to your routine,
4. Add tea tree oil/witch hazel/green tea to the mix: This holy trinity works wonders to the scalp and the hair. Tea tree oil prevents dandruff, soothes an itchy scalp and reduces greasiness. Witch hazel closes oil producing pores, relieves itchiness, reduces inflammation and restores the pH level of the scalp. Lastly, green tea reduces oil production and gives hair a healthy glow by nourishing the scalp.
Switching to the right products and the right diet is what really prevents an oily scalp. So, make the switch!
Do the impossible and pack your 10-day trip in just one bag
Let travelling be the escape without all the hassle of strolling around with heavy bags.
As we move more and more towards sustainability, packing light has become not just a necessity, but also a trend, a.k.a. travel capsule. While the idea of packing everything in just one bag seems bizarre, it isn’t something that can’t be achieved, even for the fellow chronic packers. We’re here to help your travel plans come true with a short and easy packing guide that will let you breeze through your travels.
Why a carry-on bag?
Firstly, let’s break down why having a carry-on is important. One can’t possibly walk around with a heavy bag that has nothing but some dirty laundry and stinky shoes, especially when they are on this hard-earned vacation. It’s easy to master packing light, which will only make your trip stress-free. It will also keep you from spending on baggage fees.
Carry-on bags also eliminate all the time you spend waiting for your bags at the baggage claim. No more waiting an eternity to get those bags and nothing to keep you from having that well-deserved vacation. Is it just us, or does your bag always somehow end up at the end of the belt? Well, all the more reason to give a carry-on bag a try. Just hop off the plane and get on with your vacation plans.
Let’s start with the very first step of any trip: planning.
Start with a realistic list and do some realistic packing
Going on a vacation is always exciting, but it needs some reality checks as well. Surely, everyone wants to wear something new every day and get pictures. But, realistically speaking, there is no point in packing 15 different outfits, shoes, and accessories for it. It is well known that shoes are bulky, carrying 10 different pairs won’t do you any good but just take up space. Ideally, one should carry a minimum of 3 pairs.
Also, note that your carry-on bag should be of the appropriate size so that it can be stored in the compartment above you. Don’t forget, it will also be easy to carry around!
Plan activities beforehand
Packing lights can be a task if there are special occasions and activities planned. For such situations, careful planning is key, or perhaps trying the travel capsule method. You can easily fit that fancy dress in your capsule, just roll them up.
Check the weather conditions
The most important step is to check the weather of your destination ahead of time. It also affects how you pack your wardrobe. If you’re going somewhere warm, packing a pair of pants and a backup light jacket would be a good option. If you’re travelling somewhere cold, keep versatile items like a pair of jeans that can be worn every day and go with all your outfits.
Now, jumping onto the real thing: packing.
Push down the bulky items or wear them while travelling
Compression packing cubes are your best friends
Roll it up
Let travel size be your saving grace.
Essentials stick with you
Additional hacks for travelling or packing light for a 10-day trip:
What’s the ideal bag for a 10-day trip?
Roll them or fold them?
What to not carry in a carry-on?
Would two carry-ons work?
The first step of packing is to start with the bulkier items first. It’s easier to stuff the small items in empty spaces or bulky items like shoes. You can easily fit your socks or undergarments in your shoes and then fit them at the bottom of your bag. This would free up more space for things that you need, a.k.a. your essentials.
In case there’s a pair of your favourite boots that you wish to have on this trip, just wear them on the day of travel instead of stuffing them in your suitcase. The same goes for clothing items like larger jackets or coats. These single items can take up a lot of space in your bag, so the only way to tackle their bulky self is to be smart and wear them.
Compression packing cubes are your best friends
The best investment for any traveller is to invest in compression packing cubes because they can be extremely useful. These packing cubes make a huge difference as they squish down all your clothes, whilst keeping them nice and compact. They make the most of a small bag like a carry-on and easily fit all the items you want on your trip.
Roll it up
The best travel hack so far that everyone needs to know about is rolling instead of folding. While folding is the traditional method, rolling is how everyone’s doing it now. Surely, you’d have to iron them back but every stay you’d go to has the option for the same. This method maximises space for items like t-shirts, tank tops, and bikinis which can be stuffed between a pair of pants. YouTube this easy hack, it’ll change the way you pack, forever.
Let travel size be your saving grace.
Any traveller would be well aware of the fact that airport security never lets you leave with a full-sized toiletry kit. This is where travel-size toiletries and liquids come in handy. It's important to have all your essential toiletries packed up in travel-size containers and bottles to save time and space.
Another hack is to keep these minis right at the top of your bag, so taking them out is not a task when needed. You can surely get the larger toiletries once you reach your destination, but only if it's a long trip; otherwise the same old cycle of sizes would begin when heading back. Items like sunscreen, contact solution, shampoo, and conditioner can be bought at any local store.
Essentials stick with you
The biggest benefit of having a personal bag is that you can keep your essential items handy. Items like medications, travel documents, valuables, phone chargers, etc can easily be kept in that little bag of yours, be it a cute mini backpack or a fanny pack. These are the items you would not want to lose nor face the trouble of finding in your luggage.
Additional hacks for travelling or packing light for a 10-day trip:
Bring versatility to your wardrobe: Packing different types of shoes or clothes is always a good option instead of going for the same old style that would bulk up your luggage.
Pick a colour palette: The best way to pack light is to stick to a colour palette that will help you decide what to wear on what day. If choosing a palette is becoming a struggle, it is recommended to stick to the neutrals. Just because you are packing light does not mean it has to be boring!
While you may be travelling light for your benefit, remember it also helps the planet. Packing light means packing sustainably! Follow the planning and packing method for your trip and have the best time completing your bucket list.
FAQs
How many clothes are required for a 10-day trip?
Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing trick, where you pack five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories. If you’re opting for a carry-on, mix and match items in your travel capsule and have a versatile wardrobe.
What’s the ideal bag for a 10-day trip?
Besides the planning-packing trips we talked about above, the ideal bag for a 10-day trip is a carry-on. It will free you from strolling your heavy bag around, waiting in baggage claim queues, and will allow you to experience your vacation in the best way.
Roll them or fold them?
The best and preferred way of packing is to roll them up. It also depends on your packing style and how much space you have to occupy. Packing cubes are always a good option as you can fit many outfits together in the same container without having to roll them up. Ideally, you should try both of them and see what works best.
What to not carry in a carry-on?
Usually, the best way to find out the dos and don'ts of what to carry in a carry-on bag is to check the TSA’s website for the rules. The website would allow you to know what is prohibited in carry-on bags, like liquids that are not travel-size or plastic bags. Plastic water bottles, even if sealed, are not allowed through security, so bringing a collapsible water bottle is your best option.
Would two carry-ons work?
If only that was possible, but no, you cannot bring two carry-on bags in the cabin without having to check one of them or pay extra. Although, almost all airlines allow their passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal bag, which would allow you to fit in all your essentials and keep them handy.
The Art of avoiding non-essentials when packing
An easy guide to non-essentials that should never become essential
The first thought that pops in everyone’s head when travelling is packing the essentials. It’s a very rare situation when you step out without essentials. Sometimes it’s your earphones, and sometimes the travel-size kits and chargers.
Travelling is considered a learning experience by exploring new places, learning about cultures, or meeting new people. It is also a learning experience when it comes to packing for that trip. Usually, when packing, we want to cover all bases with the items we think we would need, but in the end, they are the items we did not need to carry.
Anything kept in more than the required quantity defeats its actual purpose, which is why packing light is necessary, and pushing away the non-essentials is key. It is also recommended to make a list before packing, so you don’t forget about the essentials when packing for the non-essentials.
Here’s how you can reduce the ‘too’s’ and save yourself some space:
1. Too many jeans
While in today’s fashion world, there might be several options for a pair of jeans, be it on their type, fit, or colour, packing more than a pair is a common mistake. Items like a pair of jeans take up a lot of space, are heavy, and do take a lot of time to dry, which is why one pair of jeans, when travelling, is it.
Jeans are probably the only item of clothing that can last days without washing, are good enough for any weather, are durable, fashionable, and make you fit right in with the crowd. Nobody likes to look like a tourist, even if they are one.
2. Too many shoes
When packing for a trip, we all imagine ourselves in the outfits we’re packing - from the t-shirt we’d wear to the pair of shoes that would complete the look. But, as much as we want the vacation to be fashionable, it does not require a different pair of shoes with every outfit.
Here the wisest decision would be not to pack a nice pair of shoes but to keep your everyday wear sneakers or shoes. Perhaps those white sneakers or just a pair of converse would do it. These complete the purpose of looking nice and feeling comfortable.
3. Too many jackets
It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling somewhere cold or warm; keeping a light jacket is always recommended, but you have to be smart when doing so. Unless it’s freezing at your destination, packing heavy jackets is not a very smart style or travelling decision.
Surely, a faux fur jacket or a thick leather jacket would help you make a fashion statement, but it won’t help you when paying those extra baggage charges. In such a situation, playing with layers is necessary. Even in deserts, two light jackets are a must-have as they get chilly at night.
Layering is the key to packing light while also providing the necessary warmth to your body in different temperature zones. At a colder place, combine the layers with a windcheater or a waterproof jacket, and you’re good to go!
4. Too many books
Reading while travelling is no less than therapy, and for anti-social beings, it is the best way to avoid socialising and get in some learning. While it is recommended to socialise when travelling for your own learning experience, we are okay with side-ing with the anti-socials.
Reading is your saviour when it comes to killing time, so packing in a book is always a good option. However, packing more than one book is indeed unnecessary. If possible, switch to a Kindle and avoid all the space a book would occupy.
5. Too many gadgets
Unless you're a travel photographer or a blogger, you don't need all those electronics. Packing light does not always apply to clothing items but all the gadgets you're packing.
There's the 'empty your bag for electronics' part when travelling, which everyone hates. So, the best way to avoid that is not to pack your non-essential gadgets. Each gadget has its own charger and cable, which clutter your backpack. One way to consolidate all that mess is to use a single or universal charger. Items like electric toothbrushes, book lights, DVD players, coffee makers, etc., are not the items you need to carry around when travelling.
6. Too many toiletries
Bare essentials, that's all you need. An alternative is to get those travel-size kits that will save you time, money, and space. It's always wise to carry your primary toiletries and medicines in those travel-size bottles for the beginning of the trip. You can buy more and fill them up according to your stay plan. It is also wise to simplify your beauty and skincare routine to cut down on those essentials. Plus, there is a limitation to the number of liquids we can carry when flying.
7. Too many what if’s
It's best for you and your pocket to not pack with the words' what if...' stuck inside your head. The items you think you might need because of those what-ifs are the items you definitely do not need but still end up packing.
Another way to push away the what if's is to buy those items when you arrive, you would avoid wasting money on things you thought you would need, and it might just be a cheaper option.
A word of advice to avoid packing the non-essentials is to pack according to the destination. Do not pack things you're not sure you would use and avoid the what if's. It is absolutely necessary to pack the priorities and the essentials. Go as light as possible and don't forget that everything can be bought, and sometimes at a lower price.
Make your trip more enjoyable by carrying less, especially when using a backpack, and feel the freedom from the bulky packs and back pains.
FAQs
What to pack in a travel kit?
A travel kit is usually something that comes in a travel size. It contains mini bottles to keep your essential liquids, a bag to keep your toiletries, and more. You can pack in your shampoos, conditioners, skin care, beauty, toothbrush, sanitisers, towels, etc. Mainly things you use in your everyday life but just in a smaller and more efficient way.
What are the essential items to pack?
While we talked briefly about the non-essentials we all end up picking, it is important to know the essential items one should pack when travelling. Items like passport, phone chargers, power bank, cash, adapters, slippers, water bottle, socks, and underwear are must-haves in either your carry-on or your personal bag.
What to not forget when travelling?
There are your essentials, your non-essentials, and then items you may carry at your convenience. You would not want to forget these items when travelling like your preferred toothpaste, swimsuit, laundry bag, first aid, sunscreen, lip balm, and an umbrella. Only keep the ones that go along with your light packing and are absolutely necessary, depending on your destination and its requirements.
What is a packing list?
A packing list is what everyone should make before even thinking about packing their bags. It consists of all the items you have to pack, a.k.a. the essentials, and items you may or may not need, a.k.a your non-essentials. It is highly recommended to make a list not to forget the items you wish to carry and to save you time from the panic you may feel when that item is not there.
What are more non-essential items you absolutely don’t need?
Besides everything mentioned above, some more non-essential items that should not make the cut when packing are items like jewellery, valuables, bulky towels, guidebooks, a pillow, and linen.
