The Holiday Hair Emergency Kit: What to Keep in Your Purse for Parties, Photos, and Last-Minute Plans

Dec 8

Because holiday chaos is real, but your hair doesn’t have to look like it lived through it.

Between unexpected photo ops, surprise dinner invitations, weather that can’t make up its mind, and the general whirl of the season, your hair is working overtime. That’s where a well-stocked holiday hair emergency kit comes in. Think of it as your little secret weapon—small enough to toss in your purse, powerful enough to save any style that’s slipping.

Here’s everything to keep on hand so you can walk into any moment (planned or not) looking polished and put-together.

1. Mini Brush or Compact Comb

Let’s start with the basics. A tiny brush or foldable wide-tooth comb quickly smooths out tangles, reshapes curls, and gives flattened sections some life again.

Perfect for reviving hair after removing hats, hoods, or scarves.
Helps reset part lines and clean up flyaways.
Takes up almost no space but instantly makes you look more polished.

It’s easily the most underrated item in any emergency kit.

2. Travel-Size Dry Shampoo

Holiday schedules sometimes mean going from brunch to shopping to a party without stopping—your roots need backup.

A few short bursts add lift and volume to hair that’s gone flat.
Helps with oiliness from running around all day.
Ideal when you need a quick refresh before photos or a last-minute get-together.

Look for a formula that doesn’t leave white residue, especially if you have darker hair.

3. A Small Tube of Smoothing Serum or Lightweight Oil

Cold weather + indoor heating = instant dryness and static. This is your fix for brittle ends, frizz, and that winter flyaway halo.

Use a pea-sized amount to smooth the mid-lengths and ends.
Adds shine for evening events or picture moments.
Helps curls regroup if they start to fall apart throughout the day.

Just don’t overdo it—this is a tiny, controlled touch-up, not a re-style.

4. Satin Scrunchie or Gentle Hair Tie

Regular elastics can leave dents or break fragile winter-dry hair. A satin scrunchie is kinder and keeps your style intact.

Great for quick ponytails, buns, or half-up styles.
Prevents creasing if you need to pull your hair back temporarily.
Works for those moments where you realize your hair needs to go up now.

It’s also a simple way to elevate even the most rushed hairstyle.

5. A Few Bobby Pins or Mini Claw Clips

These are the true heroes of any hair emergency.

Use bobby pins to secure loose pieces or revive a style that’s falling flat.
A mini claw clip creates instant shape and structure without effort.
Perfect for turning a “my curls gave up” moment into something cute and intentional.

They weigh nothing but solve everything.

6. A Small Mist Bottle of Water (Yes, Really)

This one is especially helpful for curls, waves, and cowlick-prone hair.

Water reactivates styling products already in your hair.
A light mist helps curls spring back without frizz.
Great for smoothing stubborn flyaways that refuse to stay down.

It doesn’t need to be fancy—just a tiny refillable bottle that does the job.

7. A Mini Finishing Spray or Flexible-Hold Hairspray

You’re not freezing your style into place—you’re giving it staying power.

Keeps strands smooth when humidity and cold fight back.
Helps your hair hold its shape for photos or evening events.
Locks in quick touch-ups so the wind doesn’t undo them immediately.

Choose flexible hold so your hair still moves naturally.

8. A Small Silk Scarf (Optional, but Powerful)

Not a necessity, but once you carry one, you’ll never go back.

Wrap it around your hair before stepping into wind or snow to protect your style.
Use it to tame frizz or revive smoothness before an event.
Also works as a last-minute accessory if you need to elevate a look.

It’s a multitasker that earns its space in your purse.

Your Holiday Hair Can Handle Anything with the Right Tools

A well-packed hair emergency kit keeps you prepared for every moment the season throws at you—from spontaneous group photos to an invitation that pops up an hour before it starts.

You don’t need a full glam session to stay polished. Just a few smart, tiny products that help you refresh, reshape, and revive your style in seconds.

Virginia Goetting