Hair Realities

• Many women opt to get their hair braided or have braided extensions put in to bring some control to a head of hair that wind and water will work havoc on in the Caribbean. But if you're determined to wear your hair, there are some realities that you'll need to be prepared for to keep your 'do doing its thing in sun and surf.
  
  First, bring all your trusted hair care essentials with you--shampoo, conditioners, sprays, curling and flat irons. Bring ther large economy sizes if necessary but you'll have to pack the liquids in checked luggage. Pack them securely so they don't leak. The point is that you don't want your hair arsenal to be mainland when you're stranded on an island.
  
  

Plan B

• Assume that Plan A, your own hair, will encounter some insurmountable barrier that you won't be able to deal with even with your arsenal at your side. You've been swimming all morning and now it's time to meet friends for lunch. No time to do your own hair. You need hair backup.
  
  Bring an assortment of scarves; preferably ones that coordinate with an outfit. Wearing a scarf either wholly or partly covering the hair makes a fashion statement more than a cover-up one.
  
  The next level up, or perhaps down, from the scarf cover-up is a wig. If you don't own a wig, go to a beauty supply store and try on a few full-hair wigs. You might also want to pick up a long ponytail hairpiece, which will give you yet another option for changing not only your hair but your look. Do bring a wig or two with you on your Caribbean trip. It's a look saver.
  
  

Go Native

• Don't rule out letting your natural hair do its thing and just going with it. In the heat and humidity of the Caribbean, hair may curl loosely or tighter and behave in ways totally foreign to its American roots. Go with it. Wash, add mousse or gel or whatever is in your arsenal, scrunch, air-dry and go. Apply plenty of lipstick and don your sunglasses. Fake it until you make it. It's all good.