The Common Hair Product You Might Not Realize Cannot Be Brought Through TSA

Keeping your hair looking beautiful when traveling can require a little extra work. Your holy grail shampoo will have to fit in a tiny bottle (unless you plan to check a bag, that is), and your go-to hot tools may not work in other countries without a special voltage adapter. Even worse, some hair products are banned on planes, including one common item in particular: hair dye.

Maybe you found your perfect shade on a trip and want to bring it home, or perhaps you're a professional hairstylist who always keeps dye on hand. No matter the reason, most hair dyes aren't allowed on commercial flights. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, oxidizers and organic peroxides are classified as hazardous materials and are forbidden in both checked and carry-on baggage. It turns out that many hair dyes fall under this category, along with hair bleach, which is considered a corrosive substance.

The rule isn't limited to domestic U.S. flights. Many other countries, too, have bans on flying with conventional hair dye and bleach. For example, the U.K. strictly prohibits oxidizing dyes and peroxide solutions on planes.

Some hair care junkies and professional stylists might get away with tucking hair dye in a checked bag and not telling anyone. However, that doesn't mean you should follow in their footsteps. If your dye leaks or the bottle explodes in transit, it could cause serious damage on board.

Thankfully, there is one completely safe way around the ban: Pack hair dye that's free of harsh peroxide, oxidizers, and other materials on the Federal Aviation Administration's no-fly list. If you're not sure if your formula is safe to bring, contact your airline for advice. Otherwise, pack your dye the way you would any other liquid. If it's in a checked bag, seal it well to prevent leaks and spills. If you plan to carry it in your carry-on luggage, be sure to follow TSA's liquid rules. Keep the product in bottles that hold no more than 3.4 ounces each, and place the bottles in a clear, sealable quart-sized bag along with any other liquids.

Of all the things you can't bring through TSA, hair dye and hair bleach might not be the most offensive. Still, attempting to board a plane with the products could land you in hot water. At best, your hair-coloring formulas might be confiscated when you head through the airport security line or if your checked luggage undergoes inspection by an agent. In other instances, you could be punished for violating hazardous material laws, particularly if you fail to declare the hair products. In the U.S., these criminal sentences can include up to five years of jail time and up to $250,000 in fines.

Remember, you're required to confirm that you're not carrying dangerous materials when you check in for your flight. It's your responsibility to make sure your bags are free of restricted items. To be safe and avoid legal trouble — or harming anyone or anything on your flight — keep your hair dye and hair bleach at home.