Packing for a trip can be one of the most stressful aspects, regardless of whether you meticulously plan days ahead or hastily throw items in at the last minute. However, we all have those few essentials that always make it into our luggage, writes Style Editor Faith Richardson.

For me, the Drowsy Pillow Scrunchie is an absolute must-have. This large, squishy silk scrunchie is always among the first items I pack in my hand luggage and has proven to be a travel game-changer on long journeys.

Retailing at £40, the Drowsy Pillow Scrunchie primarily serves as a hair tie. Its silk material is key to preventing hair damage while tied up. You can see here what it’s like.

Originally designed for night-time use, it keeps your hair out of the way without causing discomfort or rubbing during sleep. This feature makes it an ideal travel companion. I always keep mine within reach for lengthy flights or train rides, reports the Mirror.

Once my hair is secured, its plush padding doubles as a comfortable cushion to rest my head on. I’ve used mine on a nine-hour flight and it not only kept my hair from being a nuisance but also prevented my neck from cricking and becoming sore while I slept.

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The padding also helps avoid those pesky kinks and lines that typically form when your hair is tied up for extended periods.

This item is crafted from top-quality, 22-momme pure mulberry silk and filled with soft bamboo, making it breathable and lightweight. The silk material not only prevents hair damage like snagging and split ends but also helps maintain hair’s moisture, shine, and volume, making it ideal for use in hot or humid climates.

Drowsy pillow scrunchie
I won’t travel anywhere without my Drowsy pillow scrunchie (Image: Faith Richardson)

Its large size makes it a standout hair accessory suitable for both day and night wear. It securely holds all your hair while still making a statement, and is available in four colours: black jade, damask rose, dusty gold, and midnight blue.

If you have shorter, finer hair or prefer something smaller for everyday use, Only Curls offers a range of silk scrunchies in various sizes, prints, and colours. While they don’t offer padded pillow scrunchies like the Drowsy one, there are plenty of other thicknesses and styles to choose from.

Drowsy pillow scrunchie
The giant scrunchie also makes a great statement accessory during the day (Image: Faith Richardson)

However, for me, whether I’m off to the desert or hitting the ski slopes, there’s only one hair accessory I’ll be packing; my Drowsy Pillow Scrunchie.