I used to bring my own hair products. More often than not, I was mid tier or lower hotels and the amenities were commensurate. I no longer bring that stuff. I eventually grew weary of having to refill travel bottles, and it was one more set of things to pack and unpack. Over time I got better hotels consistently. I also adapted my hair care routine and figured out how to do it even if I left my nicer stuff at home. Plus all it takes is one windy or humid city, and my temperamental hair goes nuts anyway and it’s all for naught. I also don’t usually need to wash/condition daily so sometimes I even plan my washes accordingly. If I know layover A has some fancy boutique brand products and hotel B has the usual Hilton stuff in green bottles, I’ll wash on layover A and just rinse on B. Or if it’s a super early pickup time, I’ll plan to wash a different day or the night before.

For soaps, I have been bringing my own for a while now. If the soap is good, I’ll use theirs. Sometimes it’s not great, or is a bit harsh on my skin. Maybe it’s a cold dry climate which adds to it. Or sometimes a hotel franchise cheaps out and doesn’t refill their mounted bottles with the actual stuff. My face in particular is extra sensitive so I’m mindful of that. One day in an airport I was killing time in a higher end body care shop and ended up trying a moisturizing wash I liked. Bought the travel size of it, easy enough to carry it around in my toiletries. Great for the layovers where the soap isn’t so great, I want the extra moisturizing, or just want to feel a bit more luxe.