Playa Hair: Tips, tricks, and general accouterments

[Intregin]

Braid it and leave it til I can't stand it anymore. Undo the braid, wash with clarifying shampoo, condition with leave in conditioner, and only then comb/brush it out, rebraid immediately.

Transition back to normal hair once home is seamless. Clarifying shampoo is the secret. Regular shampoo is the reason you are having the problems at home - it just doesn't get the playa cement out.

[s_ting]

I used no rinse shampoo once this year, after three days on the playa, and to this day cannot figure out if I regret it or not...

It took a lot of shampoo to even make a dent in my playa-fied hair. Maybe a third of the bottle. I used enough to actually wet my medium-length hair and then took a cotton hand towel and viciously rubbed it in for awhile. My friend told me my hair looked great post shampooing, but I could still smell and feel the soap in my hair and I shed so much everywhere trying to untangle it. Literally. So. Much. Hair. Luckily it was all in my tent but I still tried to pick it all up and it took awhile. Found hair everywhere while cleaning out our tent afterwards too.

My hair did feel cleaner, I think. It definitely looked clean. I can't decide if that little bit of soap-y feeling was better or not. It went away eventually as it dried out and my hair didn't feel sticky at all thanks to the dryness. If I were to try no rinse shampoo again next year I would take a bit more time with it to really rub it in all the way. I thought I was being brilliant bringing no rinse shampoo, but I would say it was only semi successful.

[maladroit]

I have a report fresh from a playa hair experimenter: hair chalk is a big NO. They call it chalk but it's really more of a grease. It attracts playa just like greased hair would, and it comes out of the hair in vast quantities when washing.

However, while I'm sympathetic to the pain of having a hard to maintain anything out on the playa, I can report that it did look great.

[ibimus]

Inessence New Ivy Green Viscose Scarf Ladies Wrap Regular Size Hijab



That's my plan. Looks like it has good air flow with the lightweight fabric, would help keep some nastiness off my head (my hair will stay in a braid all week regardless) plus the bonus of some sun protection. I'll probably go between this, bandanas, and whatever else looks like fun. Not really a big hat person but I'm sure something will speak to me.
I'm more concerned about my hair getting gross from the sunblock I have to apply to my scalp.....

(Sorry if the link doesn't work. Technology hates me today)

[Ilana]

I'll be coming with dreads. Does anyone on this board have dreads--and any experience about how dirty they remain for how long after the playa?

[gaminwench]

I've done braided extensions every year.

No on playa maintenance, other than the occasional tea tree oil scalp spritz for itchiness.

My first off playa water experience is an immersion in a bathtub with vinegar or lemon juice added liberally.
Lots of head/braid swishing in the water.
Once the bathwater is playafied, drain and move to showering with clarifying shampoo followed by a hot oil condition.

I repeat this process when I remove the braids in October.

[keira87]

Is there anybody with ethnic or extremely curly hair who has any tips? I can't do tight braids or boxbraids due to migraines... This is my first year and I'm concerned about hair maintenance. At home I use a flat iron to keep my hair smooth and tameable but I'm assuming that isn't an option at BM. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[Hey Daisy]

Is there anybody with ethnic or extremely curly hair who has any tips? I can't do tight braids or boxbraids due to migraines... This is my first year and I'm concerned about hair maintenance. At home I use a flat iron to keep my hair smooth and tameable but I'm assuming that isn't an option at BM.

Well, as you can see, I do NOT have ethnic hair so I cannot speak to that. Last year was my first burn, and in my birgin silliness, I bought a straightener that could be plugged into a car cigarette lighter. I thought, I'll be like *~**one of those beautiful burners with their beautiful straight/wavy hair flowing in the dusty wind.**~* Turns out those are models, who either have fancy RV's with showers, or show up for like a day to do a photo shoot.

Well, it is safe to say it did not see the light of day. The playa sticks to every. single. strand. of hair. Straightening it would have been impossible. Brushing it daily was another nightmare in of itself. I mostly kept it in a side braid.

If left dry, will your hair stay pretty straight? You could explore a simple braided option or buns of some sort. Most of my female camp mates went with tight braids and I 100% understand that now.

[Papa Bear]

You know, it dawns on me that I might be able to add something useful here after all (though I'm not sure it will help with keira87's specific issue, it might help others).

If you find (or think you'll find) yourself with a need to wash your hair on the playa, the best way to do it is to have someone else do it for you. It's far more effective and water-efficient than trying to do it yourself or in a shower. You'll need:

- a reclining chair (think lawn lounge chair, that kind of thing)
- a basin to catch the graywater (an empty storage tub works nicely)
- a watering can (i.e. something with a nozzle that spreads the water out and slows it down)
- shampoo and leave-in conditioner
- a friend
- a hairbrush
- a moop bucket
- a scarf or other head covering
- some solution for dealing with graywater

First off, get a brush through your hair. The better brushed it is, the easier it will be to wash and the less water you will need to use. Remember that loose hair is moop, so make sure that any strands that come free are gathered up and put it in your moop bucket.

Next, lie back in the chair with your head over the catch basin. Your friend should then use the watering can/shower to give your hair a quick rinse (just enough to get it wet, starting at the scalp and moving to the ends), massage a small amount of shampoo in thoroughly, and then use just enough water again to rinse it out. Then, once it is rinsed, massage in a little of the leave-in conditioner (again, not too much, a little goes a long way). Don't rinse it out.

Now get up, brush out your hair again (again, those loose strands go in the moop bucket), and cover it with the scarf to keep the dust away from it until it is dry. Dispose of the graywater appropriately (don't let it hit the playa).

Switching places and returning the favor to your friend is technically optional, but highly recommended.

If any of the above doesn't make sense, just stop by Astral Headwash between 12-4 and ask to volunteer as a headwasher. We'll train you and even give you some heads to practice on.

[lucky420]

Is there anybody with ethnic or extremely curly hair who has any tips? I can't do tight braids or boxbraids due to migraines... This is my first year and I'm concerned about hair maintenance. At home I use a flat iron to keep my hair smooth and tameable but I'm assuming that isn't an option at BM. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I have thick curly unruly hair. At BRC I just let it go buck wild, it curls, it dreads a bit, it gets snakey. I love it. Sometimes I'll wear a headband to push it off my face. My daughters hair is longer but of the same type. She'll twist her hair into 2 bun knobs on the top of her head.

Don't try to tame it to much, just embrace the awesomeness

I'm out there for 13-14 days and only do a creme rinse maybe 3-4 times. I don't normally run a brush through my hair in defaultia, I'm sure not going to do that on the playa. Finger brushing for the win...

[BBadger]

Finger brushing is the best. It always makes me cringe to hear the ripping sound that is made when people comb through their hair with a comb or brush.

[lucky420]

Finger brushing is the best. It always makes me cringe to hear the ripping sound that is made when people comb through their hair with a comb or brush.

Yes, cringy for sure

[Savannah]

Is there anybody with ethnic or extremely curly hair who has any tips? I can't do tight braids or boxbraids due to migraines... This is my first year and I'm concerned about hair maintenance. At home I use a flat iron to keep my hair smooth and tameable but I'm assuming that isn't an option at BM. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Ethnic specialist here. The only thing close to a flat-iron I have used is a Conair butane-powered curling brush with a fairly big barrel, which I use for my bangs only, after washing and moisturizing my hair in the middle of the week. Butane-powered flat-irons I've seen are way more expensive than curling irons and curling brushes and don't always have the best reviews to justify the expense, and what's more: all your hard work just might be full of dust anyway, all too soon after you wash. But your mileage may vary.

I rely on:

* large shemaghs, pashminas and wide scarves, held on with goggles and decorated with Whatever (I always have one with me)
* fun colored wigs . . . (nothing too expensive! it may get trashed)
* luxurious hoods and hats . . . but prepare to keep them down in high winds, whether by buttoning on, strapping in, or strapping down
* hair-do's that look good messy
* durably clipped-in flowers, ribbons, and other components of Faerie hair (note: this takes about an hour to do):



Towards the end of the week it's a rare person who can do a damned thing with their hair, so you will have tons of company.

[Hope-a-Lope]

I second Savannah on the faerie hair. I made hairfalls and save them for the end of the week when I just can't stand my own hair. This year I plan on exploring wigs and making some sort of awesome hood

[cranberries]

You know, it dawns on me that I might be able to add something useful here after all (though I'm not sure it will help with keira87's specific issue, it might help others).

If you find (or think you'll find) yourself with a need to wash your hair on the playa, the best way to do it is to have someone else do it for you. It's far more effective and water-efficient than trying to do it yourself or in a shower.

If any of the above doesn't make sense, just stop by Astral Headwash between 12-4 and ask to volunteer as a headwasher. We'll train you and even give you some heads to practice on.

I'm coming here to say that I had my hair washed last year at Astral Headwash and it was so, SO worth the wait in line. My hairwasher was lovely and friendly and kind, we had a fantastic conversation, and the experience was calming and refreshing and surprisingly intimate. Go at least once, you won't regret it .

As for hair care generally, I have incredibly thick hair (if "etihnic" includes "jewish mom", then yes) and in past years I've worn two braids all day, every day. Unbraid and comb out every morning, rebraid, carry on. Last year I cut my foot badly and couldn't shower properly, so I washed it several times in a bucket. Yes I did have to bend over and immerse my head in a bucket of water, out on a tarp, with my butt up in the air looking like an ostritch. Yes it was worth it .

This year I am thinking about doing braids with colored extensions, just for fun and different. We'll see!!!

[Mountain Bobby]

Yes I did have to bend over and immerse my head in a bucket of water, out on a tarp, with my butt up in the air looking like an ostrich. Yes it was worth it .

Now that I would love to see a picture of THAT!

[kaylabird87]

My hair is the super-fine/tons of it type. Purchased some no-rinse Astronaut shampoo bonnets...my theory is that if I do this once every morning before going to sleep, with a tight braid and a turban when I'm out and about, all will be well, and matting will be avoided. I may be fancy and bring cloth curlers to set it for fun while I sleep, but I'm thinking that keeping it well under wraps (literally) will be the best choice possible.

Bonnets.

They are flipping amazing.

[VultureChow]

My hair is the super-fine/tons of it type. Purchased some no-rinse Astronaut shampoo bonnets...my theory is that if I do this once every morning before going to sleep, with a tight braid and a turban when I'm out and about, all will be well, and matting will be avoided. I may be fancy and bring cloth curlers to set it for fun while I sleep, but I'm thinking that keeping it well under wraps (literally) will be the best choice possible.

Bonnets.

They are flipping amazing.

Holy crap! Do you add water to it? I might have to try this out. I mean we have access to a show, but it's not always available.

[Papa Bear]

I'm coming here to say that I had my hair washed last year at Astral Headwash and it was so, SO worth the wait in line. My hairwasher was lovely and friendly and kind, we had a fantastic conversation, and the experience was calming and refreshing and surprisingly intimate.

So glad to hear it, that's exactly the experience we aim for! For what it's worth, wait times tend to be shorter earlier in the week, and the closer you arrive to our opening time (noon, Monday - Friday).

[kaylabird87]

No water, just bonnet, and go!
Since I don't have limitless means to set up a full-shower/haul out grey water, needed to problem solve. This seems like an extremely doable solution. Same with the body wash--they use it in hospitals as well. I think the smell is quite neutral, and it is great on my sensitive skin... I recommend it. I'm sure after a few days on the Playa, anyone would recommend it...

My hair is the super-fine/tons of it type. Purchased some no-rinse Astronaut shampoo bonnets...my theory is that if I do this once every morning before going to sleep, with a tight braid and a turban when I'm out and about, all will be well, and matting will be avoided. I may be fancy and bring cloth curlers to set it for fun while I sleep, but I'm thinking that keeping it well under wraps (literally) will be the best choice possible.

Bonnets.

They are flipping amazing.

Holy crap! Do you add water to it? I might have to try this out. I mean we have access to a show, but it's not always available.

[Chowski]

As you can see from my pic, I have a fairly large beard which I wash (almost) every day on playa, but I do it with a garden sprayer which uses a significantly smaller amount of water than a bucket or a shower. A garden sprayer is one of those large bottles with a pump handle to build pressure and an attachment arm with a sprayer at the end to release the pressurized water- you will often see people using them to spray weeds with pesticide. I have a clean one (no pesticide ever) that I fill with water.

I place a towel beneath me (usually on a carpet or tarp), strip down, and point the sprayer directly toward my hair until it is wet through. It doesn't take much. I then shampoo and/or condition, and use a little more water to rinse it all out into the towel. I then move on to other parts of my body, wetting, soaping and rinsing in smaller sections (chest first, arms, nether regions, etc.)

I then hang the wet towel on my carport. In the heat, all the water evaporates in an hour. With my long beard, I use about two cups of water for a complete shower head-to-toe. I re-use the towel for several days (or until it gets too crusty with dust to use again), then switch to a clean one I have kept in a ziplock bag.

I'm not sure what you would need to wash long hair, but it certainly would be less if it is misted on than if it is sprayed on by a shower, or a full gallon in a bucket. Several women in my camp have picked up on this technique, and regularly wash their hair this way. It is probably not something you would want to do every single day, but it is incredibly refreshing to have your whole body get clean once or twice.

[Ammo]

Stand in line for the Astral Head Wash sometime during the week. You'll wait a while but you get a GOOD scrub in the hair with conditioner lying down. They have brushes and areas to dump moopy hair after combing. Even porno magazines in the waiting room. I went twice last year and loved it. (In case you want to try something new)

[BBadger]

Those garden sprayers are the best thing. Really handy for rinsing dishes too, since it is pressurized.

[EGAZ]

As most know I bring shower facilities with and evap the grey water. But bookmarked this for,...... ya never know.....

Thanks kaylabird87

[AntiM]

We use a garden sprayer as a shower, so much less greywater to deal with. And we can use it in the carport, out of the wind. I hate showering on the playa, I am always so chilled afterward. I don't do my hair, that is just brushed and pinned up, and I keep it pretty well covered. Something about playa dust keeps the scalp oil down for me. MyLarry helps me shower, as the long wand is tricky when rinsing the undercarriage.

We have been to Astral Headwash before, many years ago. It was a wonderful experience, such a loving gift. However, these days my body hates standing in line, so it just is not in the stars for me anymore.

[Hope-a-Lope]

Whoa, this looks like a potential game-changer. For $17 I'm going to try them this year! Thanks!

My hair is the super-fine/tons of it type. Purchased some no-rinse Astronaut shampoo bonnets...my theory is that if I do this once every morning before going to sleep, with a tight braid and a turban when I'm out and about, all will be well, and matting will be avoided. I may be fancy and bring cloth curlers to set it for fun while I sleep, but I'm thinking that keeping it well under wraps (literally) will be the best choice possible.

Bonnets.

They are flipping amazing.

[kaylabird87]

You're welcome, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Whoa, this looks like a potential game-changer. For $17 I'm going to try them this year! Thanks!

My hair is the super-fine/tons of it type. Purchased some no-rinse Astronaut shampoo bonnets...my theory is that if I do this once every morning before going to sleep, with a tight braid and a turban when I'm out and about, all will be well, and matting will be avoided. I may be fancy and bring cloth curlers to set it for fun while I sleep, but I'm thinking that keeping it well under wraps (literally) will be the best choice possible.

Bonnets.

They are flipping amazing.

[MyDearFriend]

Those garden sprayers are the best thing. Really handy for rinsing dishes too, since it is pressurized.

Agreed! I use a garden sprayer to wash hair and even the gnarliest full-beard man-bun dust-mop only makes about a quart of gray water for full shampoo & condition. Find me at Barbie Death Village and I will do your head if you do mine.

Oh and Kaylabird, we'll be neighbors, you will see how well this works.

[psychoalpha]

[quote]I'll be coming with dreads. Does anyone on this board have dreads--and any experience about how dirty they remain for how long after the playa?[/quote]

Me! I find locks to be a huge blessing on the playa. The dust does wonders for tightening them and honestly makes them look pretty rad.

The dust also has huge staying power in locks. Plan to deep clean your hair when you're back from the playa. Not sure how new you are to dreads, but do a deep clean with a good mix of baking soda, ACV, and whatever essential oils you like (I use tea tree and lavender). You can boost the cleaning power by adding some vodka or bentonite clay. Soak your whole dome in a bucket/sink/whatever for at least 20-30 minutes. Make sure you're rubbing your locks together, and squishing the mixture all throughout them. Then wrap your head in a towel and let the water/baking soda/ACV sit in your hair for 30-60 minutes. Then wash it out. It'll do a great job of getting out a lot of the dust.

During the event itself, I just bring a spray bottle with water, essential oils, and sometimes salt. I spray that in my locks a few times a day just to help oil/condition my scalp and keep it from getting too itchy.

[Showpony]

I used to have very long hair and my first year of Burning Man I did not do anything with my hair it was a nightmare however there were some mornings that the Playa hair fairies did my hair for me don't ask but I truly believed it but the Playa fairy only visited me two times so the following year and every year since I have gotten extensions it makes me feel fabulous it's definitely no muss no fuss and you have a ton of options with all those long braids to tying knots clip them up make one big giant braid and turn it into a mohawk etc etc.. Not to mention you can match the colors of the braids to your outfits for the week