Hair

[judy jackstadt]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

 

[C clearly]

Sometimes I wash my hair at night, and then wet it in the morning (quicker and easier than a full shampoo). My hair dries very quickly. A more serious problem is what wearing a hat does to my careful coiffure.
It is time to embrace the eccentric!

 

[trecile]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino

Says who?

 

[Anamiri]

Generally I have a shower when I've finished walking for the day, so 2-3pm in the afternoon, which gives it plenty of time to dry.
I take two outfits, so my day goes, walk, shower, wash clothes, dinner, sleep, repeat.
If you wash your clothes any later they wont dry. So by default your hair will dry too.

 

[p_mci]

Hi, Judy. I have the same problem! My hair takes on a life of its own sometimes, especially in humid climates (and in the absence of a hair dryer). Try wearing a silk scarf at night to protect your hair or just put a square of silk over your pillow before sleeping on it. You can buy silk special scarves or pillowcases or just buy a half metre of silk in a fabric store and experiment with it.

 

[november_moon]

I wore a hat everyday when walking, so just I just put a hat on it in the morning and went for it.

In the afternoons, after I washed it, I'd let it air dry and usually put a buff or fabric headband to keep the hair corralled.

 

[gersevink]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

 

[Via2010]

First camino lesson: Learn to love your hair.

 

[Moorwalker]

I think if I had short hair I would go to a man's barber and have them cut it very short before going. I used to do that many years ago when I was sailing competitively because barbers often cut very well if you want a plain, short cut. Now it's very long - I can nearly sit on it - and it's surprisingly easy to deal with. it started to go grey when I was about 14 and was completely white by the time I was 30. I used to get strange looks, then my face caught up with the hair. These days I get funny looks because I'm obviously old and wrinkly and still have long hair.

 

[gloria lowe]

Hiking cap and no one will see it.

 

[t2andreo]

Wear a Buff. It looks appropriate for the Camino at all times and keeps your hair in place...

Plus, there are a myriad of things you can use it for along the way.

 

[easygoing]

Caring how you look isn't vanity, it's a compliment to the Spanish people who always look well dressed. I also have short hair but I don't wash it until it needs it which is usually every 3-4 days. After I wash my hair I spray it with a little hair styling product in a sample size and if no hair dryer available just let it air dry. Then in the morning I spray it with a little water and it's looking good. I also carry a cute fedora hat for the sun and a bandana cut in half diagonally that looks cute as a head band on unruly hair. Another thought is to get your hair cut very short before you leave--thats what I do. Very fashionable and easy. I am 73 and have been called the most fashionable woman on the Camino yet my backpack is still only 10 pounds.

 

[Priscilla NC]

Same age similar hair, it gets cut shorter than usual before I travel. I wash it right after I get to the albergue and in the morning I dampen it with my wet fingers. It does ok. Not like usual, but ok. No one cringed when they saw me.

 

[t2andreo]

Most days, I am just grateful that I still HAVE hair...

 

[David Tallan]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

I don't think I ever showered right before bed on a Camino. Generally, I would arrive at the albergue in early afternoon and shower not too long after. After the shower was laundry time (washing the dirty clothes I had worn to walk before the shower), and I want there to be time for the clothes to dry, so I want to do laundry early. That means there is generally lots of time for my hair to dry between the shower and then sleeping on it.

However, were that not to be the case, there is always my hat.

 

[janinedawn]

Wear a Buff. It looks appropriate for the Camino at all times and keeps your hair in place...

Plus, there are a myriad of things you can use it for along the way.

Like what?

 

[Shalaw]

My hair isn’t short but got very unruly, so I just wore a buff.

 

[Delphinoula]

Wow that happens only on the Camino? That’s me all the time. Simple don’t look in the mirror and call it 80s style unkempt wind blown. maybe bit Meg Ryan’s Hair in French Kiss.

 

[judy jackstadt]

My hair isn’t short but got very unruly, so I just wore a buff.

My problem about wearing a buff in my hair is that I’m cold natured and usually have the buff around my neck.

 

[judy jackstadt]

Here’s my hair with a headband. I was just wondering if anyone had a way to tame it without a blow dryer. View attachment 52591View attachment 52591View attachment 52591

 

[judy jackstadt]

Oh no. How did it get there 3 times. Sorry.

 

[Shalaw]

Like what?

Check out this cool video on the different ways to wear a buff;

Original BUFF® | Sports & Lifestyle accessories

Discover the style and quality of BUFF® neck and head accessories. Hats, scarves, neck warmers or headbands. Multifunctional solutions for sports and active lifestyles. Designed in Barcelona.

www.buffwear.com

LOVED mine!!

 

[trecile]

Oh no. How did it get there 3 times. Sorry.

You can use the edit feature to delete two of them.

 

[janinedawn]

Check out this cool video on the different ways to wear a buff;

Original BUFF® | Sports & Lifestyle accessories

Discover the style and quality of BUFF® neck and head accessories. Hats, scarves, neck warmers or headbands. Multifunctional solutions for sports and active lifestyles. Designed in Barcelona.

www.buffwear.com

LOVED mine!!

Very very cool indeed. Thank you so much for supplying this! Plus I like your wild hair in your photo. Janine

 

[SioCamino]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

I have curly hair that can get quite frizzy especially when on camino ... I'll second T2Andreo's recommendation of buffs... i find using buff as a headband very useful! But for my last few caminos I have also brought a very small bottle of almond oil (from l'occitane) which can be used as a face or body moisturiser, hair oil, cleanser etc etc. I happen to love that brand but I am sure that other high quality oil could be used instead - the good thing about the oil is that you only need a TINY bit to calm hair..... i usually decant a portion of the purchased bottle into a little travel size. Hope this is of help

 

[Icacos]

Here’s my hair with a headband. I was just wondering if anyone had a way to tame it without a blow dryer.View attachment 52591View attachment 52591

That’s a splendid head of hair!! As someone said earlier, be grateful that you’ve got it.

 

[t2andreo]

Like what?

Some examples, but there are others, limited only by your imagination...

Hand & Face towel... this should be obvious. The Buff is microfiber, and dries very fast. Most cafe / bar restrooms do not have hand towels. I have seen folks running the Camino, wearing the Buff on their heads or wrists, then using it as their bath towel at nightly albergue stops....eeeuw!

Compression bandage - I fell over a one-meter high fence a couple of Caminos ago and scratched my head... Though the wound was very small, it bled prodigiously. I used a packet of facial tissues, with the plastic rolled back to cover one side, then affixed the field-expedient bandage in place using the Buff. It did the trick. Once I reached the day's end, all was well...

Head, Neck or Wrist "radiator" - if you are overheating, and on your way to heatstroke, soak the Buff in water, wring it out lightly and either wear it around your neck or double it over to wear on a wrist. It cools the pressure point using evaporative cooling and lowers your core temperature, pulling you back from the brink of fainting. This has saved me multiple times in this manner.

These ideas are in addition to the more plebeian ways of wearing the Buff to control your hair...such as it is... All Buffs come with a card explaining how you can wear it.

If you have another clever use, you might wish to share it... or not... depending on how TMI it is...

Hope this helps.

 

[Walking Lover]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

Short and wear a hat.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

 

[judy jackstadt]

I think I edited out all three pics now. Oh well!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Most days, I am just grateful that I still HAVE hair...

I really get that. I would love to have the problem of Camino Hair.

 

[Icacos]

I think I edited out all three pics now. Oh well!

Still a splendid head of hair!
Use the edit feature to put the pic back in.

 

[judy jackstadt]

I think I edited out all three pics now. Oh well!

 

[judy jackstadt]

I actually look pretty okay with blow dry and makeup but not willing to carry that. Lol. I love the Camino and am starting the Frances for the second time of March 27 in SJPDP! Sending love to the forum peeps!

 

[Walli Walker]

A female in my 60’s I get my hair cut very short by the local barber about every 6 weeks. When I head out on a Camino I get it cut very, very short. I don’t need a comb & never suffer from bed or hat hair. I realise that this may not suit every woman!

 

[CDA Walker]

Hi Judy, I'm starting CF on March 25th so I hope I see you on the trail

 

[alaskadiver]

I’m in my early 50s and have shoulder length, straight hair. I make sure I let it stay long (short hair is too much hassle for me) before hiking. That way I can wear it in a pony tail during the day. Which is a must for me since I get so hot in Spain. Ironically, I cut it shorter, to below my chin for my scuba diving trips since that dries faster on boats
I carry a very lightweight soft ball cap to put on when I go into bars during the day. Just to cover the wet hair if it has been raining so I don’t look so unkempt.

 

[Sandra Riordan]

I just wear a hat.

 

[biped]

Hi Judy- love your hair in the pic! I walked the CF last year & had to decide to accept my hair. I wear it very short & spiky, but by the end of the six-week walk, it was too long to spike & would simply flop over. Styling gel was one of the things I left at home. As others have said, I showered upon arrival at each albergue so had dry hair by bedtime. Worrying about my hair when I wore a hat all day made no sense. I was crazy glad to visit my hairdresser as soon as I returned home! Buen camino!

 

[t2andreo]

Remember, bad hair days are the rule (not the exception) when on Camino.

Embrace the bad hair day!

 

[Moorwalker]

I have curly hair that can get quite frizzy especially when on camino ... I'll second T2Andreo's recommendation of buffs... i find using buff as a headband very useful! But for my last few caminos I have also brought a very small bottle of almond oil (from l'occitane) which can be used as a face or body moisturiser, hair oil, cleanser etc etc. I happen to love that brand but I am sure that other high quality oil could be used instead - the good thing about the oil is that you only need a TINY bit to calm hair..... i usually decant a portion of the purchased bottle into a little travel size. Hope this is of help

Or you can buy almond oil from most wholefood shops and many supermarkets at a fraction of the price. I just use whatever vegetable oil comes to hand when I'm traveling, olive oil is very good and there is plenty of that in Spain. I comb a tiny bit through my hair while it's wet after washing, which makes it easier to comb and means I don't need to carry conditioner.

 

[WalkingJane]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

Grin at the "bed hair" and put on a hat, or not.

 

[WalkingJane]

My problem about wearing a buff in my hair is that I’m cold natured and usually have the buff around my neck.

My buffs, which I wear all the time except full-on summer, are all long enough that they cover head and neck. Then I also wear a "bucket-type" hat, and/or scarf around my neck as needed. I, too, tend to be "cold-natured".

 

[Delphinoula]

I had a similar hairstyle due to my head being to big for the most buffs. Is it not called q-tip do? By the way you look happy best Beaty tip ever.

 

[cbacino]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

Just wear a hat.

 

[Hurry Krishna]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

I’ve just checked your photo - you’ll look amazing with crazy hair. Mine is springy and wild too and I am only a few years younger. However I walked with a young Catalonian woman, whose hair was entirely wild.You have to look a bit ‘different’ so that fellow pilgrims will remember you

 

[jo webber]

I had my long hair cut very short. No hair brush, comb or spray/gel. I did not look at myself in the mornings lol. After a very short while, I no longer cared what my hair looked like.

 

[Trish K]

One of the things I loved about the Camino was NOT having to care about what my mad hair looked like, as not a single Pilgrim I met cared what my hair looked like either! Sometimes it's nice to embrace the real me sans 'product'. Off to do the Norte on 12/04 so if you're out on the trails and spot the 'dragged through the hedge backwards' look on a woman, it'll probably be me!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

An infinity scarf or a hat will be your best friend.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Like what?

These are a few examples on different uses for the buff. To be honest, I had no idea of how versatile this little piece of cloth could prove to be

10 handy uses for the humble buff

It may look like a simple headband, but don’t be fooled by its understated exterior: the humble buff has a multitude of uses. Check out our top 10 tips for run buff love.

www.runnersworld.com

Ultreïa!

 

[Cynthia Knapp]

Caring how you look isn't vanity, it's a compliment to the Spanish people who always look well dressed. I also have short hair but I don't wash it until it needs it which is usually every 3-4 days. After I wash my hair I spray it with a little hair styling product in a sample size and if no hair dryer available just let it air dry. Then in the morning I spray it with a little water and it's looking good. I also carry a cute fedora hat for the sun and a bandana cut in half diagonally that looks cute as a head band on unruly hair. Another thought is to get your hair cut very short before you leave--thats what I do. Very fashionable and easy. I am 73 and have been called the most fashionable woman on the Camino yet my backpack is still only 10 pounds.View attachment 52571

You’re as cute as can be too! I’d love to see your packing list!

 

[Kiwi-d]

My hair is naturally very afro and I have to use straighteners every time I wash it. And yes, I took travel straighteners with me on the Camino and yes, had to post them ahead when weight became a problem. From that point on (about day two!) I wore a buff. What I did do a few times, however, was visit a hairdresser when I came to a city. Having my hair shampooed, blow dried and straightened was bliss, bliss, bliss! None of the hairdressers spoke any English, and I don't speak much Spanish, but it's amazing what can be done with sign language.

 

[Thomas Yingst]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

Hat

 

[GingerHaddad]

I know that we’re not supposed to care how we look while doing the Camino, but maybe someone can share a trick to help me. I’m 70, female with short wavy-ish hair. When I take a shower in the evening, wash my hair and then sleep on it, the next morning it looks crazy. Some parts are curly and some parts stand straight up. It’s not the end of the world. I did it. But does anyone have any tips that worked for them?

I’m 65 with long straight fine hair. I brought some Bobby pins and before bed put about 5 braids all over, curled them tightly and pinned them. I had waves all the next day, usually up in a buff. Better than lank and stringy...I agree, though, with a short stylish cut right before leaving you should be able to wet it in the morning and fix the parts sticking up ! Buen Camino!

 

[Thornley]

Sometimes I wash my hair at night

Good , about time old mate

Generally I have a shower

Thank you , we are grateful

I think if I had short hair I would go to a man's barber and have them cut it very short before going.

Number Three or better still Two and a half all over.

I actually look pretty okay

Thats the girl

What I did do a few times, however, was visit a hairdresser when I came to a city. Having my hair shampooed, blow dried and straightened was bliss, bliss, bliss! None of the hairdressers spoke any English, and I don't speak much Spanish, but it's amazing what can be done with sign

The correct thing to do girls , give yourself a treat @ half the cost of back home.

Be nice with replies

 

[C clearly]

girls

old mate

How come I am "old mate"? Is it my hairdo?

 

[DragonShadow]

I have curly/wavy hair as well. I learned a long time ago that it behaves a lot better when it's longer rather than short. I washed my hair every day while on the Camino and used my usual product to tame the curls. It was well dried before I went to bed. It certainly didn't look perfect when I woke up, but it doesn't get that smashed, stick-out-wherever-it-feels-like look that I used to get when it was considerably shorter.

 

[judy jackstadt]

These are a few examples on different uses for the buff. To be honest, I had no idea of how versatile this little piece of cloth could prove to be

10 handy uses for the humble buff

It may look like a simple headband, but don’t be fooled by its understated exterior: the humble buff has a multitude of uses. Check out our top 10 tips for run buff love.

www.runnersworld.com

Ultreïa!

Wow! I loved my buff before but this is great! Thank you!

 

[judy jackstadt]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I think I’ll let it just go crazy with a tiny scarf and/or my buff if I don’t need it around my neck. I think I’m going to keep my hair a little longer instead of shorter and too manly. I am six feet tall wearing pilgrim clothes but I would still like to look like a female so if you see me, say hi! I’ll be starting from SJPdP on Mar 30 this time trying the Valcarlos route. Buen Camino, y’all!

 

[Cicada]

Sometimes I wash my hair at night, and then wet it in the morning (quicker and easier than a full shampoo). My hair dries very quickly. A more serious problem is what wearing a hat does to my careful coiffure.
It is time to embrace the eccentric!

We saw two young pilgrims last year that were carrying a hair dryer and hair straightening tongs!

 

[DragonShadow]

We saw two young pilgrims last year that were carrying a hair dryer and hair straightening tongs!

Whatever makes you happy.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Good , about time old mate

Thank you , we are grateful

Number Three or better still Two and a half all over.

Thats the girl

The correct thing to do girls , give yourself a treat @ half the cost of back home.

Be nice with replies

I did exactly what you did every single time I landed in a bigger community! What a treat it is to feel pampered after

My hair is naturally very afro and I have to use straighteners every time I wash it. And yes, I took travel straighteners with me on the Camino and yes, had to post them ahead when weight became a problem. From that point on (about day two!) I wore a buff. What I did do a few times, however, was visit a hairdresser when I came to a city. Having my hair shampooed, blow dried and straightened was bliss, bliss, bliss! None of the hairdressers spoke any English, and I don't speak much Spanish, but it's amazing what can be done with sign language.

Hi Kiwi, I did exactly what you did every single time I landed in a bigger community! My upcoming Camino Portugués won't be any different; I intend to indulge myself every chance I have! What a treat it is to feel pampered after a hard days' work;-)
Ultreïa!

 

[Karl Oz]

Most days, I am just grateful that I still HAVE hair...

I can't even manage that. These days my hair-care regime is to slick-down the remaining 3 survivors with a wetted finger...

 

[Erin Elizabeth]

I carried a hairdryer -- a tiny, lightweight, ionic dryer -- on two Caminos. This was not about vanity; my hair is so thick, and so unruly, that it doesn't dry naturally, even with vigorous towel drying. After 24 hours, this mop of mine will start to smell vaguely moldy, and with that, my airways get irritated, and I'm off down a dark path of cystic fibrosis related breathing issues that would certainly threaten the completion of a Camino. There was some good-natured teasing about the hairdryer along the Way -- right up until Melide, where I hit several days of torrential rain, and those very pilgrims who poked fun at me were lined up at my bunk to dry their shoes, clothes, and packs.

 

[Beeks]

Check out this cool video on the different ways to wear a buff;

Original BUFF® | Sports & Lifestyle accessories

Discover the style and quality of BUFF® neck and head accessories. Hats, scarves, neck warmers or headbands. Multifunctional solutions for sports and active lifestyles. Designed in Barcelona.

www.buffwear.com

LOVED mine!!

Okay, so I had seen the picture of the balaclava on the package, but couldn't quite master it.... the video helped!

 

[judy jackstadt]

Okay, so I had seen the picture of the balaclava on the package, but couldn't quite master it.... the video helped!

Great video! Thanks!

 

[alexwalker]

Don't care too much. And I let my beard grow to reduce time in the bathroom in the morning. But I have considered shaving legs & arms in order to reduce overall weight carried,though...