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To carry or not to carry an hair dryer?

Gabe_Way

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances from SJPDP to Santiago - May-June 2019
(Walking)
Hello everyone,

EDIT: Ok, I really don't care about drying my hair. I like to dry it out naturally. The only thing I really can't stand is when I go to bed and my hair is still slightly damp. Humid, behind or close to the scalp. So, it's not I'm like spoiled or anything. On the contrary. I love adventure, and I can adapt to all situations. I just hate to have damp, maybe cold hair and skin right on my pillow.

I'm starting my first Camino from SJPDP in early May. I have read a lot so far, but couldn't find much on hair dryers. Now, how do you handle that?
I intend to take a shower every day, so to have an hairdryer at my disposal will be crucial, but I don't think Albergues would provide you with one, and even if they did have a couples to borrow, I'm sure the waiting would be quite long to say the least.
I will split between hostels and hotels , but even pensions and hotels may not have them. Therefore, after pondering about this potential issue, I have come to the conclusion that I will carry a relatively small one made for traveling. However, I'm interested to know your opinions and your habits for that matter while you are on the Camino. Do you, or you do not, carry an hairdryer in your backpack? And if not, how do you cope with that?
Thanks to all in advance, and buen Camino!
 
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Glenshiro said:
I don't think I've ever come across anyone on the Camino with a hairdryer. Others may have different experiences..........
Click to expand...
Well, I'm letting my hair grow, and since I won't be at a beach in the middle of July at 3pm, it's not going to be easy to let it dry before goig to sleep, and it's not healthy wise to hangout in the evenings with damp hair, let alone go to bed with it. Hence my question. I assume you folks take showers every day too.
 
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As a woman with long hair on her camino: I did shower every day but I didn‘t wash my hair every day. I wanted to keep my backpack as light as possible. So I left my hairdryer at home. My hair dries pretty quickly, so it was dry before going to bed. It's best for the hair anyway to let it air dry.
Buen Camino!
 
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I have never carried one and only once seen anyone with a hair dryer. If you are walking in May and into June, your hair will definitely be dry by bedtime! I have long and thick hair and it's never been a problem. Some private hostals do have them and I have used them there - though mostly for drying socks Make sure your towel is really absorbing and keep your hair in a turban for a while to soak up most of the water, then when you go out to hang your laundry your hair will be dry in no time.
 
I thought at first this topic must be a joke..... but then, I'm a bloke.
By the way, should I take a spare car tyre with me? What happens if I manage to get a lift and the car gets a puncture? What size tyre should I take - or maybe one of each size? ............
Hey ho!
Buen camino!
 
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In July, on the CF, it will be hot. You will be covered in sweat when you arrive at your accommodation and you will probably want to shower ASAP. Then, you will want to wash and hang out your sweaty clothes. Often the clothes washing facilities are a sink or trough in an outdoor area at the back or near a shed, or just in a yard. My thick hair was usually dry from the sun by the time I'd finished washing & hanging up my clothes. It's funny how habits change on the Camino: I like to take care of myself but I remember feeling utterly astonished when I encountered a young woman styling her hair and putting on elaborate makeup in the shared albergue bathroom one morning before setting out. In a hotel, it might be different, but trying to use a hairdryer in an albergue will be a challenge for you and might even inconvenience your fellow pilgrims. Why not embrace the new and save yourself the weight of carrying it?
 
Sorry, just realised you'll be walking in May, not July, but I still believe your hair will air dry from the warm weather, even in May.
 
Hey Gabe, if you're willing to carry it, take it! I can't remember seeing a hair dryer in any albergues but there was in one of the hotels i stayed at along the Way. So, if it is very important to you, take it
 
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Yeah but I'm going in May What I said about not being on a beach in July, was meant as a metaphor to say that with Spring weather in Northern Spain, may not be as easy to let one's hair dry as it would be in the middle of the summer on an afternoon spent at the beach.
Thanks for replying.
 
Definitely do not carry a hair dryer. It is not one of life's essentials. I have long hair and always let it dry naturally. I have walked two long Caminos and on both of these I washed my hair about once a week and let it dry naturally. I walked in April and May. Maybe you could try it out at home first so you can get used to it. I don't think you will find any hair dryers in Albergues but maybe if you stay in a hotel occasionally there would be one although not the more simple hotels.
 
Gabe_Way said:
so to have an hairdryer at my disposal will be crucial
Click to expand...

If it's really crucial, then by all means bring one. There are some really small and lightweight travel dryers out there. I'm sure you will find a way to use it in albergues without disturbing your fellow peregrinos
 
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For me, and I think many people will recognize it, the camino makes only the things important which are really important. What clothes to wear, make up and all these things just disappear. Why would you!? I don't know how exactly you feel about a hairdryer, but there might be a good chance that this will be a 'less important thing' in one day.
So don't take it. And if you really still want one after a few days, you can alway buy a very cheap one in one of the chino markets.
 
The only hairdryers I've encountered were brought and used by Spanish teenagers on school trips on the camino.

I've walked in November and May (with snow) and don't recall wet hair being an issue. I think you will find your hair will be dry long before sleep time. If not, is it long enough to braid? Use your by-now-dry towel as a head blanket.
 
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I have long hair and it was always dry before bed and this was in April, Sept. and Oct. One showers first thing after arrival, then do your laundry, etc, plus dinner. You don't have that long of hair, I can't imagine it taking longer than an hour to dry? It will surely be dry before bed.

Maybe get a cut that will look good with wash and go. Touseled looks better than styled on most people.
 
Gabe_Way said:
and it's not healthy wise to hangout in the evenings with damp hair, let alone go to bed with it.
Click to expand...
This is simply not true. It may not be comfortable, but it's an old wives' tale that it's unhealthy.

Medical Myths | UAMS Health

uamshealth.com

I don't know when your profile picture was taken, but I can't imagine that your hair is longer than mine - about 6 inches past my shoulders, and rather thick.. After showering around 3 pm it's always been dry by the time it gets dark. Even when I don't wash my hair with shampoo I always rinse it while on the Camino because it feels good to rinse away the sweat.

Another vote for leaving the hair dryer at home.
 
Yeah, but now my hair is longer, cause I was trying to let it grow. Anyway, we'll see...
 
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First I thought funny, but then when I thought about my preparation for the first Camino.
I get easy ear infections when not drying my hair middle long.
What I did. I wraped my moist hair in a scarf and let my head heat do the drying. You could use a beanie. You could take an inexpensive one with you and then donate it after seeing that you don’t need it or you see if the beanie doesn’t work for you, you buy a cheep one In Spain. If it’s style you’re seeking braids work well to protect your hair from dirt. You seem to be a good looking guy so the wind tossed look will add to your looks. Well this advise comes from someone who had the q-tip style due to the buff and frankly didn’t give a fig about her hair.
Bon Camino
 
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Thanks for the feedback, and for the good looking
 
Mrs. Beeks wouldn't go on Camino without one, which means I'M bringing one. We had many "discussions" about it, and it's basically her comfort item. For purposes of harmony, I'll be a tough guy and lug the extra 12 ⁷/⁸ ounces. My 11 year old daughter will probably use it also.

It's only 115 miles for us. I'm guessing she'll find it less important as the miles go by, and I'll stifle a "told you so."

Yeah, yeah, I know. It's an expression of love for my beautiful wife. Y'all can borrow it for a Euro.
 
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Over 7 caminos I have seen one young Asian girl carry a hair dryer.
But why wash your hair every day? I step in the shower and out in 5 minutes. I wash my hair every 3 to 5 days and refresh it every morning with a light mist of water from a mini sprayer. However, on hair washing day I have used a hair dryer in an albergue and there is no line because most woman just go sit in the sun and socialize instead.
If your hair is so oily that you think you need to wash it every day bring a mini container of baby powder or refill it will one of the wonderful dry shampoos available today. Life on the Camino is more relaxed than a day at home so enjoy your Camino moments.
 
Thanks.
Ok, I really don't care about drying my hair. I like to dry it out naturally. The only thing I really can't stand is when I go to bed and my hair is still slightly damp. Humid, behind or close to the scalp. So, it's not I'm like spoiled or anything. On the contrary. I love adventure, and I can adapt to all situations. I just hate to have damp, maybe cold hair and skin right on my pillow.
No, my hair isn't oily, but walking every day for an average of 6/7 hours, the sweat will make it pretty itchy and sticky. Let alone the pollens, dust, and what not...
Thanks, yeah I'll try to make the best of it. Can't wait to start!
 
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It sounds like you will enjoy the simplicity of the Camino. Remember the Camino is mostly easy walking and you must be out of the albergue by 8. So most people arrive by noon or 2. This gives your hair plenty of time to dry. The usual pilgrims routine is to hop in the shower as soon as you arrive so you can wash out your days socks, underwear and top and what ever so they have time to dry for the next day. I am an ultralight person with a 10 pound pack and don't carry an extra hiking outfit and everything is dry by morning. Enjoy your Camino.
 
Do not take a hair dryer.......
 
Unless you like to start really late or like to walk 35+ kilometers you will usually be at any Albergue by 3 at the latest and probably earlier than that. If you take a shower right away, which you will want to do and you go to bed between 9-10 which you most certainly will, you should have at least 6 hours for your hair to dry. I doubt it will take that long. The camino will teach you to let things go. This is one of those things that you should definitely let go. We all have a ton of them. Not having wet hair is what you want it is not what you need to live. You will learn that the most important lesson the Camino teaches us is what we need in life not what our heads tell us we want in life.
 
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Instead of bringing one with you, why not try the first week without one? You can always go to El Corte Ingles in Pamplona if you determine you need one. You'll find your body heat dries your hair underneath even in damp albergues and especially when you sleep. If you want dry hair, go with nature. If you want fluffy hair, then you need a dryer.
 
Hi,
Interesting question and some sensitive responses here. If I recall correctly, the only hair dryers I have ever seen in an albergue have been in the donativo pile at Roncesvalles, after the walk up from SJPDP, along with other things pilgrims don’t want to carry any longer. You’ll survive without it, but it you want to carry it, who are we to care?

Buen Camino,
Paul
 
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If you had been walking in October or November I would have said maybe but I agree with the above... in May your hair should be dry before bedtime.

p.s. I walked in November and borrowed a chaps hairdryer one evening... it was very nice not to go to bed with wet hair
 
Quite bald guy, here. Can't answer this specific question.
But my rule of thumb is simple: if you are having doubts about carrying something, just don't.
On the other side, if this thing really gives you particular pleasure and satisfaction, take it. Nobody talk about the bad moments in the Camino, when you feel dejected and disheartened (yes, it sometimes happens...), and a particular little ritual will give you some comfort and solace.
 
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Like Northernlight, the only hair dryer I have ever seen (in 10 caminos!) in albergues was in the possession of a posse of Spanish teenagers, who guarded a rare outlet so that they could all take their turn. Unless it's battery-powered, you may not be able to easily find an outlet, or you would have to use it in the bunkroom, which would cause discomfort for other pilgrims. I would suggest that you either: a) use a towel wrapped around your head to absorb the moisture, or b) take private accommodation.
 
I do recall seeing other pilgrims walking with things most would think unnecessary, but I suppose if the extra weight is not a bother, why not? I have observed younger pilgrims happily walk past, full wine bottles protruding from pack pockets. Walking faster than me, with my pack whittled down to the minimum weight that I could. I met one peregrina in an albergue who always had a small bag containing toiletries, make up and probably a hair dryer sent ahead while she carried everything else in a regular backpack.
Most of this forum, from what I deduce, is much older than the OP. For that demographics carrying the hair dryer is ridiculous. For someone half that age, it is nothing. Youth does have advantages. When I was a university student, I used to go backpacking quite a bit with friends my age. We never weighed packs. Just filled them up and off we went. Many a time we froze cans of beer, and put a few at the bottom of the packs in plastic bags, to be consumed later in our 2-3 day hiking treks. We never even noticed the weight.
 
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I'm a woman with long hair walking the CF this May and have zero intention of carrying a hair dryer; I was planning on just letting my hair dry naturally as usual. However, if you're willing to carry a hair dryer, @Gabe_Way, I'm going to try and find you so we can become friends and stay at the same albergues
 
Gabe_Way said:
Well, I'm letting my hair grow, ....
Click to expand...
Funny... I am complete opposite. When faced with long hikes\trips that include either public hostels\dorms or camping I tend to practically shave\buzz cut as much hair off my whole body as I possibly can
 
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The idea is to get away from your hairdryer and lots of other extraneous stuff and live a more pious life for how-ever many weeks it takes you'd to walk the Camino. No hairdryers, please and if damp hair at night is an issue, wash your hair earlier in the afternoon or at the begging of your day. Happy trails.
 
CWBuff said:
Funny... I am complete opposite. When faced with long hikes\trips that include either public hostels\dorms or camping I tend to practically shave\buzz cut as much hair off my whole body as I possibly can
Click to expand...
I do exactly the same and on my first Camino Frances I brought a small, rechargeable electric clippers to shave my head. With the recharger it was a bit of weight, not much, but I feel cleaner when buzzed down, face and head. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I left it by mistake in an albergue in Najera, plugged in recharging. You are welcome whomever has it now, it was a Sony brand, dual voltage.
Now whenever I can I stop in a barber's shoppe along the Camino and get a complete buzz down, face and head.
 
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<---All this long hair in my profile pic? I cut off a month ago in anticipation of my Camino. I felt 15 pounds lighter and now have full range of motion in my neck. (I'm not kidding) I honestly didn't want my hair weighing me down on the Camino and wanted something extremely simple that would be easy to maintain on the Camino. Now I wish I had lost the locks years ago. All the pain in my neck and shoulders vanished and I can actually use a dime-size portion of shampoo and conditioner like the bottles recommend instead of an egg-sized portion of each. My hair required two washings and two conditionings because of the length and thickness. I'm back to getting carded for alcohol and tobacco.
 
I am pious when convenient , but I did find a hairdryer in an albergue to be useful once. It was owned by the albergue, and they loaned it to me to dry out my passport and euro notes after I got caught in a sudden rain on the Camino and couldn't get those items put into the pack quickly enough. That hairdryer sure did the trick and I washed my hiking shoes and the hospitalero allowed me to use it to dry them off, too.
 
If you shower as soon as you get to your albergue, your hair should be dry by the time you go to bed. But if not, you can just throw in a buff and you’ll be golden. No one will care what your had looks like, but, you can always wet it in the morning before heading out. BUT, no blow drying in the morning else you run the risk of having an angry mob after you. Lol
 
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I shave my head weekly and the idea of finding a backpack friendly handheld mirror to do the back of my head or a competent barber every week in Spain to perform the duty for me during my two months there is out of the question.
Yes, vanity at any price, but a f#%$^%g hair dryer. Give me a break.
 
I did not carry one in Sept - Nov 2017, but did meet a man from Asia that had one. He carried it to dry clothes with at that time of year.
You can always take a light one and if you find it is not worth the weight, or not needed, just leave it at an Albergue.
Remember this is YOUR RIDE so listen to advice but ensure your wants are included. You will learn within the first 10 days what works and does not work. Enjoy!!!!
 

Barbers in Spain are very competent with the razor. On a Saturday you will often see gentlemen crowding the perruqueria to get their hot towel and straight-razor shaves. Older barbers usually had their training in the military during the days of conscription, when straight-razor shaving irritable fascist officers was preferable to fatigue duty and marching in the heat.

On the Camino, I normally have my beard trimmed once a week by a barber and once had a sello in my credencial.
 
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Yeah, but I don't want to spend hours waiting for a shave and beard trim once a week. As I said it is the price of vanity.
 
Spoken by a man who could use one for his facial hair
 
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I've checked many 'Essentials to Take' lists and advice for Camino adventurers, but a hair dryer is never listed. Is it an essential - you have to ask yourself. Can I live/go on Camino without it? Whilst on Camino, I've never seen or heard anyone with one, nor anyone wishing they had their hairdryer with them. After a good hike across normally testing terrain and weather, what will be your priority/ies at the end of the day - hair wash, eat, shower, sleep, check blisters, check equipment and shoes? Wait and see, pilgrim friend. I would say to you TAKE IT! But I would love to know if you ever decide to ditch it or post it home or you do manage to endure your pilgrimage the whole way with your hairdryer in your rucksack, or what ever. Camino has the power to change us in many extraordinary ways. Good luck. Keith
 
Unlike many people on this thread, I totally understand why you would not want wet hair when going to bed. My hair is very fine and very thick and takes ages to dry naturally in the UK most of the year, meanwhile my scalp gets very cold which gives me headaches. However, when I walked the CF in Sept, I found that if I washed my hair in the early afternoon straight after I arrived at the albergue, it was properly dry by night time. If I arrived later, then I did not wash it that evening.

I have found hair dryers in quite a number of albergues, but not on the CF. The albergue at Pajares on the Salvador had one, and nearly every gîte between Le Puy and Conques had one - which says something about expectations of French walkers!
 
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biarritzdon said:
Yeah, but I don't want to spend hours waiting for a shave and beard trim once a week. As I said it is the price of vanity.
Click to expand...
I was lucky twice whilst walking into Burgos. On the left hand side, a couple of km's before one reaches the cathedral there's a barber's shoppe. Both those times as I walked by I saw they had nobody in the chair and I stepped in and they seemed happy to have a walking pilgrim as a customer and gave me a shampoo, shave and cut.
 
To solve this conundrum, it sounds like you might need to choose from:
  1. Growing your hair before June this year.
  2. Walking the camino without a hair dryer.
 
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The reason my wife won’t do a Camino with me is that she can’t find an extension cord 800 kms long for her beloved Dyson hairdryer!!!
 
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Glenshiro said:
I don't think I've ever come across anyone on the Camino with a hairdryer. Others may have different experiences..........
Click to expand...
In the corridor of my hotel in Astorga inn3017, I met a woman who was cycling the Camino with several friends. I made some passing comment about the joy of finding a (rare) hairdryer in my bathroom; she leaned in and whispered that she had one in her bicycle pannier...and that it was *wonderful* for drying wet shoes!
(Full disclosure: I used mine for its intended purpose before heading out for dinner. It was Astorga. It poured (I’m five for five on that point), and I was right back to my frizzy Camino self...)
 
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And it wont get caught in your pack. I cut 8 inches off mine last Camino. So much easier, even though it was still shoulder length. Just long enough to tie up..
 
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Here in Madrid. Headed to St.. Jean tomorrow. Wife decided to get "all Camino" and not take her hairdryer on our 11 day Camino. Originally brought for our 8 "post-Camino" days...lol.
 
I’m amazed at the tone of many of the replies here ..!!

In September 2014 I walked a lot of the CF with a fellow pilgrim - she carried a very small hairdryer with her ... and often had a Que of pilgrims wishing to lend it each night ...which she happily allowed ..
( I didn’t need/ nor use it !!)

And

So , if you want it ... carry it .. and be popular !!
 
biarritzdon said:
Yeah, but I don't want to spend hours waiting for a shave and beard trim once a week. As I said it is the price of vanity.
Click to expand...

I cannot guarantee that everyone will have my luck/experience, but I never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes and ended up meeting everyone in the shop and on one occasion, had to hold a squalling infant while its father dashed into the loo, to the applause of all. It's one of those rare occasions where we dip into the Spain of the Spanish.

And trust me, biarritzdon, nobody comes second to me for vanity!
 
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It's worth repeating a point from another thread on this topic, that hair-dryers use a fair amount of electricity, and owners of albergues will not welcome you doing so, considering the modest sum you are
paying for nightly accommodation.
From a more personal perspective, I think I would find the sound of a hair-dryer in an albergue at least incongruous, and possibly even bemusing.
 
malingerer said:
SIMPLES!

Shave your skull! U can always donate the stuff to wigmakers!

Spoken as a baldy male!

The malingerer.

Click to expand...
The day before I leave for SJPP my friend Merv, the barber, is giving me a buzz cut. Ergo, no hair, no worries. Up in the morning, put on my hat, and then out the door. Hair dryer? Nope!
 
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The albergue Casa Ibarrola in Pamplona had a wall mounted hair dryer in the women's bathroom, but I doubt that there was one in the men's bathroom.
 
From reading @Gabe_Way ’s original post, I don’t think he is asking for advice as he has already decided to take his hairdryer, I think he is only asking what others do. I do shower every day and usually wash or at least rinse my hair. I don’t take a hair dryer but vigorously towel dry my hair and let it dry naturally. I love coming across a hair dryer when I stay in hotels, but would not take one to use in albergues because of the cost of electricity. Their margins are very tight. I would feel I was stealing, unless I paid extra or made some other recompense.
 
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what about those of us with baldy heads and beards? Are there beard turbans? will I get the chills if me facial fungus aint dry? as I avoid albergues like the plague I do not inconvenience my fellow pilgrims but the intrigue tickles me! another use for the hair dryer?

yours aye,
the malingerer.
 
I suggest getting a short haircut before your Camino. Typically you are showering in the afternoon before dinner, so by the time you go to bed your hair will be dry. You can always go back to growing your hair out after your Camino.
 
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JamesVT said:
The day before I leave for SJPP my friend Merv, the barber, is giving me a buzz cut. Ergo, no hair, no worries. Up in the morning, put on my hat, and then out the door. Hair dryer? Nope!
Click to expand...
If you do this, I suggest using a #3 or #4 guard rather than an extreme buzz cut. Otherwise you spend some time every day putting on sun screen - even if you're wearing a hat most of the time.
Davina1 said:
I can't believe you have even asked this question!
Click to expand...
I can't believe you posted this response!
 
After I finished my 2017 Camino, in Madrid, I bought this super small travel hair dryer with a European plug for future travels. The handle folds, it is very lightweight and dries my hair well - but my hair is super short, like pixie style. I have given serious thought about taking it for my next Camino, as even in the hostals and pensions, I do not remember hair dryers being provided. It's a vanity thing, I know, but we all have something. If I do not carry it, I would probably bring a hair turban as they kind of dry my hair, it's much more packable and lighter. I just wish someone would make a microfiber towel that felt like a real towel.
 
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Hotels almost always have hairdryers, even very small ones. If you ask at th3 desk they will give you one, the hairdryers are usually not in the rooms.
 
If I was making a list of my top 1000 things to bring with me on my Camino a hair dryer wouldn't even make that list. I've just asked my wife and she has said the same.
 
Hello - you won’t need a hairdryer but I do have a suggestion that might help. Set aside 50€ and when you arrive at Pamplona after a few days, either use it to buy a hairdryer and other items you missed not having for 4-5 days since SJPP - or use it to fill a box with the hairdryer/other unneeded items to ship to Santiago (ship to Correos, Rua do Franco 4, Local 1, 15702 Santiago de Compostela). Also review the packing list on caminoteca.com and read ‘To Walk Far Carry Less,’ great book. Good luck and have a nice walk
 
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I met a woman who carried a hairdryer but not so much for drying her hair, but for drying her shoes. Allthough many people found this strange, that did not bother them to lend it. She was happy to let everybody use it and takes it along on every camino or trekking.
 
Unless your hair is unusually long and thick, it should have plenty of time to dry between when you have a shower and when you go to bed. That is of course you are planning to walk late into the eventing every day.
 
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I'm laughing so much. Thanks Gabe and all the replies for brightening up my day!
 
Last edited:
¿Necesitas un secador de pelo? No.

Take a cheap one that you can leave behind. The decision can then be made when necessary. Experience makes the expert.
 
Are you planning to carry your own backpack everyday? If so I would seriously consider leaving it behind. On the second or third day of my first summer camino I gave away a favourite long-sleeved jacket, my beloved home-knitted beanie and my son's long-sleeved top. Anything to make the pack lighter. It's usually warm enough for hair to dry naturally but not sure of this in May. If this is really an important issue for you take a cheap one which you could donate when you feel it getting too heavy.
 
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Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
Gabe_Way said:
The only thing I really can't stand is when I go to bed and my hair is still slightly damp. Humid, behind or close to the scalp. So, it's not I'm like spoiled or anything.
Click to expand...
Are you sure this is the only thing? Harder than blisters, sore feet, waiting in line at albergues, a cold shower, toilets without paper, snorers in the room and people flashing headlights and cracking plastic bags at 5am?
 
I took a hairdryer, super small and light. After walking in a day of solid rain and showering in the more or less open air showers at the albergue de ribadiso when it was about three or four degrees outside I was glad to finally be dry before bedtime. Take your hairdryer if you want to. Seems to be more judgement than advice in a lot of these comments. My pack was under 10kgs with water and it's weight didn't bother me at all, I loved walking with it. Buen Camino!
 
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If you are ok carrying one take it. Bring a light cheap one just in case you change your mind though.

I carry a set of hair clippers on every camino I have walked. (But I walk for 5-6 months each time).

Davey
 
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