women if your hair tangles easily...

[Eve Alexandra]

I've no idea where to put this question, so I settled on equipment. Please move as necessary.

I tested a shampoo/conditioner on my hair. Sea to Summit. It was a disaster. I could not draw a comb through my hair at all. Then I tried some leave in conditioner on it. And somehow I ended up with hair that was both dry and greasy at the same time.

I know lots of people take one bar of something for everything and manage just nicely. You all must have hair that doesn't tangle and isn't dry to begin with. I need to reduce pack weight more and my toiletries bag is getting scrutiny now. Is there something that works for hair that tangles easily? If it works on my hair I'm fine using it on my body. But I need to be able to run a comb through it!

Also, do I really need a bottle of sunscreen for my skin in the last two weeks of March given that the weather is likely to be more snowy and rainy than sunny? I already have sunscreen in my face moisturizer (which I am determined to bring...I tranferred it to a smaller/lighter container).

And do you bring a small bottle of hand cream? I have dry skin too. Yes, I realize I could pick this up at any pharmacy along the way, but then it'll still be in my pack increasing my weight, so I might as well pick one up that is super low weight to begin with if it is a necessary item.

There have got to be some girlie girls with some secrets on products here. I'm not bringing any make up or even a razor. I just want to feel clean and comb my hair.

Help?

 

[sadaigh]

I posted a similar question recently https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...hampoo-conditioner-clothes.45339/#post-477489

You can read through the responses I got, but most people just find what works for them.

I'm about to just chop off all my hair if I can't find something that will work for me soon. No tangles that way

 

[cher99840]

@Eve Alexandra I do not carry hand cream but I use Vaseline on my feet at least 3 times daily so that takes care of the hands.

As for hair, I have waist length, old, dry hair and I always finger comb before using a comb. I used Dr Bronner's and it's not great, but meets my "clean enuf" standard, AND I do pop in for a proper shampoo whenever I happen to walk past a salon.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

@Eve Alexandra I do not carry hand cream but I use Vaseline on my feet at least 3 times daily so that takes care of the hands.

As for hair, I have waist length, old, dry hair and I always finger comb before using a comb. I used Dr Bronner's and it's not great, but meets my "clean enuf" standard, AND I do pop in for a proper shampoo whenever I happen to walk past a salon.

Dr Bronners shampoo without a conditioner?

Vaseline...that will work. I've got a small tube of that for my feet so I'll just make double use of it. Thanks!

 

[alaskadiver]

Is there any shampoo/conditioner on the market that does work for you? If so, then how about just decanting some into 1 or 2 small containers and taking that? Have you tried Lush or Dr. Bronner's soap? You can always take a small container of conditioner to rinse out in the shower.
I have been testing Bronner's Lavender and Hemp and it works for my hair w/out conditioner. But I will probably still take a small travel size bottle just in case.

 

[cher99840]

Dr Bronners shampoo without a conditioner?

Vaseline...that will work. I've got a small tube of that for my feet so I'll just make double use of it. Thanks!

I use it without a conditioner but I only shampoo once or twice a week. Mine stays in a braid all day and I make sure it is well combed (first fingers, then comb). I do take the braid out every night and comb it (that two step process). It's not ideal but it's not all tangled and broken.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Is there any shampoo/conditioner on the market that does work for you? If so, then how about just decanting some into 1 or 2 small containers and taking that? Have you tried Lush or Dr. Bronner's soap? You can always take a small container of conditioner to rinse out in the shower.
I have been testing Bronner's Lavender and Hemp and it works for my hair w/out conditioner. But I will probably still take a small travel size bottle just in case.

I tried adding my usual shampoo/conditioner to two lightweight bottles. Maybe I filled the bottles too full but the weight was more than I wanted. It all adds up so quickly. If I cannot find something lighter then I can empty them out a bit, and weigh again.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I posted a similar question recently https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...hampoo-conditioner-clothes.45339/#post-477489

You can read through the responses I got, but most people just find what works for them.

I'm about to just chop off all my hair if I can't find something that will work for me soon. No tangles that way

This is awesome. Thanks for the link.

 

[sadaigh]

This is awesome. Thanks for the link.

We with tangled hair must stand together

 

[Kanga]

In another thread one of the members said that she had dehydrated her normal shampoo by leaving it out on plates to dry. It becomes jelly-like and she put that into a jar and took it.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

We with tangled hair must stand together

Totally.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

In another thread one of the members said that she had dehydrated her normal shampoo by leaving it out on plates to dry. It becomes jelly-like and she put that into a jar and took it.

I saw that...unfortunately I live where it is grayer than Seattle during the winter, so I'm not seeing that as an option. Maybe for a summer camino though!

 

[alaskadiver]

I tried adding my usual shampoo/conditioner to two lightweight bottles. Maybe I filled the bottles too full but the weight was more than I wanted. It all adds up so quickly. If I cannot find something lighter then I can empty them out a bit, and weigh again.

Liquid is heavy. There's no getting around that. Sounds like your best bet is to find a shampoo bar that works and then carry a small amount of conditioner. I feel for you. My hair is down almost to the middle of my back and although it's straight and fine, it tangles in the wind or even blow drying. But a tiny amount of conditioner does it for me. I imagine it's a far worse problem for thick or curly hair. I'm actually considering cutting my hair to shoulder length because it takes too long to dry naturally.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Liquid is heavy. There's no getting around that. Sounds like your best bet is to find a shampoo bar that works and then carry a small amount of conditioner. I feel for you. My hair is down almost to the middle of my back and although it's straight and fine, it tangles in the wind or even blow drying. But a tiny amount of conditioner does it for me. I imagine it's a far worse problem for thick or curly hair. I'm actually considering cutting my hair to shoulder length because it takes too long to dry naturally.

If I can cut my face wash/shampoo/conditioner/body wash into 1, even if its a 4 ounce bar, that is a serious difference in weight. (yes, I know I shouldn't have attempted to see what the weight of all of them were together...let it be known for those lurking and too embarrassed to admit they are considering this..that even in very lightweight bottles from REI, it's still too heavy!! /grumble grumble).

I was at Lush yesterday. I bought a sliver of the Avocado Co Wash because the reviews online are phenomenal. It is apparently more conditioner than shampoo, and someone said it was great as a face wash too. It isn't round, and it has a rind on it (looks like a cheese rind). I'm going to try that. If it works, I'll see how long it lasts and then guesstimate what size chunk to buy before I leave.

I'll definitely give y'all a review since I am apparently not the only one with this problem. I have fine, mostly thin hair that is shoulder length. Normally a bit of sea salt spray and letting it air dry is all I do. But that's not going to work on the camino, plus sea salt spray is not light. I plan on using a buff and a mini bun for the camino, but my second half of my pilgrimage is visiting Canterbury and Westerminster Abbey and I do NOT want to look like a backpacker in London, thankyouverymuch!

http://www.lushusa.com/hair/shampoo/avocado-co-wash/05940.html

 

[trecile]

I brought a conditioner bar that I bought on Etsy. I just glided it over my hair in the shower and combed through before rinsing. I could have taken less than half a bar - it lasts forever. I also rubbed it on my wet skin after my shower. It's made of oils, so I figured it could moisturize my body as well.
I wear sunscreen year round, regardless of the weather.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I brought a conditioner bar that I bought on Etsy. I just glided it over my hair in the shower and combed through before rinsing. I could have taken less than half a bar - it lasts forever. I also rubbed it on my wet skin after my shower. It's made of oils, so I figured it could moisturize my body as well.
I wear sunscreen year round, regardless of the weather.

Do you have a link for the etsy product? That would work for me. Did you use one product for shampoo/body wash then?

 

[trecile]

Do you have a link for the etsy product? That would work for me. Did you use one product for shampoo/body wash then?

I use a shampoo bar for body and hair.
Here's the link to the conditioner bar

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189275869/solid-conditioner-bar-argan-oil-shea?ref=shop_home_active_22

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I use a shampoo bar for body and hair.
Here's the link to the conditioner bar

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189275869/solid-conditioner-bar-argan-oil-shea?ref=shop_home_active_22

Thanks! I'll look into this if I don't like the Lush one I bought a sliver of.

 

[Purple Backpack]

Thick, tangly hair here. I've used Lush bars but they didn't work great for me. I take a small container of Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Rinse, which is super concentrated so you just need a dab. A 3 oz bottle gets me through about 3 weeks. They make a shampoo, too, but I usually just use whatever shampoo I can find or Bonner's bars. Walgreen's carries it and though pricey for a bottle, it lasts forever.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I use a shampoo bar for body and hair.
Here's the link to the conditioner bar

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189275869/solid-conditioner-bar-argan-oil-shea?ref=shop_home_active_22

The reviews on this are phenomenal! And it is way cheaper than Lush as well. Do you bring the whole bar for 6 weeks? Could I get away with half of it for 3 weeks?

 

[trecile]

The reviews on this are phenomenal! And it is way cheaper than Lush as well. Do you bring the whole bar for 6 weeks? Could I get away with half of it for 3 weeks?

I brought the whole bar, and didn't even use half of it. Next time I'll probably cut it in half.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I've been on etsy for the last half hour. There are TONS of homemade soaps and conditioners and such. And way more reviews to read. And quite a few of them are cheaper than Lush as well. This is brilliant. I'm thinking one bar of each, broken in half...maybe 4 ounces total. Maybe a little more for the shampoo bar since I"ll probably use that as a body/face wash as well...fingers crossed. I'll review for sure.

 

[trecile]

I've been on etsy for the last half hour. There are TONS of homemade soaps and conditioners and such. And way more reviews to read. And quite a few of them are cheaper than Lush as well. This is brilliant. I'm thinking one bar of each, broken in half...maybe 4 ounces total. Maybe a little more for the shampoo bar since I"ll probably use that as a body/face wash as well...fingers crossed. I'll review for sure.

I used just one shampoo bar for my entire trip - over 6 weeks. I didn't use it for laundry though, because I loved it so much I didn't want to run out for my hair and body and have to buy something untested there. Unfortunately, the bar that I love has been discontinued by its manufacturer.
I have had good results with bars from these two Etsy sellers. They are more heavily scented than some of the other bar shampoos though.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LakeSuperiorSoap
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GetLathered
Their products aren't as "natural" as some of the others, but their ingredients were similar to the discontinued bar I loved, and also similar to Lush products, I believe.
I am now exclusively using bar shampoo.

 

[Scary]

Ive been experimenting with the soap ive tried Dr Bonners in lavender and found the after feel rough and sticky and . . . . well awfull.
Ive looked at lush but find them expensive so i experimented on my usual Dove bar soap on both hair and body and found it to work rather well, hair feels soft as it does with shampoo, so thats what ill take.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

ahhhh! I'v been eyeing up this set from Get Lathered because it is 4 very small bars...I wonder how long each would last?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/71901752/solid-hair-care-bars-travel-pack?ref=shop_home_feat_1

 

[Eve Alexandra]

ive been experimenting with the soap ive tried Dr Bonners in lavender and found the after feelrough and sticky and . . . . well awfull. ive looked at lush but find them expensive so i experimented on my usual Dove bar soapon both hair and body and found it to work rather well, hair feels soft as it does with shampoo. so thats what ill take.

Are you taking a separate conditioner then?

 

[Kiwi-family]

Eve you may want to disregard my advice as our whole family waltzed up Fleet Street straight from the Camino in our only clothes we had taken with us. They saw us all over London for a week!
Anyway, here are my questions:
Do you need anything other than water for your face? Could that even do for your body?
Could you plait your hair during the day to reduce tangles?
Have you tried washing with baking soda? (I wash my hair with that and also use it as a deodorant so carry one small bag of it - if you run out you can buy more). At home I use apple cider vinegar to rinse, but just didn't bother whilst walking (apart from the odd occasion there was some siting in the albergue kitchen and I poured a teaspoon into my plastic bowl which I carried to the shower and then added water)
Are you obsessing about weight? We were walking as a family and so had a large bottle of shampoo, full-sized tube of toothpaste, a huge bar of clothes washing soap, and at one stage a can of fly spray too.
Have you thought about what you'll use for washing clothes?
Do you need sunscreen? I wouldn't think so if you are already taking foundation and wear a hat.
Hand cream? How about rosehip oil? I carry a very small bottle of that for my face and occasionally when everyone ended up with dry skin we'd all use a wee bit of it wherever was needed. We also carry a mixture of lavender and teatree oil for medicinal purposes, but that can also be rubbed into dry hand effectively, although you will smell!

 

[trecile]

Are you taking a separate conditioner then?

I think that the reason why Dr Bronner's and other more "natural" shampoo bars didn't work that well for me is because many of them recommend a vinegar rinse after shampooing. Apparently, this counteracts hard water. Obviously, I couldn't take a bottle of vinegar on the Camino!

 

[Scary]

Are you taking a separate conditioner then?

No the dove bar leaves a nice soft feeling to my hair so for the majority of the trip ill make do with just that, we plan to stay in a hotel every now and then so will condition my hair with the provided sachet conditioners when available, until then the dove is good enough.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Eve you may want to disregard my advice as our whole family waltzed up Fleet Street straight from the Camino in our only clothes we had taken with us. They saw us all over London for a week!
Anyway, here are my questions:
Do you need anything other than water for your face? Could that even do for your body?
Could you plait your hair during the day to reduce tangles?
Have you tried washing with baking soda? (I wash my hair with that and also use it as a deodorant so carry one small bag of it - if you run out you can buy more). At home I use apple cider vinegar to rinse, but just didn't bother whilst walking (apart from the odd occasion there was some siting in the albergue kitchen and I poured a teaspoon into my plastic bowl which I carried to the shower and then added water)
Are you obsessing about weight? We were walking as a family and so had a large bottle of shampoo, full-sized tube of toothpaste, a huge bar of clothes washing soap, and at one stage a can of fly spray too.
Have you thought about what you'll use for washing clothes?
Do you need sunscreen? I wouldn't think so if you are already taking foundation and wear a hat.
Hand cream? How about rosehip oil? I carry a very small bottle of that for my face and occasionally when everyone ended up with dry skin we'd all use a wee bit of it wherever was needed. We also carry a mixture of lavender and teatree oil for medicinal purposes, but that can also be rubbed into dry hand effectively, although you will smell!

Thanks. I'm not much of an EO's kinda person. And yeah, I've tried a lot of those tricks over the years. Most of them haven't worked for me, beyond a couple of days. My hair is too short to plait, though I'm hoping to get some short pig tails in as they hold better when your hair is on the shorter side. I'm hoping to find one bar for face/body/hair soap and one bar for conditioning. And then take half a bar of each. I've got very dry skin and hair so I have to be careful or I'll be uncomfortably itchy the entire time.

I don't think I'm obsessing about weight. I have a month to go so I'm trying to consider what I really need and what can be skipped. Easier done when you've been on the camino once already, I suspect.

I do have some of the sea to summit laundry leaves that everyone says sticks to the fingers and becomes a gummy mess. I'm bringing them anyway as they were cheap, weigh very little, and I plan on using a washer and dryer occasionally. If it doesn't work well then I'll use my shampoo bar.

It is always a challenge figuring things out for the first time. I appreciate all the kindness and comments everyone has offered. Thank you.

 

[Kiwi-family]

If your laundry leaves don't work you can buy a humungous bar of brown soap that works brilliantly! Share a bar with someone or just carry the whole thing and use it when you get home again. It brings a smile to my face every time I look at ours in the laundry and realise I can use a machine;-)

 

[Susan Peacock]

Laundry leaves were a complete waste. They will not dissolve in cold water which is what most of the laundry sinks have. I have curly frizzy dry hair so conditioner was my luxury item....

 

[VNwalking]

Eve, and all...
I completely understand that this is not the answer you're looking for, but why not consider cutting it short and going minimal for a month? Hair does grow back. And you needn't take clippers to your head--there are some very nice short styles. It's SOOOO much easier.

Speaking as one whose hair tangled and without the least reason, I can say from happy experience what a huge relief and time-saver it is not to have to deal with that, and 'bad hair days.' Not only does short hair not tangle, but you can get away with neatening it in the morning by running your fingers through it. No need to pack a comb or brush.

And then there's the weight of the hair you'll be saving too.

 

[alaskadiver]

Ive been experimenting with the soap ive tried Dr Bonners in lavender and found the after feel rough and sticky and . . . . well awfull.
Ive looked at lush but find them expensive so i experimented on my usual Dove bar soap on both hair and body and found it to work rather well, hair feels soft as it does with shampoo, so thats what ill take.

Wow, that's completely the opposite to my experience. Creamy and soft on my sensitive skin and fine hair. Do you have hard water? This is why it's important to test this stuff at home!

 

[alaskadiver]

Eve, and all...
I completely understand that this is not the answer you're looking for, but why not consider cutting it short and going minimal for a month? Hair does grow back. And you needn't take clippers to your head--there are some very nice short styles. It's SOOOO much easier.

Speaking as one whose hair tangled and without the least reason, I can say from happy experience what a huge relief and time-saver it is not to have to deal with that, and 'bad hair days.' Not only does short hair not tangle, but you can get away with neatening it in the morning by running your fingers through it. No need to pack a comb or brush.

And then there's the weight of the hair you'll be saving too.

I fully expect to cut about 7 inches off my hair and bring it up to a length that just brushes the top of my shoulders. Long enough for a pony tail and short enough to dry faster. And I'm doing the Primitivo and only spending 2 weeks on the trail. Without a hair dryer it would take me 1 1/2 hours to air dry. Not really a good option if it's raining and I want to go out. It will grow back in less than 6 months anyway.

 

[gittiharre]

Plats or cut your hair short in short so to speak. Lucky you to fret about this. I have next to no hair left haha!

 

[Pruden]

Maybe some adding a little bit of coconut oil to shampoo would do it!!
But test it at home bey you go !!
Put a very little amount !!

 

[Linda Fantillo]

J.R. Liggett original shampoo bar for me. I liked it so much on the Camino, that this is all we use at home now. You can buy it in its own travel container that drains any water. No conditioner needed. Granted, my hair is not long, but it leaves my hair silky soft. I think that if you try it, give it a few shampoos first to get all the old stuff out of the hair. Will never go back to regular shampoo and conditioner. Has anybody ever read the ingredients in that stuff? Love this product! I have to order it from the U.S., but worth it even with the exchange. L.

 

[SanJo]

I've no idea where to put this question, so I settled on equipment. Please move as necessary.

I tested a shampoo/conditioner on my hair. Sea to Summit. It was a disaster. I could not draw a comb through my hair at all. Then I tried some leave in conditioner on it. And somehow I ended up with hair that was both dry and greasy at the same time.

I know lots of people take one bar of something for everything and manage just nicely. You all must have hair that doesn't tangle and isn't dry to begin with. I need to reduce pack weight more and my toiletries bag is getting scrutiny now. Is there something that works for hair that tangles easily? If it works on my hair I'm fine using it on my body. But I need to be able to run a comb through it!

Also, do I really need a bottle of sunscreen for my skin in the last two weeks of March given that the weather is likely to be more snowy and rainy than sunny? I already have sunscreen in my face moisturizer (which I am determined to bring...I tranferred it to a smaller/lighter container).

And do you bring a small bottle of hand cream? I have dry skin too. Yes, I realize I could pick this up at any pharmacy along the way, but then it'll still be in my pack increasing my weight, so I might as well pick one up that is super low weight to begin with if it is a necessary item.

There have got to be some girlie girls with some secrets on products here. I'm not bringing any make up or even a razor. I just want to feel clean and comb my hair.

Help?

 

[SanJo]

Thanks. I'm not much of an EO's kinda person. And yeah, I've tried a lot of those tricks over the years. Most of them haven't worked for me, beyond a couple of days. My hair is too short to plait, though I'm hoping to get some short pig tails in as they hold better when your hair is on the shorter side. I'm hoping to find one bar for face/body/hair soap and one bar for conditioning. And then take half a bar of each. I've got very dry skin and hair so I have to be careful or I'll be uncomfortably itchy the entire time.

I don't think I'm obsessing about weight. I have a month to go so I'm trying to consider what I really need and what can be skipped. Easier done when you've been on the camino once already, I suspect.

I do have some of the sea to summit laundry leaves that everyone says sticks to the fingers and becomes a gummy mess. I'm bringing them anyway as they were cheap, weigh very little, and I plan on using a washer and dryer occasionally. If it doesn't work well then I'll use my shampoo bar.

It is always a challenge figuring things out for the first time. I appreciate all the kindness and comments everyone has offered. Thank you.

 

[SanJo]

Eve, I have semi-long hair and it's *really* thick with some wavy curls. I went to the salon and got it "thinned" out which was a bonus, but my real saviour is Mountain Sky Hemp Bar (for hair and body) - no conditioner needed. I comb it out with an afro pick and it’s really easy (combing my hair out after regular/expensive shampoo/conditioner was always a huge hassle.) I have been using this hemp bar for years. BUT! The interesting part is, a few years ago a friend gave me a bag full (7 bars!) of natural soaps as a gift ... and one day I ran out of my hemp bar and didn't have another, so I just used one of the natural soaps on my hair and guess what? It did a fantastic job. Perhaps you could grab yourself a bar and try it at home? If it works, take it with you. Buen Camino!

 

[elkwoman]

I fully expect to cut about 7 inches off my hair and bring it up to a length that just brushes the top of my shoulders. Long enough for a pony tail and short enough to dry faster. And I'm doing the Primitivo and only spending 2 weeks on the trail. Without a hair dryer it would take me 1 1/2 hours to air dry. Not really a good option if it's raining and I want to go out. It will grow back in less than 6 months anyway.

J.R. Liggett original shampoo bar for me. I liked it so much on the Camino, that this is all we use at home now. You can buy it in its own travel container that drains any water. No conditioner needed. Granted, my hair is not long, but it leaves my hair silky soft. I think that if you try it, give it a few shampoos first to get all the old stuff out of the hair. Will never go back to regular shampoo and conditioner. Has anybody ever read the ingredients in that stuff? Love this product! I have to order it from the U.S., but worth it even with the exchange. L.

Have you considered cutting off enough hair to donate to to one of the places that makes wigs for people who have had chemo?

You must have amazing hair to have 7"grow back in 6 months!

 

[C clearly]

Assuming you are taking the same hair on the camino that you wear at home (but maybe a bit shorter), and unless you have nothing better to do than research the infinite number of hair care products, why don't you just take a small amount of whatever you use at home? You can save the research time and do a training walk instead!

If you have special-needs hair, then consider it a mild inconvenience compared to the other problems that people deal with on their pilgrimages.

 

[fenix]

This is great information, and some great links too. A lot depends on your hair type, length, and your current routines/habits, so I second and third above comments about trying out your system before you start the camino.

My home routine is already very low maintenance, so I have less transition for the camino - in fact, I pretty much carry what I use at home.

My hair is fine, but I have a lot of it. I only wash my hair twice a week, and let it air-dry. My typical cut is short, about at my jaw line (grown out to shoulder length at the longest), and I get a fresh short cut right before a long hike. I use a shampoo bar at home (nothing but a bar for a year now - love them) and it is the lightest, most convenient camino choice as well. (My current bar is the Lush honey bar, but now that I am fully indoctrinated into the shampoo bar world, I'm looking forward to trying out others.)

My shampoo bar is also my soap. But still, I use it sparingly, just on areas of greatest need (the pits & bits, so to speak ), so one bar lasts a long time. For my body in general, and my face, I use just water and these sponges - which are gentle but deceptively exfoliating (and negligible weight):
Konjac sponge for face
Konjac sponge for body

I don't use conditioner much at home, so I don't bother on the camino at all. But, trecile, I love your idea of a conditioner bar in the shower being used on the skin. I'm going to give that a try, and maybe carry a sliver for weekly use.

My skin is very sensitive, fair and easily sun-damaged. I carry a small face/neck sunblock, which is generally also moisturizing enough. I use sun-protective clothing, so I don't generally carry a body sunblock.

I carry a tube of Vaseline to use on my feet before bed, which also moisturizes my hands (and lips, and around my eyes.) If I am feeling the need for more moisturizing, I buy a small tube of Eucerin hand creme at the pharmacy and use a lot of it full-body that evening and the next morning before setting out, so it is lighter to carry (or just leave the remaining behind for someone else). Or if I time this for when I'm taking a rest day, I use it liberally before I ever put the pack back on, and never end up carrying it at all.

Still not sure what soap to use in my wash-bag. So far, I've only ever used a wash-bag when traveling or car-camping, so a bottle of liquid soap wasn't an issue weight-wise. I'm thinking a spanish laundry bar, shaved into the bag - but will it dissolve enough that way after a few vigorous shakes (as opposed to being rubbed on, like with a sink wash?

 

[trecile]

Last year I bought a huge bar of Zote laundry soap at Walmart for just a dollar. I cut off about a fourth of it to take on the Camino. It worked okay, but didn't last the whole way, so I bought a small tube of travel laundry soap in Ponferrada. I plan to bring her something like Camp Suds next time. I decided that I prefer the liquid for washing clothes.

 

[fenix]

Last year I bought a huge bar of Zote laundry soap at Walmart for just a dollar. I cut off about a fourth of it to take on the Camino. It worked okay, but didn't last the whole way, so I bought a small tube of travel laundry soap in Ponferrada. I plan to bring her something like Camp Suds next time. I decided that I prefer the liquid for washing clothes.

You used your wash bag on camino too, right? When you used the Zote, did you shave it in?

I do like liquid for this. A few drops of Dr. Bronners does the trick. I just figured that if I took the Bronners, I'd take so little due to weight..... so it will run out and need to be replaced. Trying to think ahead on that - what's available in Spain if I replace it with liquid, or making sure a shaved solid will work.

This is one of those items I have no doubt I'm overthinking!

 

[alaskadiver]

Have you considered cutting off enough hair to donate to to one of the places that makes wigs for people who have had chemo?

You must have amazing hair to have 7"grow back in 6 months!

Haha! I didn't mean all 7" would grow back. I meant to say that it would be long again. My hair grows about 1/2" a month. But I can't donate it because it's colored. Last time I checked they only take virgin hair.

 

[trecile]

You used your wash bag on camino too, right? When you used the Zote, did you shave it in?

I do like liquid for this. A few drops of Dr. Bronners does the trick. I just figured that if I took the Bronners, I'd take so little due to weight..... so it will run out and need to be replaced. Trying to think ahead on that - what's available in Spain if I replace it with liquid, or making sure a shaved solid will work.

This is one of those items I have no doubt I'm overthinking!

No, last year I washed in the sink. I'm bringing my ultralight Osprey dry bag to do my laundry in this year. That's another reason for liquid soap.
This is the soap I bought in Spain last year.

 

[kelleymac]

I have tangly hair-- it has a wave to it-- in humid weather it curls, when I lived in NM it was straight as a board. -- I only shampoo about once every week or two, I just rinse, put conditioner on it, and then some styling gel and scrunch it up with my hands to get the curls going. On the camino, I didn't try to brush it in the morning, I just dampened it all with my hands and then scrunched it. I did bring a hotel shampoo or two with me, that I used. Once, I bought a shampoo, used it-- refilled the little bottle, and then left the big bottle at the albergue for someone else to use.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

So many good ideas here. Not cutting my hair. It is already barely shoulder length and I just don't like short hair on me.

I am happy to report that I tried the Lush avocado co wash in my hair today it was brilliant! Easy and no tangles and manageable enough for camping style living on the Camino since it'll be up in a bun and covered with a buff likely, most of the time. I am pretty sure it'll work as a body and face soap as well, but I wanted to try only hair to start.

I'm trying to avoid bringing liquids just because of the weight (yes, my kindle is higher priority to me than liquids ). That is why I grabbed the leaves. If they don't work I'll find a bar on the camino and cut it, like everyone has suggested. I plan on using a machine every 3rd day or so, so I only need something for the sink to wash socks/undies/bra each day.

 

[drvnsmiln]

Haha! I didn't mean all 7" would grow back. I meant to say that it would be long again. My hair grows about 1/2" a month. But I can't donate it because it's colored. Last time I checked they only take virgin hair.

 

[drvnsmiln]

My hair is colored as well. In the months before departing on a Camino, I try to save one or two of the tubes of special conditioner that come with the hair coloring kit. Two of these tubes (which are about the size of a very small toothpaste - 55 mls each) lasted me 10 weeks on my last Camino and my hair is down to my waist. Of course I wash my hair only about twice a week. As for shampoo, I bring a 4 ounce bottle of my regular, and when it is gone I buy something similar in a local store in Spain, fill my bottle, and leave the rest for others in the refugeio

 

[Tigger]

I've no idea where to put this question, so I settled on equipment. Please move as necessary.

I tested a shampoo/conditioner on my hair. Sea to Summit. It was a disaster. I could not draw a comb through my hair at all. Then I tried some leave in conditioner on it. And somehow I ended up with hair that was both dry and greasy at the same time.

I know lots of people take one bar of something for everything and manage just nicely. You all must have hair that doesn't tangle and isn't dry to begin with. I need to reduce pack weight more and my toiletries bag is getting scrutiny now. Is there something that works for hair that tangles easily? If it works on my hair I'm fine using it on my body. But I need to be able to run a comb through it!

Also, do I really need a bottle of sunscreen for my skin in the last two weeks of March given that the weather is likely to be more snowy and rainy than sunny? I already have sunscreen in my face moisturizer (which I am determined to bring...I tranferred it to a smaller/lighter container).

And do you bring a small bottle of hand cream? I have dry skin too. Yes, I realize I could pick this up at any pharmacy along the way, but then it'll still be in my pack increasing my weight, so I might as well pick one up that is super low weight to begin with if it is a necessary item.

There have got to be some girlie girls with some secrets on products here. I'm not bringing any make up or even a razor. I just want to feel clean and comb my hair.

Help?

I have found that the best quality and most concentrated hair conditioner comes in the Loreal hair dye kits. It comes in a tiny plastic bottle which is heavy plastic and weighs 50 grams so I intend to decant it into a light travel bottle. The stuff is so concentrated you only need a small dob and mix with water. My shampoo is an antidandruff one which I MUST use as I get a sort of itchy excema so again will decant it into a lighter travel bottle. Having long hair these measures are essential to my health so I will put p with the weight that is minimised. I might try Kanga's tip to dehydrate the shampoo. Watch this space.

 

[Tigger]

My hair is colored as well. In the months before departing on a Camino, I try to save one or two of the tubes of special conditioner that come with the hair coloring kit. Two of these tubes (which are about the size of a very small toothpaste - 55 mls each) lasted me 10 weeks on my last Camino and my hair is down to my waist. Of course I wash my hair only about twice a week. As for shampoo, I bring a 4 ounce bottle of my regular, and when it is gone I buy something similar in a local store in Spain, fill my bottle, and leave the rest for others in the refugeio

I just noticed your post....snap!

 

[Priscilla NC]

I'm a natural shampoo bar person -- used it for everything. Because I normally used at home a vinegar rinse, and there was no way I was going to do that on the Camino, I decided to bring a small container (2 oz I believe it was) of my usual conditioner. Although it's not made to be a leave-in conditioner, I used it as such -- just a dab. It worked fine. No tangles, my curls loved it, and I didn't even use it all in 7 weeks.

 

[J F Gregory]

I thought this was funny, but my wife's hair stylist told her to take a small container of coconut oil the kind you use for cooking. She put it in a small container and used it regularly and loved it. It took care of the tangles and snags.

 

[alaskadiver]

Ironically, I'm sitting at my hairdresser's right now getting my hair colored. She suggested a small 2-3 ounce spray bottle with a nickel size drop of conditioner diluted with water. It's what they use as a detangler when cutting hair. I can add the water in Spain. Will try this at home next week.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Cool idea. Lmk if it works!

 

[Texas Walker]

I've no idea where to put this question, so I settled on equipment. Please move as necessary.

I tested a shampoo/conditioner on my hair. Sea to Summit. It was a disaster. I could not draw a comb through my hair at all. Then I tried some leave in conditioner on it. And somehow I ended up with hair that was both dry and greasy at the same time.

I know lots of people take one bar of something for everything and manage just nicely. You all must have hair that doesn't tangle and isn't dry to begin with. I need to reduce pack weight more and my toiletries bag is getting scrutiny now. Is there something that works for hair that tangles easily? If it works on my hair I'm fine using it on my body. But I need to be able to run a comb through it!

Also, do I really need a bottle of sunscreen for my skin in the last two weeks of March given that the weather is likely to be more snowy and rainy than sunny? I already have sunscreen in my face moisturizer (which I am determined to bring...I tranferred it to a smaller/lighter container).

And do you bring a small bottle of hand cream? I have dry skin too. Yes, I realize I could pick this up at any pharmacy along the way, but then it'll still be in my pack increasing my weight, so I might as well pick one up that is super low weight to begin with if it is a necessary item.

There have got to be some girlie girls with some secrets on products here. I'm not bringing any make up or even a razor. I just want to feel clean and comb my hair.

Help?

I had long (ish) hair and I kept it in a braid. Periodically I would takeout the liga (wrapped elastic, collocquially called ligas in S TX) and run my wide-tooth (blow drying) brush through it. I also slept with it braided. If you really are worried on the subject of hair-rats, you can always pick up some of the baby detangler product and transfer it into a smaller container. They do make spritzer bottles that are small. I confess to using the same liquid for everything...bought a small bottle of sink detergent liquid partly through the last time and used that. Never really got a good rinse from a shower with a timer, though! Once in a while we slept in a pension and I could finally get all the soap and grease out of my hair. That was nice. In my profile picture, the braid doesn't show, but it's there. Probably hanging over the other shoulder.
One reason for the braid was to keep hair from flying into my face if the wind rose.
The next time we go, I will try having shorter hair, just to see how that works. (Maybe it will rinse faster?) Still taking the plastic-bristle blow dryer type brush, it almost never gets hung up in a rat.
Buen camino.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I had long (ish) hair and I kept it in a braid. Periodically I would takeout the liga (wrapped elastic, collocquially called ligas in S TX) and run my wide-tooth (blow drying) brush through it. I also slept with it braided. If you really are worried on the subject of hair-rats, you can always pick up some of the baby detangler product and transfer it into a smaller container. They do make spritzer bottles that are small. I confess to using the same liquid for everything...bought a small bottle of sink detergent liquid partly through the last time and used that. Never really got a good rinse from a shower with a timer, though! Once in a while we slept in a pension and I could finally get all the soap and grease out of my hair. That was nice. In my profile picture, the braid doesn't show, but it's there. Probably hanging over the other shoulder.
One reason for the braid was to keep hair from flying into my face if the wind rose.
The next time we go, I will try having shorter hair, just to see how that works. (Maybe it will rinse faster?) Still taking the plastic-bristle blow dryer type brush, it almost never gets hung up in a rat.
Buen camino.

Are there timers on the showers? Like in US Ntl and State Parks?

 

[trecile]

Are there timers on the showers? Like in US Ntl and State Parks?

The only timers I encountered were at Orisson.

 

[Chacharm]

I've no idea where to put this question, so I settled on equipment. Please move as necessary.

I tested a shampoo/conditioner on my hair. Sea to Summit. It was a disaster. I could not draw a comb through my hair at all. Then I tried some leave in conditioner on it. And somehow I ended up with hair that was both dry and greasy at the same time.

I know lots of people take one bar of something for everything and manage just nicely. You all must have hair that doesn't tangle and isn't dry to begin with. I need to reduce pack weight more and my toiletries bag is getting scrutiny now. Is there something that works for hair that tangles easily? If it works on my hair I'm fine using it on my body. But I need to be able to run a comb through it!

Also, do I really need a bottle of sunscreen for my skin in the last two weeks of March given that the weather is likely to be more snowy and rainy than sunny? I already have sunscreen in my face moisturizer (which I am determined to bring...I tranferred it to a smaller/lighter container).

And do you bring a small bottle of hand cream? I have dry skin too. Yes, I realize I could pick this up at any pharmacy along the way, but then it'll still be in my pack increasing my weight, so I might as well pick one up that is super low weight to begin with if it is a necessary item.

There have got to be some girlie girls with some secrets on products here. I'm not bringing any make up or even a razor. I just want to feel clean and comb my hair.

Help?

I always get a Brazillian Blowout right before Camino. It lasts about 3 months if you're careful about using the right shampoo. Then I don't have to worry about tangles or blow drying or conditioner. Just the appropriate shampoo ( I use Brazillian Blowout brand).
https://www.brazilianblowout.com/before-and-after/

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I asked my daughter who is a licensed hair dresser. She said these work. And they start out at her salon at $300, if anyone is interested.

I am saving my pennies for Spain and England so I think it's gonna be a Lush bar for me.

I've used the Avocado Co Wash for 3 days straight now face/body/hair. Still no tangles and not gross. But I *hate the way it smells. Next time I go in I'm going to see if they have something similar that smells better.

 

[trecile]

I asked my daughter who is a licensed hair dresser. She said these work. And they start out at her salon at $300, if anyone is interested.

I am saving my pennies for Spain and England so I think it's gonna be a Lush bar for me.

I've used the Avocado Co Wash for 3 days straight now face/body/hair. Still no tangles and not gross. But I *hate the way it smells. Next time I go in I'm going to see if they have something similar that smells better.

I had a Brazilian Blowout a couple of years ago. If you live in a larger city check Groupon for specials. I paid $100 for mine. It did make my hair nice and smooth, but I wouldn't bother getting one again though.

 

[sadaigh]

I asked my daughter who is a licensed hair dresser. She said these work. And they start out at her salon at $300, if anyone is interested.

I am saving my pennies for Spain and England so I think it's gonna be a Lush bar for me.

I've used the Avocado Co Wash for 3 days straight now face/body/hair. Still no tangles and not gross. But I *hate the way it smells. Next time I go in I'm going to see if they have something similar that smells better.

I've also been trying it and it works well! If I can't find anything better, this is definitely going with me!

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I had a Brazilian Blowout a couple of years ago. If you live in a larger city check Groupon for specials. I paid $100 for mine. It did make my hair nice and smooth, but I wouldn't bother getting one again though.

Good to know. She said it totally works. I could definitely see it being useful for a long trip.

 

[november_moon]

I took a bar of Lush shampoo (the jojoba one) and then a small bottle of really good, concentrated conditioner. You can see my hair in my profile picture - its curly and barely controllable. I have to attack it with hydration regularly or I end up with a dry dust mop on my head.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Just a final update for those still looking for options.

Avocado Co Wash from Lush will work for easily tangled hair. You work it in like a conditioner, not like a shampoo. And it will feel fairly soft too. But after 5 plus days your hair may start looking kind of fly away. And the co wash weighs a bit more than those round shampoo bars that Lush sells (and do *not work for hair that tangles easily).

Today I discovered that a beauty supply store carries the little rip off packets of deep conditioner. I got one with enough in it for 3 conditions, maybe 4 if I only use it on the ends. It weighs very little. I have not been able to find these little tear open packets for sale anywhere else. So if you are looking for an occasional conditioner, check out a store like Sally Beauty Supply.

 

[trecile]

Just a final update for those still looking for options.

Avocado Co Wash from Lush will work for easily tangled hair. You work it in like a conditioner, not like a shampoo. And it will feel fairly soft too. But after 5 plus days your hair may start looking kind of fly away. And the co wash weighs a bit more than those round shampoo bars that Lush sells (and do *not work for hair that tangles easily).

Today I discovered that a beauty supply store carries the little rip off packets of deep conditioner. I got one with enough in it for 3 conditions, maybe 4 if I only use it on the ends. It weighs very little. I have not been able to find these little tear open packets for sale anywhere else. So if you are looking for an occasional conditioner, check out a store like Sally Beauty Supply.

I know that you mentioned that you are planning on using the Lush bar for your clothes too. Since it's a Co Wash, and not specifically a shampoo, have you tested it on washing clothes yet?

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I have those laundry leaves everyone hates. They are my plan for now. And my back up plan is to buy a bar of something when I get there and take a sliver with me. And I am hoping to make use of washing machines every other day on the camino.

 

[sadaigh]

I have those laundry leaves everyone hates. They are my plan for now. And my back up plan is to buy a bar of something when I get there and take a sliver with me. And I am hoping to make use of washing machines every other day on the camino.

I'm also going to use the co wash from Lush because, like you, it's the first things I've found that I really like the results of. For washing clothes/body I'm bringing part of a Dr. Bronner's bar of soap. Yes, it means I'm bringing two things, but I think it's going to work out for the best.

Good luck with your soap/hair/conditioner! and Buen Camino!

 

[Shalaw]

I used a Lush shampoo bar (used a square tin instead of a round one for easy removal) which was awesome for cleaning but it would swell, never really get dry and would just basically get icky to store and carry. The conditioner bar was really awful so I just bought a small bottle of conditioner there which worked wonders. For my next Camino, however, I will bring a bottle of the new 'cleansing conditioners' that are out there. Not a classic 2-in-1 as it's heavy on the conditioner. They are awesome and in my opinion worth their weight (250ml) in gold!

Oh, and I forgot to mention that you don't need a separate shampoo with these cleansing conditioners!

Buen Camino!

 

[Kanga]

Personally I can't imagine carrying an electric hair styling tool.

I want simplicity on the Camino, and not thinking about my appearance, beyond perhaps a lick of lip gel. And that mainly to prevent sunburn.

If you do not mind carrying that extra weight, and you plan on being in hotels with private facilities, fine, but if in albergues, consider the economics. Electricity in Spain is expensive, and many albergues run on the proverbial smell of an oily rag. Do ask before you plug into a power point.

 

[Swillbos]

Just back from 16 days away, including 12 days walking on the Camino Portuguese from Porto and here is my tuppence ha'penny's worth on this vital topic!

I took two individual sachets of conditioner and shared a Lush shampoo bar with husband. On a previous holiday I had trialled Lush solid conditioner and found that to be totally useless. I had intended to pick up more conditioner along the way and then leave it for fellow travellers, however this turned out to be unnecessary as hair washing frequency rapidly reduced to absolute minimum, due to a combination of variable water temperature in some pretty chilly albergues along our winter camino. In fact I only washed my hair three times in the 16 days - I can't recommend the look, but hey what are hats for?!

A further option would be dry shampoo, or old school use of talcum powder?

 

[Swillbos]

Used soap/shampoo and anything else opportunistically available for hand washing. Laundry standards were not of this highest ilk, but being warm, dry and clean enough felt like pure luxury after a long day on the camino!

 

[Pelen]

I know this is an old thread, but I have this problem as well. My hair tangle extremely easy. I live in Europe and have a family at home så I normally just walk for a week each time, so I carry a small bottle of conditioner. But I would appreciate to have something in a bar that works. Does it exist hair mask that is good with this type of hair in bars? If not, maybe a small amount of hair mask can be carried? It is less water in a hair mask and you need to use less.

 

[HeidiL]

To avoid tangling, I braid my hair tightly and more or less keep it like that, except while I'm in the shower, for the entire walk.

 

[Via2010]

I Always take a small packet (travel-size) of my regular shampoo and conditioner, as I have very very long hair. I would never think of bringing an electric tool or hairdryer. But I walk in summer. And if it is cold, my hair may remain unwashed for several days. It´s the camino, no Catwalk.

 

[Iriebabel]

I know this is an old thread, but I have this problem as well. My hair tangle extremely easy. I live in Europe and have a family at home så I normally just walk for a week each time, so I carry a small bottle of conditioner. But I would appreciate to have something in a bar that works. Does it exist hair mask that is good with this type of hair in bars? If not, maybe a small amount of hair mask can be carried? It is less water in a hair mask and you need to use less.

I have long hair to my waist and I am of mixed race so my hair tangles easily . I braided my hair tightly every day into two parts and used Ethique (not cheap but effective) bar soaps and conditioner ...lots of different ones to choose from including a detangler I also used their solid bar hair mask once ever couple weeks. I am happy i found this and works for me. I believe amazon sell these products also but here is the web site for the company
https://ethique.com/collections/shampoo.
https://ethique.com/search?q=Hair mask. (Hair mask)
I was just on holiday ...no hiking...in Europe and used it on my trip and I would not go back to using liquids....

on the other hand you can use any hair masque you can carry. I did not find it necessary to use a blow dryer on my caminos. Additionally, if I needed additional care or deep conditioner I would visit a Spanish hair salon on one of my off days hope this helps.

 

[Albertagirl]

As a senior walker and an experienced backpacker, I am used to minimizing my personal care needs in order to travel without having to carry and use a lot of toiletries. This became somewhat radical for my first camino. I stopped using hair colouring, because I couldn't imagine carrying my usual product and trying to go through the application procedure while on camino. And I really didn't want to have the colour of my long hair half grown out. Then I gave up using conditioner. This is possible for me because I shampoo less frequently and only apply shampoo once. My scalp produces its own oil and I love my white hair. I carry a little shampoo to keep it clean. Think about it.

 

[Pelen]

Grey/white hair is beautiful!

If I am not using a good conditioner I end up with having all of my hair into one or two dreadlocks. Totally impossible to brush or I will end up with half of my hair left in the brush. Each hair is so thin like a spider web (at least my husband is telling me that, I am his spider woman )

 

[Iriebabel]

Grey/white hair is beautiful!

If I am not using a good conditioner I end up with having all of my hair into one or two dreadlocks. Totally impossible to brush or I will end up with half of my hair left in the brush. Each hair is so thin like a spider web (at least my husband is telling me that, I am his spider woman )

I am Jamaican by birth believe it or not I don't like the dreadlocks. I use a detangle brush in the shower dry it with a towel then braid in two before bed. The next morning before I walk I apply a leave in conditioner and rebraid...first pix is camino braid —-second what happens after the braids. And third...salon hair
I save the hair color for a Solon in Muxia ...

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Hi there. The Lush bar I took in 17 was a disaster. It ruined my hair and took months to recover. I've been testing out alternative bars as I'm heading back this Spring. I have had good luck with this brand, so far.

HiBAR Plastic Free Shampoo, Conditioner, Face Wash, Deodorant

At HiBAR, We’re on a mission to help rid the world of plastic pollution. All of the items we sell on our site use plastic free packaging and shipping.

hellohibar.com

I have wavy hairy that dries out easily. I use some of the curly girl methods to maintain it at home. Hibar's moisturizing shampoo and conditioner actually seems to work. I have no problems getting a denman brush through it with the conditioning bar in my hair. Each bar weighs 2.9 oz. I'm taking one of each and planning to use the shampoo bar as my body soap too. I'm bringing two single use packets of salon style shampoo. If I use sulfate free shampoo for too long my hair gets weird, and I can get 2 uses out of one single use packet. So that's once a week with a sulfate shampoo, which oughta cover it for me. I am bringing a one ounce bottle of curl cream for the days when want it to look nice and I'm not just throwing it up in a bun which is my main hair style while hiking. And a wide toothed comb because it weighs less than a denman brush or a wet brush.

The bars are oddly shaped, so they won't fit in a lush style tin. I've got each one wrapped in a piece of microfiber towel I cut up (the kind that hikers use). I read on Hibar's site that this is their recommended way to travel with it. I'll shake off the excess water and leave it to dry near my bunk overnight, and then wrap it up in the am before I head out.

I'll let y'all know how it goes when I get back, if you want.

 

[Moorwalker]

Olive oil. Wash your hair in any shampoo available (don't use soap, it actively damages hair). While it's still damp rub a few drops of olive oil through your hair. That's my hair in my photo and it comes down past where my waist would be if I had one of those, and that keeps it in good condition.

 

[Pelen]

This is my hair right now. Ian standing up and holding up a small part of my hair and all the other is just following because it has tangled. Not much at all so far, but the hair is washed with conditioner and it was totally brushed some hours ago.

i has a surgery once and after 3 days more or less in bed with a pony tale I had to use 3 days with a lot of conditioner spray to try to brush out all of the tangles in my hair. It was a totally mess and a bird could probably have an excellent nest up there.

 

[Iriebabel]

This is my hair right now. Ian standing up and holding up a small part of my hair and all the other is just following because it has tangled. Not much at all so far, but the hair is washed with conditioner and it was totally brushed some hours ago.

i has a surgery once and after 3 days more or less in bed with a pony tale I had to use 3 days with a lot of conditioner spray to try to brush out all of the tangles in my hair. It was a totally mess and a bird could probably have an excellent nest up there.

I feel your pain. I hope you find something that works for you let me know if you try the ethique hair masque or if it is some other hair masque.

Have you considered going to a professional hair stylist who maybe can recommend something ?

 

[Pelen]

Have you considered going to a professional hair stylist who maybe can recommend something ?

yes, and I can also have the hair newly cut, then it gets better, especially with some treatment at the salon as well. Now it is some months since I did that and it is dry and cold winter here which doesn’t make it better.

 

[HeidiL]

Pelen, we have very similar hair (and live in the same place!). I just never wear my hair down when I'm going outdoors, not even to work, and if I'm going for a longer walk or working out, I always braid it - otherwise, it tangles.
I still remember the first time I went to a hairdresser in Spain - the lady who was working on my hair got all the other hairdressers (and a few of the customers, too) to come over and feel my "pelo Nordico muy fino".

 

[Moorwalker]

I've been on etsy for the last half hour. There are TONS of homemade soaps and conditioners and such. And way more reviews to read. And quite a few of them are cheaper than Lush as well. This is brilliant. I'm thinking one bar of each, broken in half...maybe 4 ounces total. Maybe a little more for the shampoo bar since I"ll probably use that as a body/face wash as well...fingers crossed. I'll review for sure.

Be aware though that soap is not the same thing as shampoo. Soap is highly alkaline and produces scum in hard water, so is not good for hair no matter how much they try to persuade you that it is specially formulated.

 

[SheSeeksTheWay]

Hi there. The Lush bar I took in 17 was a disaster. It ruined my hair and took months to recover. I've been testing out alternative bars as I'm heading back this Spring. I have had good luck with this brand, so far.

HiBAR Plastic Free Shampoo, Conditioner, Face Wash, Deodorant

At HiBAR, We’re on a mission to help rid the world of plastic pollution. All of the items we sell on our site use plastic free packaging and shipping.

hellohibar.com

I have wavy hairy that dries out easily. I use some of the curly girl methods to maintain it at home. Hibar's moisturizing shampoo and conditioner actually seems to work. I have no problems getting a denman brush through it with the conditioning bar in my hair. Each bar weighs 2.9 oz. I'm taking one of each and planning to use the shampoo bar as my body soap too. I'm bringing two single use packets of salon style shampoo. If I use sulfate free shampoo for too long my hair gets weird, and I can get 2 uses out of one single use packet. So that's once a week with a sulfate shampoo, which oughta cover it for me. I am bringing a one ounce bottle of curl cream for the days when want it to look nice and I'm not just throwing it up in a bun which is my main hair style while hiking. And a wide toothed comb because it weighs less than a denman brush or a wet brush.

The bars are oddly shaped, so they won't fit in a lush style tin. I've got each one wrapped in a piece of microfiber towel I cut up (the kind that hikers use). I read on Hibar's site that this is their recommended way to travel with it. I'll shake off the excess water and leave it to dry near my bunk overnight, and then wrap it up in the am before I head out.

I'll let y'all know how it goes when I get back, if you want.

Eve,

Thanks for the information. I just ordered online the HiBar Volumize set.

I will be leaving for Spain in a few weeks and start in Leon on March 15th.
--
Elisa

Peace,
SSTW

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Olive oil. Wash your hair in any shampoo available (don't use soap, it actively damages hair). While it's still damp rub a few drops of olive oil through your hair. That's my hair in my photo and it comes down past where my waist would be if I had one of those, and that keeps it in good condition.

I just tried a few drops of olive oil on my damp hair at home and loved it! I have shoulder length white/gray natural hair, not nearly as long as yours. Due to heredity from my mom I get annoying curly (think frizzy) spots in front of my ears and in back along my hairline. The few drops of olive oil helped calm these spots! Amazing...thanks for the tip! Your hair looks beautiful btw...can't tell if it's white or blond. I was in Glastonbury in 2019 and loved the charming, quirky town and hiking up the Tor on a perfect sunny summer day!

 

[Moorwalker]

I just tried a few drops of olive oil on my damp hair at home and loved it! I have shoulder length white/gray natural hair, not nearly as long as yours. Due to heredity from my mom I get annoying curly (think frizzy) spots in front of my ears and in back along my hairline. The few drops of olive oil helped calm these spots! Amazing...thanks for the tip! Your hair looks beautiful btw...can't tell if it's white or blond. I was in Glastonbury in 2019 and loved the charming, quirky town and hiking up the Tor on a perfect sunny summer day!

My hair is white, it started going when I was about 14 and was pretty much white by the time i was 30, same as my Dad. I've always liked it. It's long mostly because i can't be bothered fussing with it, it now comes down to my hips!

 

[gianine]

Hi there. The Lush bar I took in 17 was a disaster. It ruined my hair and took months to recover. I've been testing out alternative bars as I'm heading back this Spring. I have had good luck with this brand, so far.

HiBAR Plastic Free Shampoo, Conditioner, Face Wash, Deodorant

At HiBAR, We’re on a mission to help rid the world of plastic pollution. All of the items we sell on our site use plastic free packaging and shipping.

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I have wavy hairy that dries out easily. I use some of the curly girl methods to maintain it at home. Hibar's moisturizing shampoo and conditioner actually seems to work. I have no problems getting a denman brush through it with the conditioning bar in my hair. Each bar weighs 2.9 oz. I'm taking one of each and planning to use the shampoo bar as my body soap too. I'm bringing two single use packets of salon style shampoo. If I use sulfate free shampoo for too long my hair gets weird, and I can get 2 uses out of one single use packet. So that's once a week with a sulfate shampoo, which oughta cover it for me. I am bringing a one ounce bottle of curl cream for the days when want it to look nice and I'm not just throwing it up in a bun which is my main hair style while hiking. And a wide toothed comb because it weighs less than a denman brush or a wet brush.

The bars are oddly shaped, so they won't fit in a lush style tin. I've got each one wrapped in a piece of microfiber towel I cut up (the kind that hikers use). I read on Hibar's site that this is their recommended way to travel with it. I'll shake off the excess water and leave it to dry near my bunk overnight, and then wrap it up in the am before I head out.

I'll let y'all know how it goes when I get back, if you want.

How did this go?

 

[SanJo]

I would say try to find a bar of soap that has coconut oil in it (a natural but not "homemade" soap... and just a word about that: whenever you are buying homemade soap from a farmers market or a proper store, discreetly press your thumb into it. If it leaves a print, it still needs to cure for a few weeks depending on the moisture in your home...otherwise the bar won't last very long and they are expensive)...almost any natural soap can be used as a shampoo as well but try to find one with some natural oils in it (I know, I know, soap IS made from oil but you know what I mean.) Also use an afro comb that is a detangler - I bought mine at the dollar store and it is THE BEST! and yes, finger comb before using any comb is always a good idea. I also ensure I do a finger comb and detangler comb before I get into the shower. Having your hair thinned also helps if you have a lot of hair. Buen camino.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Not a woman -- though my hair is usually long, and when so tangles easily.

I've had far fewer problems since using savon de Marseilles to wash it, preferably the lavender variety, and whilst it tangles consistently (except when cut short), I only rarely have any real difficulty untangling it by comb.

The only shampoo I've ever used which did the same was the Klorane hop variety (almond was close) -- but they changed it into a more diluted version about 15+ years ago, across the whole line, so that's a bust now, sorry.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Is there any shampoo/conditioner on the market that does work for you? If so, then how about just decanting some into 1 or 2 small containers and taking that? Have you tried Lush or Dr. Bronner's soap? You can always take a small container of conditioner to rinse out in the shower.
I have been testing Bronner's Lavender and Hemp and it works for my hair w/out conditioner. But I will probably still take a small travel size bottle just in case.

I love, love this! https://ethique.com/search?q= Mini

 

[gianine]

I love, love this! https://ethique.com/search?q= Mini

I tried the ethique brand for curly hair. My hair felt brittle. Love the light fragrance, though.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

How did this go?

Lol that moment when a convo comes up that I started in 2017 with a new comment.

I am taking the Hibar with me next month but I didn’t use it in 2020, due to the pandemic so I can’t speak on long term use yet.

 

[gianine]

Lol that moment when a convo comes up that I started in 2017 with a new comment.

I am taking the Hibar with me next month but I didn’t use it in 2020, due to the pandemic so I can’t speak on long term use yet.

I was looking at the hibar, as well. I purchased the ethique brand and am returning it.

 

[domigee]

I've no idea where to put this question, so I settled on equipment. Please move as necessary.

I tested a shampoo/conditioner on my hair. Sea to Summit. It was a disaster. I could not draw a comb through my hair at all. Then I tried some leave in conditioner on it. And somehow I ended up with hair that was both dry and greasy at the same time.

I know lots of people take one bar of something for everything and manage just nicely. You all must have hair that doesn't tangle and isn't dry to begin with. I need to reduce pack weight more and my toiletries bag is getting scrutiny now. Is there something that works for hair that tangles easily? If it works on my hair I'm fine using it on my body. But I need to be able to run a comb through it!

Also, do I really need a bottle of sunscreen for my skin in the last two weeks of March given that the weather is likely to be more snowy and rainy than sunny? I already have sunscreen in my face moisturizer (which I am determined to bring...I tranferred it to a smaller/lighter container).

And do you bring a small bottle of hand cream? I have dry skin too. Yes, I realize I could pick this up at any pharmacy along the way, but then it'll still be in my pack increasing my weight, so I might as well pick one up that is super low weight to begin with if it is a necessary item.

There have got to be some girlie girls with some secrets on products here. I'm not bringing any make up or even a razor. I just want to feel clean and comb my hair.

Help?

Wouldn’t a small bar of conditioner work? I also take a very wide-toothed comb, not a hairbrush, to help with the tangles…
As for hand cream… I take a tiny bottle of moisturiser, works for hands too. I don’t bother in Summer as I use sun lotion but found it very good in Winter weather.
I wouldn’t bother with sun lotion in March/April as long as you have a hat, you can always buy some on the way if it is very sunny…It’s cheaper in Spain anyway