Australian Travel & Tourism Network Travellers Autobarn - Australia. Discount Camper rentals
Accommodation
Australian Car and Camper Rentals Airlines Flights and Airfares Australia Tours, Adventures,  Activities and Recreation Australia Discover Australian favorite Holiday Destination Australia Travel and Tourist Information Travel Insurance Australia Network Travel Services

Camping Hair, Don't Care? How to Keep Your Hair Fresh Without Showers

Nothing quite beats waking up to birdsong, with the morning sun filtering through your tent. Yet for many outdoor lovers, that moment is quickly followed by the grim realisation that your hair feels like you've dipped it in chip fat.

For regular folks, camping often means surrendering to increasingly dubious hair situations as the days roll on. Thank goodness for decent hair & skin Care products that actually work in the wilderness. The outdoor industry has finally cottoned on to the fact that many campers aren't keen on looking like they've been dragged through a hedge backwards.

With a bit of know-how and the right kit, you can keep your locks looking passable even after that four-day hike when the nearest shower is miles away.

Preparation Is Key: Pre-Camp Hair Strategies

Give your hair a thorough wash the morning you head off, and you'll buy yourself an extra day before things start going south. Chuck a bit of leave-in conditioner on the ends (not the roots, mind: that'll just speed up the grease factory), and you're setting yourself up for less hassle later.

Smart campers know that certain hairstyles weather the outdoors better than others. Plaits, buns, and ponytails aren't just practical: they are your best mates when it comes to disguising increasingly questionable hair situations.

Essential Products for Camp Hair Care

Before you stuff your rucksack with half the bathroom cabinet, have a proper think about where you are going and how long for.

These bits and bobs can make all the difference:

  • Dry shampoo: Works absolute wonders when your roots are starting to look properly greasy. Just a quick spritz, massage it in, and brush it through. Suddenly, your hair looks almost respectable again, and nobody needs to know you haven't washed it since Tuesday.
  • Biodegradable wet wipes: Brilliant for giving your hairline and behind your ears a quick once-over. The eco-friendly ones break down naturally, so you won't be leaving nasty chemicals behind in those lovely streams you're admiring.

When you're miles from nowhere with just the kit on your back, these simple solutions can lift your spirits to something amazing.

Water-Conserving Washing Techniques

Even with just a water bottle to spare, you can still manage a decent hair refresh if you're clever about it. The trick isn't trying to recreate your normal shower routine. It's about making the most of what you've got.

Try these canny approaches:

  • Sectional cleansing: Focus just on sorting the bits everyone actually sees—fringe, temples, that sort of thing. Splash a tiny bit of water, add a drop of biodegradable soap, and you'd be amazed at how much better you'll look with minimal fuss.
  • The bandana method: Dampen a cotton bandana with a splash of water, rub the tiniest amount of soap into it, then give your roots a gentle scrub.

Most experienced campers reckon these little tricks keep you feeling human without wasting precious water or faffing about too much when you could be enjoying that stunning view instead.

Final Thoughts

Plenty of seasoned campers have made their peace with looking a bit rough around the edges while they are out in the wild. There is something quite liberating about not worrying about what your hair looks like when you're perched on a hillside with a brew, watching the sunset.

Sometimes the best part of camping is coming back to your own bathroom and appreciating just how brilliant hot running water really is.

This website developed and maintained by Australian Travel & Tourism Network Pty Limited for Australian Travel Service providers © last updated 03-Apr-2025