You know that moment when you’re three days into a festival, your favorite band is playing, and the energy is electric?
You’re jumping around, feeling the music, and then you catch a whiff of something funky. Nope, it’s not the crowd. It’s your hair, and it’s seen better days!
Festivals can be brutal on your locks, but with a bit of preparation and some smart on-site care, you can keep your hair looking and smelling fabulous all weekend long.
We asked the experts for some advice on the best ways to protect and maintain your festival hair color and this is what they said…
Table of Contents
Pre-Festival Prep: Hydration and Conditioning Treatments to Strengthen Hair
Before the festival fun, give your hair some TLC to prepare it for the upcoming adventure.
- Hydration: Start with a deep hydration treatment a few days before the festival. Look for masks rich in oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba to lock in moisture. According to celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, “Hydration is key to keeping hair healthy and resilient against damage” .
- Conditioning: Use a leave-in conditioner to strengthen your hair and protect it from potential damage. This will create a barrier that keeps your hair healthy and vibrant. Hair expert Philip B. suggests, “A good leave-in conditioner can act as a shield against harsh environmental factors” .
Expert Insights
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! A well-moisturized hair shaft is less likely to break and more likely to hold onto color. Try an overnight hair mask for an extra boost.”
Enza’s Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
On-Site Care: Tips for Maintaining Color and Preventing Damage
Once you’re at the festival, it’s all about maintaining that gorgeous color and keeping damage at bay.
- Sun Protection: Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from UV rays. Use a spray that contains UV filters to keep your color from fading in the sun. Dr. Howard Sobel, a dermatologist, recommends using “hair products with UV protection to prevent color fading and damage” .
- Cover Up: When the sun is at its peak, throw on a hat or a cute scarf. Not only will this protect your hair, but it’ll also add a stylish touch to your festival outfit. Stylist Kristin Ess says, “A hat or scarf can be a chic way to shield your hair from the sun” .
- Hydration Mist: Keep a small bottle of leave-in conditioning spray or hydration mist in your bag. A quick spritz will help keep your hair hydrated and fresh. Hair professional Mark Townsend advises, “Using a hydrating mist can refresh and moisturize your hair throughout the day” .
Enza’s Tip: “A UV protection spray is a festival must-have. It shields your hair from the sun and keeps your color looking vibrant.”
Portable Hair Products to Bring
Packing smart can save your hair from festival woes. Here are the essentials to keep your hair in top shape:
- Dry Shampoo: Perfect for those days when washing your hair isn’t an option. It’ll absorb oil and add volume. Celebrity stylist Kristin Ess recommends, “Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver for keeping your hair fresh between washes” .
- Mini Hairbrush: A travel-sized brush will help you detangle and style on the go. Stylist Sarah Potempa suggests, “A compact brush is great for quick touch-ups and maintaining smooth hair” .
- Travel-Sized Conditioner: In case you need a quick conditioning rinse. Hair expert Ouidad recommends, “A small conditioner can help maintain moisture and manageability” .
- Hair Ties and Clips: Keep your hair out of your face and secure styles with ease. Stylist Justine Marjan says, “Hair ties and clips are essential for creating festival-friendly hairstyles” .
Enza’s Tip: “Don’t forget a travel-sized conditioner and a wide-tooth comb. They’re lifesavers for keeping hair manageable and tangle-free.”
Post-Festival Care: Deep Conditioning and Color Maintenance
After the last set and final encore, it’s time to show your hair some love and help it recover.
- Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning mask to replenish moisture and repair any damage. Look for masks with keratin or protein to strengthen your strands. Hair expert Ken Paves recommends, “Deep conditioning treatments are crucial for restoring hair health after exposure to the elements” .
- Color Maintenance: If your color looks a bit faded, refresh it with a color-depositing conditioner or gloss. This will revive your shade and add shine. Stylist Rita Hazan advises, “Color-depositing conditioners can keep your hair looking vibrant and fresh” .
- Scalp Care: Festivals can leave your scalp feeling dry and itchy. Use a soothing scalp treatment to restore balance and comfort. Dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco suggests, “A soothing scalp treatment can help alleviate dryness and irritation” .
Enza’s Tip: “Post-festival, indulge in a deep conditioning mask. It’s the best way to restore moisture and repair any damage from the sun and elements.”
With these tips from the pros, your hair will not only survive but thrive during the festival season.
Prepping beforehand, caring on-site, and pampering afterward will keep your locks looking vibrant and healthy from start to finish.
So go ahead, dance your heart out, and let your hair shine as bright as your festival spirit!
Got a festival hair top tip? We’d love to hear it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
