Burning Man: What the hell do I do with my hair?!

I feel as if mastering my hair on playa is something I’ve only figured out recently. I’ve done the loose box braids, braids to my scalp and down my back, tinier box braids and even let my hair dry naturally and just go to the burn.

In recent years my go-to plan has been this:

BEFORE BURNING MAN:

1. Make sure I have a fresh cut of no more than three to four months old.

2. Get a Brazillian Blowout, so the hair doesn’t frizz and dries quickly.

3. Get a blowout/style the day before I leave and have my stylist use lots and lots of products to keep the curl.

AT BURNING MAN:

1. Try not to brush it too much. I did this year and let me tell you it was a static mess! Des warned me, and I chose not to listen.

2. Invest in a wet brush. These lil suckers are great and so gentle on your hair when brushing they help you not break hair as you try to detangle it.

3. Add dry shampoo accordingly and ensure you’re distributing it evenly with your fingers once applied.

4. Let the playa dust do its thing and solidify your blowout. :)

AFTER BURNING MAN:

1. Invest in some good haircare beforehand. Something with no parabens, sulfates, or mineral oil.

2. Schedule a trim once you return to reset your ends.

3. Think about a hydration mask, sleep in coconut oil, that sort of thing. See if your favorite hair care brand sells a conditioning mask and make it a self care night.

FOR BRAIDS/BOX BRAIDS, ETC:

1. Go to a reputable stylist, someone you trust. Be kind and tip well!

2. Ask beforehand if you need to pick up the hair or if they will. How many packs are needed, do they need edge wax, a brush etc. all important questions to make their job as easy as possible.

3. Expect to sit for a few hours, one year it took 9 hours to braid my entire head. BE PATIENT! :)

4. Get a scalp oil to apply during the week. Your scalp will be exposed to the sun and elements, sometimes for the first time. Make sure you’re taking care of it. I’ve used this one before and liked it. Hollywood Beauty Tea tree Oil Skin & Scalp Treatment

5. Get a silk head wrap to sleep in! This will keep your roots and the hair braided in from frizzing and looking wild by midweek. I’ve used this one before: Evolve Satin Wrap Scarf

6. When removing them grab a friend and some scissors and go slowly. Cut the fake hair and unwrap the braid as you go up. Do not pull it out be kind to your hair. FYI you will lose some hair/potentially a lot. This is normal as your head regularly sheds 1000s of hairs on the regular.

There is no way to avoid damaging the hair completely, but we can take steps to ensure we have some protection against the harsh desert air.