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Caring for Curly Hair and Locs Through a Festival Weekend

Shampoo bottles promise a lot, but curly, coily and loc'd hair mostly needs the same few things wherever you are: moisture, gentle handling and protection from sun, dust and friction. A summer weekend of open-air reggae and dancehall puts all of that to the test. Long days outdoors, dusty fields, sweat on the dancefloor and nights in a tent can leave curls dry and tangled by Sunday. A little planning keeps them in good shape.

Before you travel

Wash and condition a day or two before you leave rather than the morning you go. Many people with curly hair find that sulphate-free cleansers and rich conditioners help hair hold moisture longer. If you wear locs, braids or twists, a fresh retwist or neat protective style will survive camping far better than loose hair. Decant your leave-in conditioner and a light oil into small travel bottles so they fit your bag.

On site

  • Cover up in the sun. A wide-brimmed hat or a loosely tied headwrap shields hair from UV and dust, and it fits the festival look.
  • Refresh, don't rewash. Festival showers are often busy, so a spray bottle of water mixed with a little leave-in can revive curls without a full wash.
  • Detangle gently. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends upwards, and never on dry, dusty knots.
  • Drink plenty of water. It won't fix hair overnight, but staying hydrated helps you feel better through long sets.

At night

Tent life is hard on curls. A satin or silk bonnet, scarf or pillowcase reduces friction and frizz while you sleep. Loosely pineapple longer curls on top of your head, and keep locs tied back. Our camping guide covers what else to pack for a comfortable pitch.

After the weekend

Once you're home, give hair a thorough but gentle cleanse to remove dust and product build-up, followed by a deep conditioning treatment. Check locs and braids for trapped debris. If your scalp stays irritated or you notice unusual breakage, a hairdresser who works with textured hair, or a dermatologist, can give proper advice.

Planning your trip? See the travel page for getting to Fulda and the lineup for the sounds worth keeping your curls ready for.