Kamper Kuts

What To Do With Short Hair While Camping
Written by Peter in Camping

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It can be a drag to feel like you’re stuck with just one hairstyle while camping. Why not learn about a few more options?

While many might think there’s not a lot you can do with short hair while you’re camping, that’s simply not true. There are a number of ways you can keep your hair in great shape, like using dry shampoo, bandanas, and hats to avoid the elements. Additionally, messy buns, chignons, and half-up hairstyles can be ideal for looking great while you’re in nature!

As you continue on, you’ll learn how to keep your hair safe from harsh elements while styling it in ways that keep you looking great for the entire trip.

Caring For Short Hair While Camping
Some may worry about the toll that camping can take on their hair while camping. Sometimes that might be the general health of your hair or trying to keep bugs like lice away, it’s worth knowing how to protect yourself. To learn more about whether lice and other bugs can become a problem for your hair while you’re camping, take a look at our article here!

Depending on how long you’re camping, it may not take long for your hair to become greasy. Here are a few tips on keeping your hair as clean as possible, especially if there’s no shower at your campground.

Use A Dry Shampoo
Over the course of my life, my family and I have been car camping in a number of different locations. The majority of the time, these campgrounds tend to offer utilities like bathrooms and showers, though some showers may cost you money to use.

However, depending on where you go, this may not be a guarantee. You may get to the campground to find shower facilities are lacking or that you really just don’t like the setup.

If you absolutely need your daily shower and the location you’re in doesn’t offer one, it can be useful to know how to create your own shower or find alternatives that will keep you clean regardless. To learn more about showering options while camping, take a look at our article on the subject here.

Not to worry! There are other solutions that can keep your hair looking great for the short term.

Using a simple dry shampoo, you can keep your hair from getting greasy while you’re enjoying nature. All you need to do is rub a small amount of the product into your hair, starting at the scalp. Make sure to pay the most attention to this area, as it’s where the oil starts.

Watch Your Products
There are plenty of times to enjoy your hair products, such as when you’re headed for a wild night out, prepping for a date or just getting ready for work in the morning.

However, camping is not one of these times.

Unless you know you’re going to be able to shampoo and condition the product out of your hair regularly, then it’s best to keep your products to a minimum. Otherwise, they can leave your hair crunchy and difficult after your first day at the campground.

Add Some Love To Prep And Recover
The elements out in nature can be tough on your hair, whether it’s the wind, water or sun. Having camped in a variety of places throughout the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you that cold wind can leave your hair in just as rough of a state as over-exposure to the sun.

Because of this, you’ll want to prepare your hair by giving it plenty of nourishment and moisture. Use your favorite moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner. This will help to guard your hair and keep it soft and healthy.

When you get back from the trip, it’s going to be worthwhile to go through your deep-conditioning routine again in order to return your hair to its natural state of health.

Keep The Elements At Bay
Keeping your hair away from the elements as much as possible can be another layer of protection. There are several ways you can keep your hair from experiencing too much trauma, which you can incorporate into cute hairstyles. That way, you can do your hair in a way that is both stylish and functional.

One option you can choose is just to use a hairstyle that keeps your hair as guarded as possible. Depending on your hair, that might include something like a braid, bun or even a small ponytail.

On top of that, you can also make use of added tools to keep your hair safe. Things like hats and bandanas are a great choice. You can also use these additions in a variety of styles, creating a unique look every day without too much-added effort.

Aside from your hair, there are many ways the elements can make camping uncomfortable. Check out our article on making car camping more comfortable to find ways to stay comfortable even if the weather is rough.

Short Hairstyles To Use While Camping
Short hair doesn’t have to be boring while you’re camping. Try out some of these hairstyles to maintain your style even when your hair might be a tad on the greasy side!

A Classic Messy Bun
A messy bun is an absolute classic for those who want their hair out of the way. It looks cute, it’s easy to do and it lends itself well to hair that may be less than perfectly clean.

All you need to accomplish this hairstyle is a hair-band and some bobby pins. Begin by pulling your hair up into a ponytail that is tight, high and centered on the back of your head.

At this point, you’ll need to grab the end of your ponytail and wrap it around the area containing the headband. Continue wrapping until all of your hair is in the bun, and then use your bobby pins to keep it all in place.

At that point, you can lightly pull outward on the bun to create that messy look. This is the point where those with short hair can make their bun look more volumized.

Try Adding A Bandana
A bandana can be the perfect addition to any kind of hairstyle, or it can create a hairstyle all on its own. Bandanas can be a versatile way to create ponytails, buns, braids and a whole lot more. You can even add a bandana to a chignon to make for an even cuter look.

Just grab your favorite bandana and try out a few ways to use it to add to your look. Try braiding it into your hair or wrapping it around a bun or a pair of double-buns. If you want more coverage, you can also just use it as a cute head covering!

A Half-Up Ponytail
While a nice, natural breeze can feel delightful, it can also end up pushing a whole lot of hair into your face. If you want to keep your hair mostly down, you can use a half-up ponytail to keep your hair out of the way while letting it flow in the wind.

In many cases, you may need a smaller hair-band to pull up the ponytail. Brush back your hair and separate it into horizontal halves instead of vertical. Make sure that both halves are completely separate, or you may end up getting bits of the wrong section into your ponytail.

You’ll then place the top half into a ponytail as normal. You can make it high and tight, let it remain a bit loose, put it in a braid or even a bun for extra style!

The Royal Chignon
A chignon is a fantastic way to keep your hair looking flawless no matter how many days you’ve spent out in the wind, sun or water. On top of that, it’s very easy to do with short hair, so you won’t need to worry about not having enough hair to make it look good.

To create this look, you’ll want to begin by brushing your hair backward. Make sure all of it is kept behind both ears for the best results. At this point, you’ll also need to create three even parts down the back of your hair.

Now, you’ll need to take each division of hair and twist it. You’ll do this just like you’re creating a bun. When it’s tight enough, use your bobby pins to keep it in place.

After creating three small buns, adjust them so that they are closer together. This will make the three small sections look like one larger piece, bringing together a formal look in an informal setting.

Double Buns, Double Fun
When you want to create a spacey look, double buns can be a great way to do it. It’s a unique look that can be paired with a cute headband or bandana, and it keeps your hair safe and out of the way.

The process of creating double buns is quite similar to creating a single messy bun. The difference here is you’ll need to separate your hair by parting it down the middle.

Once you’ve parted your hair and brushed it out, pull each side into a ponytail. These should be placed at the top of your head, each centered on its own side.

From here, you can wrap the rest of your hair around itself until it’s coiled up tightly. Secure each bun using your bobby pins and then lightly pull outwards on the edges of each one to volumize them.

Hairstyles To Make Even The Dirtiest Camping Hair Look Good

You can get pretty dirty when you go camping, but who has time to worry about it? Between hiking, biking, sightseeing, and roasting s’mores, there’s little time left for showering. And you’re just going to get dirty again anyway, aren’t you? Instead of fretting over your dirty locks, why not rock one of these hairstyles that makes even the dirtiest camping hair look good!

REVERSE FRENCH BRAID WITH A BUN
A bun is a great way to disguise dirty hair, and when you add a reverse French braid to it, it fancies it up a little! Here’s how to pull it off!

Leaning forward with your head upside-down, comb all your hair forward.
Start a French braid at the nape of your neck, working toward the top of your head.
Once you get to the top where you want the bun, secure the braid with a small elastic band, and then pull the rest of your hair into a pony tail with the braid and secure all of it together with a hair tie!
Wrap the hair around the hair tie into a bun, and secure with bobby pins!
Well that one was super easy! And the best part is, if your hair is a bit greasy, it will cooperate more for the braiding!

TWISTED BUN
This one is really easy and works well with medium to long hair. If you can put your hair in pigtails, you can pull this one off. Here’s how to do it:

Put your hair up into pig tails in the rear center of your head.
Divide each pig tail into two sections and twist them, securing the bottom with a hair tie.
With a twisted pig tail in each hand, wrap them up, crisscrossing one another, around the hair ties that hold them into the pig tail position, and secure them with bobby pins.
Another super simple hairstyle to get you out and on the trails instead of in the bathroom fussing with your hair!

FISHTAIL BRAID BUN
Back to another bun, this one also has a unique look to it. This one is great for those with fine or thin hair, as this style adds volume to an otherwise tiny bun. Here’s how to pull it off:

Put your hair into a high pony tail and secure it with a hair tie.
Fishtail braid the pony tail all the way to the bottom and loosely secure it with a small elastic band. If you’re unsure of how to do a fishtail braid, there are tons of tutorials online. They’re surprisingly easy to pull off!
Pull at the sides of the braid to widen it (this is where the extra volume comes from).
Wrap the braid around the first hair tie you used to secure the pony tail tucking in the ends and securing it with bobby pins.
Dirty hair or not, this is a super cute look. It actually works better with dirty hair, as it behaves better than freshly washed hair. So skip the wash and get to it!

TUCKED-UP BRAID
Are you seeing a theme here? Braids are perfect for hiding not-so-clean hair and they look cute. This one is awesome because it looks like you spent hours on it, but it’s really super easy! Here’s the “how to”:

Section your hair into three sections, one at the top, one in the center, and one at the nape of your neck. Secure each with a small elastic band.
French braid the sections together, starting from the top section and bringing the other two sections in as you get to them. Secure the bottom with a small elastic band.
Pull at the sides of the braid to widen it.
Pull the top section of the braid up and bobby pin it over the top elastic band to hide it.
Bring the bottom of the braid up and tuck it up into the bottom section’s elastic band and pin it. This hides both elastic bands and the ends of your hair.
Voilà! You’re all set to head out for the day. No one will know that you not only whipped this up quickly, but that you’ve gone for days without washing your hair!