Festival goers share essential tips for staying fresh

Festival goers’ top hacks include packing dry shampoo, using chewing gum to freshen up breath and taking twice as many socks as needed.

A study, of 1,000 adults who have stayed overnight at a music event, found the top tip is to take toilet roll.

Other pieces of advice include plaiting hair, practising walking in the shoes they’re taking prior to the festival and using a bin bag as a poncho.

For 34%, a portable charger is essential for the long weekend, while 34% also swear by packing a hairbrush and 17% even take earplugs. While 46% won’t be seen without wet wipes for a ‘just in case’ situation.

The research was commissioned by VO5 as part of its Festival Edits series – which includes curated guides to inspire festival goers to embrace hair trends and discover their unique festival style.

Rachel Hawes, from the hair styling brand, said: “It’s easy not to feel your best at a festival. But people are getting increasingly creative with their routines to stay looking and feeling fresh throughout the camping weekend.

“While campsites offer options to stick to your usual shower and hair wash routines, it’s also fun to embrace festival life and play with hairstyle trends and outfits among friends, from glitter partings to space buns.”

The study also found 25% feel the need to freshen up as early as day one of a festival, while 51% are craving a wash by day two.

As a result, 46% have had a shower while at a music festival, queuing for an average of 22 minutes for the pleasure – 41% have even washed their hair. Although, 21% of them simply used a bottle of water, and 10% did so at a water refill station.

The study revealed that 14% of people reckon trying to style their hair is one of the worst parts of attending festivals.

It also found 16% even paid for the privilege of having their hair professionally styled at a pop-up tent or stand, paying an average of £23.70 – with 13% opting for friends to style their locks.

Ponytails (45%), French plaits (20%) and half up half down (17%) were among the most popular hairstyles. Bubble braids, space buns and glitter partings were other hair trends attempted to stay looking fresh.

While 28% plan their outfits ahead of a weekend event, 36% wash their hair as close as possible to leaving and 22% have even had a trim in preparation.

Rachel Hawes, from VO5, added: “The list of festival hacks proves there are many things music fans can pack to stay feeling fresh including essential toiletries and more unsuspected items such as buckets and bin bags.

“With more and more festival goers looking to test out fun hair trends this season, we’re on hand to ensure everyone can keep their hair Instagram ready all weekend long.”