When you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, it’s sometimes hard to keep from getting dirty. While it’s certainly part of the experience, it’s important to make hygiene a priority while you’re on the trail. If you’re not practicing proper hygiene, it can not only be uncomfortable, but you can also be at risk for catching something on your hair, skin, or where the “sun don’t shine.” While it may seem like a trivial detail when it comes to all the skills that go into hiking or camping, it’s actually not.

In addition to keeping your body clean, it’s also important to tame your mane while in the Great Outdoors. Whether your hair is down to the floor or if you’re almost bald, there are some tricks to keep everything on top of your head under control.

If You Have Long Hair:

Having long hair is fun, there’s no doubt about that. But, once you’re outdoors, it can really become a hassle. It’s okay to let your hair down once in a while, but if you’re out hiking, it’s best to tie it up. You can opt for a hairtie, a clip, or a bandana to tie it back.

This helps prevent: Tying your hair up for one helps prevent it getting caught in the trees, which can be rather painful. It also helps prevent getting ticks or other bugs caught in your hair. There have been cases where people have found themselves in scary situations because they didn’t pin up their hair. Like, getting bit by deer tick they couldn’t see. When you’re outdoors, there’s really no limit as to what can get tangled in your hair. Don’t let it. (This goes for the lumberjacks out there who have long hair, too!)

If You Have Short Hair:

Congrats! Now you can hike outside without any worries at all!

Just kidding.

Short hair can “put you at risk” just as much as long hair when it comes to all those creepy crawlies and “outdoor inhabitants.” So, pinning it back, putting a headband in it, or wearing a cap can help a lot.

This helps prevent: Well, there’s no question if you have shorter hair, thinner hair, or no hair, that you’re more susceptible to sunburn. When you’re out on the trail all day and you’re not protecting your head, you’re really putting yourself at risk for potential problems later on. Of course, pinning it back or using a headband will help keep your pores on your forehead clear, too. (This goes for long hair as well.)

Other Things to Look Out For:

Hair, while not the most important thing in life, is for many of us, part of our identity. So, when the elements of the outdoors can do significant damage to your hair, it’s important to take care of it.

Though you won’t be able to get a proper hair washing in, there are other ways to take care of your hair. Shampoo and conditioner when you can, and if you can’t, use dry shampoo. You can also put baby powder in your hair to help take up some of that oily texture.

Also, remember that in some ways, protecting your hair is the same as protecting your head. We’re talking about when there are extreme temperatures. If you don’t tame your mane while in the Great Outdoors, unfortunate things could happen. Your hair can freeze up leading to hypothermia, or cause you to overheat when it’s too hot.

Before you head outdoors, make sure you know how to tame your mane! Your body will thank you for it later!