While climbing Kilimanjaro, we recommend using dry shampoo to keep your hair and scalp clean. This may also be done with baby powder. During your ascent, however, we do not advocate washing your hair with soap and water while on Mount Kilimanjaro. This is due to the fact that it becomes considerably colder as you progress to higher heights. Because rain, wind, and cold weather are prevalent, shampooing your hair using the usual method might make you sick.
You probably won’t wash your hair properly during a standard Kilimanjaro climb. Most treks (5–9 days) have no showers or running water at camps—only a small basin or bowl of warm water (often provided morning and evening by porters) for basic face/hand washing or a “cat bath”/sponge bath. Water is limited (especially higher up), cold evenings make full washing risky (you could get chilled), and drying long/wet hair at altitude is tough. Many climbers go the full trip without traditional hair washing and survive fine—everyone’s in the same boat, and you’ll wear a hat/beanie most of the time.
Practical Options for Hair Care
Here’s what most trekkers do:
- Dry shampoo — The top recommendation. Spray or powder versions (like Batiste travel size or similar) refresh greasy roots, add volume, and reduce odor without water. Apply at camp, massage in, brush out. Great for longer hair.
- Use the provided warm water — On lower camps or milder days, some people quickly wash hair (or just scalp) with a bit of biodegradable soap in the bowl. Have a friend pour it, use minimal water, and dry it in the sun while hiking or in your tent. Skip conditioner—it’s hard to rinse. Short hair is much easier.
- No-rinse or waterless shampoo — Products you lather on dry hair, then towel off. Useful alternative to dry shampoo.
- Baby wipes or biodegradable body wipes — For scalp/roots if needed, though mainly for body. Combine with dry shampoo.
- Tie it back or braid it — Keep hair protected under a hat/buff. This minimizes tangles, dust, and sweat buildup.
Packing Tips
- Biodegradable soap/shampoo (small amount, like Dr. Bronner’s) — Only if you plan a water wash. Pack out all waste.
- Quick-dry microfiber towel or bandana.
- Hat, buff, or bandana — Essential for sun, dust, and hiding hair.
- Avoid full shampoo/conditioner bottles — Not practical.
