Music festivals are great to let loose, enjoy some music and summertime fun. However they’re also several days of less than optimal sleep and personal hygiene, all while trying to look your best, or at least somewhat presentable. It’s a struggle.
I decided to ask music festival insiders for their festival grooming packing lists and tips. The amazing team at KAABOO Del Mar was kind enough to help me out. First a caveat, KAABOO is not your typical music festival. If you’re hitting middle-age (like me) and yearn for a little more comfort, cleanliness and good food, this is for you.
It’s a curated mix of music, art, comedy and cuisine that runs September 14-16 on the beautiful beach of Del Mar, California. Plus the music is top-notch — headliners for 2018 include Halsey, Imagine Dragons, N.E.R.D., Katy Perry and Wiz Khalifa.
That said, despite all the emphasis comfort and cleanliness, it’s still 3 days in the sun with lots of partying, not so much sleep so I asked their team how they cope.
Chris Racan
VP Business Development
Festival Packing List:
Sun Bum: the only sun care and hair care product anyone should ever use! Their Leave in Conditioner is unreal and everything is vegan!
Lastly, can’t leave home without the Kiehl’s morning after eye cream, for when you want your eyes to not look you been raging for a few days on end.
Pro-Tips: Additional Items
Always pack surf wax just in case there is a wave nearby.
Throw in my alitmeter as well, never know when a drop zone is close enough for some skydiving.
Rolando Kahn
Marketing Coordinator
2 Key Grooming Items for Music Festivals:
I think one of the most important things one can have on-hand is deodorant and/or some sort of scent spray. We’ve all experienced that insecure feeling when you are a little too aware of your own body odor after a night (or day) of partying, and it can be so easily remedied if you are prepared with something to combat a potentially embarrassing smell! If it comes down to an internal game of “would you rather”, I’d rather have a strong spray scent than a strong BO scent.
Pomade is important for maintaining your hair, even after bouncing and spinning for hours on end at a festival. If you are feeling a little “messy” on the inside, you can still keep it classy on the outside.
Jimmy
Social Media Strategist
Festival Grooming Packing List:
Mini Sunscreen! (any brand, small, high SPF for fewer applications)
For hair product I prefer American Crew Fiber.
Pro Tip: Snag an old makeup or under-eye cream screwtop container from someone. Washed out, it will hold just enough hair paste/pomade for several days.
Travel-sized body spray/antiperspirant (mini) Axe makes great, tiny containers.
Pro Tip: This depends on the person, but use a good antiperspirant deodorant ahead of time, this will do for a refresh. For an overnight/camp festival, definitely bring a travel sized stick of antiperspirant.
For an overnight festival, I’d bring a small disposable razor to line up any stubble.
A mini mouthwash fits in the pocket too, and can be thrown away after you hit the roasted garlic stand!
Garrett Stollar
Social Media Intern
Festival Grooming Favorite:
It has solid hold with natural look and feel. It makes my hair hold well but not to the point of making my hair feel crusty. It’s a very natural feeling.
Learn more about upcoming KAABOO events and book your tickets here. Or read about what clothing to pack for the festival here.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.