Hair Lengths and Fire Safety

Hey All,
OK I have a question for everyone. When it come to fire twirling does anyone put anything special in their hair or wear something?
I'm have fairly long hair and I was wondering what everyone does to make sure that their head doesn't go *whoosh* like lighter fluid in a hibachi grill.
Now I imagine that you can either slick it back with regular water or something like that, but I figured that many people here have tried that and found something better.

I know that a few women and men on these boards have contemplated this dilemma more than once. I could only imagine if you had really long hair or dreads what your prep work must be like.

Tell me what you do to protect your head and eyebrows and what not.

There's been discussion about this before, so a search may uncover more answers. I wear a hat, and most people with long hair seem to. Water evaporates very quickly when in contact with a lit wick, so I wouldn't trust it. Gotta protect those golden locks!

I have a little hat,
I wear it on my head.
I try to wear it all the time,
except when I'm in bed.

trying to protect your hair is a lost cause. shave it all off now.

In the uk you can get a hat thing called a 'Buff' from outward-bound type shops. Its a tube of cotton that you twist in various ways to make different hats and costs about a £5.

Get one and use it like a beenie! Totally skin tight and made of cotton so it shouldnt burn too badly!

Gruff

i Use water and slick my hair back without problems, usually in braids, twists, and low buns. The hair products Pomade and hair mud also work well, but require much washing after the fact. Bandana, wraps, hats all work as well. There are many options, you just have to figure which is right for you.
Oh, if you are choosing water, a good thing to note is to keep a spray bottle of water with you. Before you light up, spray your hair down. It'll last through a spin.

Kewl,
Thanks for all the advice. I'll probably try most of them and let you know wich ones work best for me.

This goes under the category of "duh" but it bears repeating:

DO NOT USE HAIRSPRAY OR ANY OTHER HAIR PRODUCT BEFORE SPINNING FIRE.

In fact, make sure that you have washed your hair before spinning to get any such products out.

Personally, I just keep my hair buzzed.

I've seen lots of discussion on this, but I haven't seen anyone mention this stuff, so I will. The product is called Action Fire Jel; I've used it, as have other members of the troupe I was with at the time, and I will recommend it highly. While it will not completely prevent burns, it will protect you from glancing burns, flash ignition of skin, and does a marvelous job of protecting the hair. Smells a bit like lavender oil, but actually does a fine job of conditioning the hair in hot weather, in addition to it's intended benefit.



Action Fire Jel - Skin and Hair-Safe

I usually wear a hooded jumper (hoodie) when i spin. i just put my hood up and tuck my hair in. as it's all made of cotton it doesnt burn easily. and it's simple.

just to let you all know, DREADS ARE FIRE RESISTANT!! DREAD OR DIE!! just some crunchies on the outside, but the middle stays creamy, even in milk. ALL FIRE DANCERS MUST GO DREAD NOW!!! OR SUFFER THE WRATH OF THE FIRE GODESS!!! WOOOOHAAAA!!!

arashi, you might have magic dreads, but mine are most definately not fire restistant. And I just wanted to say thanks to Pele for the suggestion of a spray bottle of water for your hair - tried it during the week, and it was fantastic - thanks mate

well, of course i mean when they are sprayed with water. plus i'm just bein goofy doofy