Since last January, I’ve been doing something rather alternative with my hair. Since many people comment on the way my hair looks these days, I thought I would share the five things I DO with my hair.
1. I wash my hair with *conditioner only. I haven’t used shampoo on my hair for over 9 months now. I feel that the conditioner totally cleans my hair. It is left feeling soft and the lack of shampoo has really changed my curls. They are better now, and my hair is more malleable; all I have to do is twirl it a bit, and the curl will stay.
2. I wash my hair about every 3-4 days. Granted at first this transition was difficult in terms of greasy, oily looking hair. But after about 2-3 weeks, my scalp regulated itself.
3. Finally, I let it dry naturally. I rarely ever use a blow dryer, and I can’t remember the last time I used a curling iron. My curls will bounce back if I twirl them a bit. Actually, the dirtier my hair, the better the waves look.
4. On those days when I just can’t handle the greasy scalp any more I use dry conditioner. I find that some of my second days need a little dry shampoo, but then I can last even a day longer. I use the cheapest one: Suave. It’s only $2.99 in the States. I bring it back with me because that $3 can of wonder costs me about $20 over here. Hmmm, maybe I should sell some of my cans!
5. I cut my hair twice a year. A few summers ago Kate and Mary brought me to their friend in Seattle who does an amazing job cutting longer hair. She recommended that I go once in the summer and once in the winter. So far that’s been working for me.
*My good friend Maureen recommended I try washing my hair with only conditioner as a way of letting my curls look their best. She also only uses conditioner on her hair, and it always looks fabulous, so I gave it a try. It feels so good to embrace my curls rather than fight them.
So, that’s what I do. What about you? Do you do anything with your hair that seems different? If you have wavy or curly hair, would you consider switching to just conditioner?
Learning something every post Ann!….dry shampoo and conditioner….who knew? Love it!
Jane, do you have some natural wave hidden in that full bob you wear? You have fabulous hair! Love, Annie
I too go a couple days without washing my hair. I found it did take some time to adjust, but now some of my better hair days are days I don’t wash. I have never thought about only using conditioner….somehow I think it may not work as well on my straight hair, but maybe I just need to be enlightened. I love the tips on how to care for curly hair; it has been a learning experience for me as my daughter’s curly hair gets longer!
Hi Kari,
I’m not sure if it would work to use conditioner on straight hair, but on the days when you need a little boost, dry shampoo will help you out. It adds a bit of texture and oomph making the hair a little bit more voluminous. You’ll definitely have to try just conditioner on your daughter–will make it way easier to comb out after a wash. Thanks for writing Kari! A x
you and i have a similar hair regime. i shampoo my hair perhaps once a week and condition twice a day (whenever i shower). i never brush my hair (not even with my fingers). and like you, i just twirl my curls. it took me practically 30 years to figure out how to manage my hair, but this is working….
xo
n
Norbyah! Really?! No brushing? Your hair always looks so soft and actually brushed! I wonder if I could get away with that….Mine gets pretty tangly. That’s cool that we follow (close to) the same regime. A x
What kind of conditioner do you use? Is it a cleansing conditioner like Deva curl or Wen? I have tried them all and even tried the baking soda with vinegar rinse. I have many friends that do something similar, but I have a hard time getting through the first 2 weeks. Any suggestions?
DRY SHAMPOO! Really, make it your best friend, and after three weeks, you’ll make it. I tried the “no-poo” method too where I used baking soda and vinegar. It left such a residue on my hair. I use this really great smelling conditioner that’s made in Korea–I wasn’t able to find it online. I’ll keep trying though. It’s an olive oil one that smells like I’m at the spa! I love it!! I’ll see if I can find it, and I’ll for sure send you a pic of it. Love, Ann
I forgot to mention that your hair looks gorgeous!
Thank you! A x
Love the fact that you have such a long hair! I had to cut mine short (I lost half of my hair due to illnesses) and now trying to grow it, and I have the bad habit of washing every day… and often, blow-drying since Finland is so cold D: ! I used to color my hair a lot too, but luckily I found straight-dyes that don’t damage so I can have my pinks and lilacs ;D!
I love the pinks and lavenders! That would never show up on my dark hair. I’m due for a cut soon, but I’m trying to get really, really long hair. It’s hard as I love the pixie look–one day. Maybe when I start to go grey. I hope you are healthy now. Love, Ann