Social experiment: A week without ... washing my hair
Before you pooh-pooh my "week without", let me say this is no ordinary "no-poo" experiment.
There are people in this world who go for weeks without washing their hair, and just don't care. I am not one of them.
I have long hair, prone to tangling. But through determination and dry shampoo, I managed to survive a week without washing it.
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DAY 1: SUNDAY
I put my best foot forward, and started with a professional blow wave.
The hairdresser washed and dried my hair, and, after I told her about the challenge, applied a little hairspray to help shield it from the elements.
She told me I should get at least three "good" hair days out of a blow wave.
I couldn't bear to get it sweaty on the first day, so held off from exercising. However after a walk along the waterfront, it was looking fairly bedraggled.
DAY 2: MONDAY
I slept with my hair in a bun, which is apparently what you're supposed to do to achieve the look of "unwashed curls".
I didn't wet my hair while showering, and didn't use any products on it while getting ready. Au naturel, and all OK, so far.
DAY 3: TUESDAY
I had circuit training this morning, but managed to keep my hair off my sweaty face: one advantage to having long locks.
At this stage I've refrained from using dry shampoo or even straighteners. I got a friend to smell it, and apparently I'm good in that department, too.
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY
Apparently there are oil-free shampoos and conditioners which are specifically designed to keep hair cleaner longer, for those who don't wash regularly. I wish I'd known this.
Following a run, my hair is definitely starting to get that "dirty" look. Yikes.
DAY 5: THURSDAY
After a morning barre class, all I wanted to do was go home and put my head in the sink. But no – it was on the with shower cap. I then made the most of the natural oils by scraping my hair back into a ponytail.
Would it be appropriate to wear a beanie to work?
DAY 6: FRIDAY
Owing to a 5am shift, I didn't bother straightening or even brushing my hair before pulling it back.
A good excuse to keep my head down – literally – and get some work done in the office.
DAY 7: SATURDAY
After another barre class, I took the look to the next and final level: the messy bun.
But hey, I made it. No one told me I looked like a mess, and I saved time, money, and (I guess) the environment.
How often do you wash your hair? Could you go a week without? Tell us in the comments.
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