Many hair gurus advocate not washing your hair every day for the sake of your hair. However, in a country with a summer climate like Singapore, washing your hair less can be a challenge, especially if you have long, thick hair. Or sometimes you’re in a hurry and don’t even have time for a quick shower, let alone a shampoo.
Of course, washing your hair properly is no easy feat, and there’s definitely an art to going through the days and days between shampoos. It may take a while to get used to washing your hair without shampoo, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run. Imagine healthy shiny hair without the chemicals you expose your hair to when shampooing!
So if you want to break the cleansing-no-washing trend, try these tips for getting your hair clean without shampoo, or on those mornings when you can’t shampoo.
How to not wash your hair for a week
To go an entire week without lathering your hair, you’ll need to change some habits. Start your no-wash week with a final deep wash (twice!) with your purifying shampoo of choice.
Thank yourself later by prepping with a scalp massager, dry shampoo, and conditioner to prolong the first few days.
In a week without washing your hair, get into these habits to go a full 5 to 7 days without washing your hair:
- Switch to a mild clarifying shampoo.
- Invest in a scalp massager to remove buildup from your scalp.
- Apply conditioner to ends only (never roots).
- Avoid oils and opt for creams instead.
- Keep product at least 1 inch from roots.
- Avoid hot water (it can irritate the sebaceous glands and cause increased oil production).
- Use a dry shampoo midweek for a refreshing boost.
- If you really need to wash your hair between shampoos, opt for a conditioner instead.let go! Try not to touch your hair too often.
Use a sulfate-free shampoo
Did you read the ingredients on your shampoo and conditioner bottles as a kid? If so, you’ve likely come across two common shampoo sulfates: sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate. These two ingredients are responsible for creating the thick, commercial-style shampoo lather. However, there are many reasons why you should consider using a sulfate-free shampoo.
If your hair is color treated, sulfates can wreak havoc and remove color (and you know you’re paying a lot of money for it). Not only that, but shampoos that contain sulfates will strip your hair of its natural oils. For a silky hair feel, many of these shampoos contain extra ingredients like silicones and parabens to create an artificial coating on the hair. This can lead to shampoo and product buildup, which weighs down the hair and makes it look dirtier and greasy. Not to mention that sulfate shampoo is especially bad for curly-haired ladies as it can lead to excessive frizz.
Use alternatives if necessary
If you find your scalp itches after using traditional dry shampoos, try alternatives like baby powder or even DIY. For example, dusting baby powder on your hands and then applying it to your hair, paying special attention to the roots, hairline and below, will instantly make your hair look and smell fresher. It also absorbs built-up fat, making it look freshly washed. Such alternatives contain fewer chemicals, so they won’t irritate the skin after application, and of course save money.
Use hair accessories strategically
By planning your hairstyle and using accessories strategically, you can effectively go a week or more without washing your hair. A simple, sparkly, or beaded scrunchie can be used to hide greasy locks while looking cute and sassy, there’s a style for just about everyone. Another suggestion is to twist the front goddess hairstyle and use a
Leave conditioner where it belongs
Oily scalp after a few minutes of shampooing? It could be that you have applied the conditioner too close to the roots. To keep long hair looking clean for longer, condition hair with conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Your scalp naturally produces oil, so using conditioner at the roots can cause your hair to thin and become heavy, especially if you have finer hair.
It’s also important to find a conditioner that works for your hair’s unique needs. Is it frizzy? Dry or damaged hair may need a weekly deep conditioner or after-shower conditioner to restore shine. Treat your conditioner like you would your skin care routine. Do you use oil-based skincare for dry skin?
Use a good dry shampoo
Our favorite no-wash hair tip? Buy a good dry shampoo. While this may not make you ditch shampoo and conditioner forever, a jar of dry shampoo can help your hairstyle last longer without washing. The key to using dry shampoo is to shake the jar vigorously before applying to activate the shampoo and spray vigorously at the roots, dividing the hair into sections as you spray. After applying the product, massage the scalp with fingertips to evenly absorb the oil from the hair.
Like shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo can be customized to your hair’s needs. When your hair needs volume, we love Not Your Mother’s Plump for Joy as the perfect way to absorb oil while lifting lifeless locks. If you want to keep your long hair clean and fragrance-free, we love Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo.
