I have a confession to make. As of today, I’ve gone six days without washing my hair. I’m pretty sure six days is the longest I have ever gone in between washes (not counting when I’m sick). Normally I wouldn’t go this long, but I wanted to experiment and see how long I could pull it off while still looking decent. So far it’s still looking pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I consider myself a pro at dragging out the days between hair washes. I’m one of those lucky folks blessed with the hair type that doesn’t acquire grease build up very easily. I don’t know if it’s due to my extremely thick hair or what, but I roll with it! Usually, I try to go at least two to three days between washes. Here are some of the benefits:
It prolongs the color in my hair
My last highlight was over three months ago now!If I was to wash my hair every day, I would probably need to retouch my hair color much more often. Personally,I try to be as frugal as possible while still being able to enjoy the things I love, and my hair care routine is something I am just not willing to give up. Instead, I have come up with the best ways to prolong the periods between going to my hairstylist. I am able to stretch out my grey cover-up appointments to every eight weeks. Although I probably should go every six weeks, buying my favorite quick touch up product (Everpro Gray Away Temporary Root Concealer) lets me wait a few more weeks and save a bit more money! I also try washing my hair in cold water, with Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo to help keep the brassy tones out of my hair. This allows me to stretch out my highlights to once every three months.
Too much washing messes with the natural oils in my hair
Washing your hair too often can mess with your hair’s best conditioning product: its own natural oils. Shampoo strips away the natural oils, which means it often doesn’t get to run its course all the way down your locks of hair. When those oils don’t reach the ends of your hair, you’re prone to more split ends.
It’s time-consuming
I have a lot of hair! My hairdresser is always reminding me that I have one of the thickest head of locks she has ever seen. This means that every time I go to wash my hair, it adds about 15 minutes to my shower time. Now don’t get me wrong, I would love an extra 15 minutes in the shower every day just to get some more me-time, but being a stay-at-home mom with two little girls that constantly need Cheetos or princess dresses put on, 15 extra minutes in the shower is often impossible. Time is precious nowadays, and I covet every extra minute I can get!
It saves me money
A 33.8 oz bottle of my Shampoo lasts me about 6-8 months. That’s only about $2.50 a month on shampoo! My husband who washes his hair every day, on the other hand, spends about 12 dollars a month on his drugstore shampoo.
My key to stretching out the time between washes has been dry shampoo. I believe that dry shampoo (if used correctly) can be your hair’s best friend. But it’s important to use it sparingly. Dry shampoo isn’t really a shampoo, after all. It just helps absorb the oils in your hair, making it look less greasy. I try to only use it on the third day after my hair wash.
My two favorite dry shampoos are Batiste Dry Shampoo and Tresemme Waterless Foam Shampoo (which, sadly, I don’t believe is made anymore). I tried out a lot of different dry shampoos before settling on Batiste. One of my biggest pet peeves about spray dry shampoos is the white build-up they often can leave behind. So far, Batiste has been the best value option I have found that doesn’t leave the dreaded white film. But I found my true love with the waterless foam shampoo. This was the closest feeling to getting an actual wash without really washing your hair. Plus, it left me with absolutely zero feeling of build-up when using the Tresemme product. I guess I am now on the hunt for a new bargain-priced foam!
While I am pleased to report that I think I can successfully pull off six days without washing my hair, I still think I’ll aim not to go more than four days, but it’s nice to know that in a pinch, I can make it work! If you’re someone like my husband who washes his hair every day, I suggest you consider extending that shampoo a few more days. Your hair, and wallet, may thank you!
