Photo Diary: Hair Experiment

Today I want to talk about a subject matter dear to my heart... because let's face it- HAIR is a womans most prized possession, second only to- um, maybe her children.

Some woman seem to have it made. They have easy to manage hair that is blown dry and styled in the amount of time it takes me to shower. If that sounds like you, this post might not be for you. You can skip out now.

If not, read on.

I, on the other hand, have been cursed with coarse unruly hair that seems to have a mind all it's own. After each child my hair became more curly, but not all over. I can't help but wonder if it would suddenly go straight again with another pregnancy or magically become evenly curly. That is my biggest challenge... it is not evenly anything! It's straight in the front and the sides and the very top layer and varies from mild to kinky curls throughout the back. I've been told, "hormones" repeatedly- but whatever it is, it SUCKS.

What's a girl to do? I for one don't have extra hours that I want to be spending on my hair everyday, not to mention the damage all those products and tools can do.

I have just recently grown my hair out after almost 15 years of having it anything from a short to mid bob. Although there are more options with longer hair, I'm struggling to find the right styles for me and most importantly, ones that I am capable of doing. My sisters all have long hair and have for as long as I can remember. They can use that chi like it's an extension of their own hand and end up with perfectly flowing curls (which is a blog tutorial all it's own). The hot stick- the latest, greatest must have is their new favorite. I haven't tried that yet, but not so sure I have the patience required for good results. It also requires some mad $$$.

I've been undergoing an experiment over the last couple weeks to see just how long I could go without WASHING my hair. Yes, you heard it right.

If you are grossed out or can't relate on any level... STOP now.

My mother has stories of going at least a week before they would pump the water from the well and boil it for their bath.

Nothing that drastic here, we do have running water- just a busy mom trying to get the most out of a day.

Not to mention that my stylist is convinced that everyone should go at least 2 or 3 days without washing so that natural oils aren't stripped from your hair.

This experiment was more about the hair than the photos. It was all I could do to remember to take them. Most of them were taken by my 10 year old son or with my point and shoot with horrible lighting.

I actually made it to day 4 twice, but didn't get photos either day.



I learned a few things along the way...
There are a few MUSTS to make this possible.

1. A great dry shampoo. I use Rockaholic Dirty Secret. Bumble and Bumble or Klorane are other good ones. I've also used powder or baking soda in a pinch.

2. A shower cap. Nothing fancy required, just something to cover the hair while showering. I use the cheap pack you can get at any drugstore. A friend of mine uses Target sacks. Or you could opt for the fancy-shmancy spa caps. Google it, you'll be amazed at the variety available.

3. Accessories. You need to invest in a few cute hats and headbands to make days 3 and 4 doable. I found a cute hat recently at The Buckle (last photo, day 3) and a super cute headband at Aerie. I'm sure you have way more options where you live, but the accessories are key to making it at least 3 days.

4. Less Sweating. You can still workout, but I have found that sweating complicates the plan. Luckily I don't sweat much and I only do cardio one day/week right now. You may have to alter your workouts to make them less intense or play around with the schedule a bit.

5. Products. Products really make all the difference. I love the Pureology line. I'm currently using the purple hydrate shampoo and conditioner, superstraight, and shinemax. I sometimes use bedhead masterpiece shine spray to finish, but not often. The trick is to use most of your products on day 1, but not the other days. I usually only use a tiny bit of the shinemax on day 2 and rarely anything on day 3.

Hair is tricky business. There are hundreds upon hundreds of styling tools and products out there and you have to figure out which ones work best for you and then PRACTICE. You have to be flexible, willing to take risks, and able to use some imagination at times.

I'm so glad I did this. I proved to myself that it is indeed possible. And should we have another disaster, such as the flood of 08, and are without water again... I can survive and I won't look like I haven't showered in a week.

So, to close I have a few questions to throw out there.


What kind of hair do you have?

Have you found a styling tool that works better for you than another? If so, tell us what it is and why you love it.

Do you have a favorite product that you can't live without?

Do you wash your hair daily and somehow made it this far only to find yourself feeling grossed out?

Or do you wash every 2 or 3 days and have other tricks of the trade that you want to share?

Divulge.