Monday, February 1, 2010

believe it or not, i actually do like to fit in...

I am trying a new thing.

I don't really want to tell anyone. It sounds gross and I don't want people to think I'm all hippie and weird anymore than they already do (even if I might be, just a little).

I am giving up shampoo.



And I don't mean I'm doing my usual "I-haven't-washed-my-hair-in-three-days-because-my-kids-don't-let-me-shower-in-peace" thing. I mean I am actively, purposely not using shampoo. I figure that since at this point in my life I average about 2 washings a week anyway, it's not that big of a deal to just go without.

What I am doing is washing my hair with baking soda instead.

It's something I have been considering for about 3 years now, but kept putting off because I was scared to try it. "They" (as in, the internets) say there could be an adjustment period of several weeks to several months while your hair "detoxes" where you look and feel greasy. That was something I just wasn't sure I was ready for. But like I said, since I am already probably at my grease-max these days, I just figured what the hell. Let's try it.

So I've been going without shampoo for about a week now. I can't say I've noticed a real difference in greasiness. If anything my hair is *less* greasy now between washings than it was before. It is definitely less tangley. It feels a little coarser but looks a lot healthier. More volume for sure. I didn't even have to blow-dry my hair today. Not that I actually do that most days. It's one of those things that I need to do to look reasonably good, but I just don't usually get the time/energy. Well today I didn't (as usual) and it still looked reasonably good.

I can use Apple Cider Vinegar as a "conditioner" if I want, but I just haven't taken that leap yet. It seems like a lot of work to mix the vinegar and the water just right, and I am afraid of smelling like vinegar all the time, and I am also afraid it will make my hair greasy. So far I haven't needed a "conditioner," but if my hair gets any coarser I will use the vinegar.

Anyway, not sure how long I will stick with this. I haven't given away my 2 Costco size containers of shampoo and conditioner yet. In fact I haven't even taken them out of my shower yet. Part of that reason is because I don't want my husband to know I quit washing my hair. I don't want him to think I'm disgusting, and he's still probably bummed about the whole leg-shaving thing that has all but gone out the window, especially during the winter (not as a statement, just because I'm lazy a mom), and he might worry that I will soon take to wearing nothing but housecoats, and slippers, and rollers in my hair.... But mostly it's because I'm not totally committed to the idea yet.

So now you know. Don't tell!

6 comments:

Vira said...

That's a leap of faith :) Hope that works out for you.

diane26 said...

I've been wanting to try this but since I color my hair all kinds of unnatural ways I've read it can strip the color out of your hair. I'm not ready to go grey yet.

-A said...

Intriguing. You'll have to keep us posted on how things play out.

Lisa said...

Hey I saw your blog on DS! I have heard of this before, but I don't think I'm willing to take the plunge. I did, however, give up my deodorant in favor of baking soda and it has made a HUGE difference, so I'm a big believed in the magic of baking soda. Can't wait to read how it's going!

cat said...

diane26, everything I read said that baking soda wouldn't strip the color anymore than any other shampoo... I've been thinking about dying my hair dark this winter (winter makes me do funny things), but honestly now that I don't use shampoo I'm a little afraid to go to the salon. Will they be able to tell? Will they all gossip about how gross I am after I leave?

By the way, I can't remember if I commented yet about it, but I love the new 'do you posted pics of the other day. The color looks great!

cat said...

Lisa, thanks for stopping by!

I also use baking soda in lieu of deodorant. It is surely some amazing stuff! :)

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