Q for ladies who shampoo less than daily

[Honey Doll]

Hi all-- I'm new to the lounge, but admittedly have been lurking for some time. I would like to shampoo less frequently (to give my locks a break!) and was wondering what kind of "routine" some of you follow for insight. I've been playing around with some new routines-- if I do a hotstick set on my non-shampoo day, it takes a curl nicely and sets well, but then I wonder if the heat of the curlers might just as well be as damaging as shampooing in the first place.

Thanks for any insight you may offer.

Honey Doll of Honeoye Falls,NY

[jitterbugdoll]

I wash and condition my hair about every three days (lately I have been using a sulfate free shampoo with good results), and I set it each evening with sponge rollers, rag curlers, or the new foam rollers I recently picked up. I do touch up with Hot Sticks as needed. Generally, I roll my hair in double reverse rolls and will smooth them out or re-roll them in the mornings if needed. I sometimes wear my hair in a Betty Grable updo and find that it will last 2-3 days with minimal smoothing or touch-ups; I just spray it with a firm hold hair spray to combat flyaways.

[Paisley]

I use Aussie shampoo and Sheer Blonde conditioner about every three days. I add a little baking soda to the shampoo to help get out the goop I put in my hair to style it.

There is also dry shampoo on the market, but I've never tried it.

[jitterbugdoll]

I add a little baking soda to the shampoo to help get out the goop I put in my hair to style it.


I occasionally do a baking soda and vinegar pre-treatment before I shampoo. It's a great way to get the styling gunk out of your hair.

[LizzieMaine]

Generally I shampoo every other or every third day, depending on my schedule, using a humectant shampoo and conditioner -- I do it in the evening, and soak up the excess water in a towel for about half an hour before doing a pincurl set.

On days when I don't shampoo, I pincurl in the evening and spritz the curls with Lottabody from a spray bottle to set them.

I've experimented with a lot of different hairsprays, and these days use a flexible hold volumizing spray. I usually wear it in reverse rolls at the front and sides, and loose in the back -- and I spray the rolls fairly heavily with just a sprtiz in the rear.

In cool weather I can go up to four days if I have to without washing my hair before the styling product buildup gets to be a bit much, but in hot, humid conditions every other day is a must.

I avoid using any kind of blow dryers or high-heat devices -- they turn my hair to straw. If I have to use a dryer, I have an old bonnet model that does a very gentle drying job.

[mysterygal]

My hair tends to keep it's curl pretty darn well so the first day I'll have it down, the second day might have it down or in a barette, I wash and shampoo and condition usually on the second day.

[RetroMom]

I wash and condition every other day. Lately I have been using the Wash-n-Curl shampoo, I pin curl my just washed hair after I put my setting lotion in. It will keep looking good until the next washing.

I just bought some Hot Sticks, since they got such a good recommendation here at the Lounge:) , but I haven't tried them yet. I will probably use them just for touch ups.

[Miss Dottie]

I'm quite scandalous with my hair. I usually wash it once a week. My hair is part afro and part scottish hair, so it's very dry.

I don't really use much product other than an anti-frizz solution and some leave in conditioner.

[Etienne]

So, if you pin-curl your hair at night, how does it dry by morning??? Even if I washed and pin-curled my hair at 4 PM, it would still be quite damp in the morning. Also, I would have to do afternoon errands, etc. with my hair in a set. How do you all get your hair to dry? And what do you do if you have to go out and it's set?

[magneto]

So, if you pin-curl your hair at night, how does it dry by morning??? Even if I washed and pin-curled my hair at 4 PM, it would still be quite damp in the morning. Also, I would have to do afternoon errands, etc. with my hair in a set. How do you all get your hair to dry? And what do you do if you have to go out and it's set?

Is your hair very long and thick? I noticed my hair seems to take longer to dry in pincurls than in rollers (I guess because the roller formation allows more air to circulate and the strands are more spread out). Maybe try damp not wet hair when putting in the pincurls, or try rollers? (I have a neck-length middy cut and can put wet hair in rollers at 11 PM and have dry hair at 7 AM)...
A nice scarf wil cover the pincurls fine..

EDIT: Oops! To answer the original question, my latest routine is put freshly washed hair in sponge rollers, have curly hair day 1, wear a hairnet to bed and wear brushed-out waves day 2, and then either reset it that night or wash it, depending.

[jitterbugdoll]

I usually let my hair partially dry before setting it (on rollers especially); and if I am pressed for time, I will blow dry it about 50 percent dry. It seems to dry quite well with rag curlers, because the cloth absorbs some of the moisture in the hair.

In between washings, I set my hair and pat it damp with water--this keeps it from becoming saturated with moisture, so my hair is guaranteed to be dry by morning.

[Carolie]

I have to wash my hair once a week due to my hair type (mixed black hair is fun times, with all the relaxing and what-not...), but my hair stay fresh all the way until the next wash, so I suppose I'm lucky lol. I wash my hair with Pantene Pro-V shampoo for relaxed hair and Aussie 3 Minute Miracle deep conditioner.

After blow drying my hair straight, I set my hair in pin curls by first using a curling iron and then pinning that curl up. Then, I mist my hair w/ flexible hold hairspray, and sleep on them overnight and take them out in the morning. My curls last about 4 or 5 days if I go to sleep with a hair net, and around day 5 or 6, I get this awesome flip (kinda like Marilyn Monroe's hair in the 60's after she straightened it), and that night, I start all over again! (:

[RetroMom]

So, if you pin-curl your hair at night, how does it dry by morning??? Even if I washed and pin-curled my hair at 4 PM, it would still be quite damp in the morning. Also, I would have to do afternoon errands, etc. with my hair in a set. How do you all get your hair to dry? And what do you do if you have to go out and it's set?

On the days I do shampoo, I do it at night and set it. I dry it slightly with a towel until damp then put my setting lotion in. I blot it a bit with the towel so it is not drippy (but not dry either) It can't be too wet, or the curl will not take and will still be wet in the morning. Also, you can't use too large sections of hair. I pin curl it, tie a scarf around it and it is dry in the a.m. My hair is very fine, so it really doesn't take long to dry. I haven't used a hair dryer(or blow dryer) in years, but you could partially dry your hair with that, to insure the curl would be set by morning:)

[AllaboutEve]

I only wash mine once a week, I wear it up most of the time so it's a bit easier to get away with.
I have a very sensitive scalp and it gets VERY upset if I wash anymore than this. Like Jitterbug I use a sulphate/sulfate free shampoo and I can second that this makes a huge difference as your hair doesn't dry out like it can do with most normal brands.
I sometimes just use a cleansing tea-tree conditioner on it's own and find that works between shampoos too.

[Daisy Buchanan]

I use Aussie shampoo and Sheer Blonde conditioner about every three days. I add a little baking soda to the shampoo to help get out the goop I put in my hair to style it.

There is also dry shampoo on the market, but I've never tried it.
I've used this dry shampoo. While in the hopital for weeks at a time, it comes in handy. I'll grab you a bottle the next time I'm there, but I'm hoping that won't be for a while, just so you can give it a try. I personally don't like it, but will do anything after day's of not being able to shower. (This is not by choice!!) It makes your hair smell nice, and I'm sure it makes it cleaner, but to me it feels greasy.

I like to shampoo every 2 days, but usually only do it every 3. It depends on how I want to set my hair. My hair definitely takes a better curl when it's not squeeky clean. I use a lot of product and heat on my hair and was worried about damaging it. I try to go to the salon for a deep conditioning at least every month, if not six weeks. If I can't get to the salon, I use V05 hot oil treatment. It doesn't work as good as what they use in the salon, but it does the trick. These treatments, at least my stylist tells me, rejuvinates the natural vitamins and minerals in the hair. My hair feels great afterwards, and it has a sheen that I just can't get rid of after using a regular conditioner. I have also noticed that since I've started doing these treatments, I have less split ends. This is good for me since although I am diligent with getting the deep conditioning, I'm not as diligent with getting trims and I often end up with split ends from all the heat I use.
I use Bumble and Bumble thickening shampoo and conditioner. I really thinks it's worth the money. It has a nice smell and makes my hair soft, but not so soft that it won't hold a curl.

[Kaela]

I have a pretty similar routine to all the ladies here. I tend to have oily hair though, so it's hard for me to get away with even three days without washing. I usually wash my hair, before dinner hour, let it air dry until it's just barely damp, then spray in dilluted setting lotion with a mister. So I wear it down curly, the next day brushed out, or in top reverse rolls. The third day if it still looks alright, I have to wear it in some sort of an updo to hide the mess it seems to become.
I find that if I use a shampoo that gives body (john freida brunnette shampoos make one for body that I like a lot!) I can get away with much more glamorous unwashed hair than before! This has actually had the biggest help, especially since I don't set my hair when it's completely wet, so it won't look too flat against my head.
If you use rollers you can get your hair off of your head, or arrange pincurls so that they give as much body as possible, that way you won't get greasy hair from having it right against your head.
If I washed my hair everyday I'd be a big fluff ball! You'll be amazed how much nicer your hair will look and behave after a couple weeks of laying off the daily shampoos! And it gets so healthy you can allow yourself some of the evil curling iron from time to time without feeling as guilty!

[Daisy Buchanan]

I have a pretty similar routine to all the ladies here. I tend to have oily hair though, so it's hard for me to get away with even three days without washing. I usually wash my hair, before dinner hour, let it air dry until it's just barely damp, then spray in dilluted setting lotion with a mister. So I wear it down curly, the next day brushed out, or in top reverse rolls. The third day if it still looks alright, I have to wear it in some sort of an updo to hide the mess it seems to become.
I find that if I use a shampoo that gives body (john freida brunnette shampoos make one for body that I like a lot!) I can get away with much more glamorous unwashed hair than before! This has actually had the biggest help, especially since I don't set my hair when it's completely wet, so it won't look too flat against my head.
If you use rollers you can get your hair off of your head, or arrange pincurls so that they give as much body as possible, that way you won't get greasy hair from having it right against your head.
If I washed my hair everyday I'd be a big fluff ball! You'll be amazed how much nicer your hair will look and behave after a couple weeks of laying off the daily shampoos! And it gets so healthy you can allow yourself some of the evil curling iron from time to time without feeling as guilty!
I find that after a few days my hair looks a bit oily. When this happens I brush a small amount of baby powder through it. This helps sop up the oils, but doesn't take away from the shine or make my hair look white.

[RedShoesGirl]

hello ladies, what great advice you all have for a newbie here! do most of you wear your hair in vintage styles everyday?

for my long hair i wash every two days during the work week and then give it a rest on the weekend.

sometimes i wash just the bangs and blow dry those so i don't have to do the whole head of hair which is a pain.

thanks for letting me jump in!

rsg

[MissQueenie]

For those of you who set your hair and use the set for two or three subsequent days, how do you keep your hair from becoming a stiff, sticky mess? The few times I've tried to recycle a set, I've been disappointed with the stiffness and stickiness -- it makes my hair seem brittle and frizzy. I thought this was due to the hairspray, but I recently set my hair with setting lotion and didn't use spray. While it was better, it still wasn't great. Any tips?

[jitterbugdoll]

For those of you who set your hair and use the set for two or three subsequent days, how do you keep your hair from becoming a stiff, sticky mess? The few times I've tried to recycle a set, I've been disappointed with the stiffness and stickiness -- it makes my hair seem brittle and frizzy. I thought this was due to the hairspray, but I recently set my hair with setting lotion and didn't use spray. While it was better, it still wasn't great. Any tips?

I brush through the set thoroughly before resetting it. I use a strong hold hair spray and this loosens it up (though I think the hair spray helps the second and third sets hold better.)


hello ladies, what great advice you all have for a newbie here! do most of you wear your hair in vintage styles everyday?

I do; my hair is always styled in a 1940s-50s look. I feel best when dolled up this way :)

[dollfaced]

I wash my hair two or three times a week if i washd it every day it would look terrible. I use aussie shampoo called mega as well as the conditioner.I use the soft foam rollers that have the wire going threw it that you can twist to secure they are just like the old fashion ones i have seen on ebay selling for alot of money! Well goody makes them i bought mine at wal-mart for about 10 dollars they come in a little plastic zip up bag and they are comfortable to sleep in as well.When i wake up i remove my foam rollers i spray a ton of aussie hair spray and my hair will stay till i wash it again but i have natural wave in my hair so maybe thats why it stays but for more hold i use the aussie gel before setting at night with curlers it works great and smells good.I think setting your hair before bed is better then any hot rollers or curling irons i have tried curls seem to last the longest for me so i would recommend it.

[Kaela]

I forgot to mention that apart from my pin-curl routine, I do use hot irons sometimes, and if I do, I use put it in top reverse rolls, I even sleep with it like that and can just touch it up in the morning with some more hair spray then wear it down another.
For ladies with naturally curly hair, like I have, it might work well to crimp it with some setting lotion or hair gel, and to let it air dry. Most types of curly hair will have nice waves when it's brushed out. Not much damage from hot irons and bobby pins but it sometimes doesn't last as long. (Rather, it doesn't stay as fresh looking) But it can be worn up the following day to hide that.

[ITG]

I wash my hair every other day and find it sets best when freshly washed and dryed. My hair tends to get oily fast, so I can't go every 3 days like some of you, although I wish I could.

Where can you buy the dry shampoo? Anyone know what brand(s) carry it?

[texasgirl]

I wash my hair every other day and find it sets best when freshly washed and dryed. My hair tends to get oily fast, so I can't go every 3 days like some of you, although I wish I could.

Where can you buy the dry shampoo? Anyone know what brand(s) carry it?


I've heard about this Jonathan product, but I haven't tried it yet. Although it's not "dry" you are suppose to be able to use it and skip a shampoo? I'm the same way, I can skip one day but by the third day it's just too oily!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P104713&categoryId=C12030

[magneto]

I wash my hair every other day and find it sets best when freshly washed and dryed. My hair tends to get oily fast, so I can't go every 3 days like some of you, although I wish I could.

Where can you buy the dry shampoo? Anyone know what brand(s) carry it?

Low end: there's an "old style" drugstore brand called "Pssst" (seriously) in a spray can; high-end: Bumble and Bumble makes one (although I think I read it was discontinued) Actually, the best thing (and cheapest) to use is cornstarch and a little baby powder/talc for scent... (which is basically the same thing packaged dry shampoos contain anyway...) Just put it in a sifter and sprinkle away. Cornstarch is non-irritating and leaves no residue behind.

[Retro_GI_Jane]

This is a fairly old thread by the looks of it but it seemed the best place to stick my question rather than starting a new thread. After browsing the net for tips on how to apply cornstarch to hair and brushing out for a dry shampoo, I skipped a wash and gave it a whirl this morning. I'm amazed at how decent my hair looks even at the end of the day. So now that I'd like to try washing every other day, I curious how the ladies that use cornstarch in their hair go about setting/resetting their hair? As I said, I put the cornstarch in my hair this morning and then brushed it out, but I'm concerned if I reset my hair to try for second day curls and use cornstarch that I'll end up brushing out my curls too much and end up with sad looking curls or waves. I did read on another board that some put the cornstarch in their hair the night before, sleep on it, then brush out in the morning. I imagine that would be messy and it would just goop up the setting lotion already in the hair. Any advice?

[binglish prof.]

Retro_GI_Jane, this is how I would solve the corntarch and reset issue. I would sprinkle the cornstarch in my hair in the morning as part of the brush out part of hair styling. On nights when I don't wash my hair, I'd probably brush my hair a little bit to "break up" the hairspray, setting hold, and lightly spritz sections of my hair with water as I set it on foam rollers. That way you are not creating a paste of cornstarch and stying product.
I wash my hair twice a week and on those nights I let my hair partially dry until damp and then I comb Motions setting foam through it and set it on sponge rollers. My hair is arrow-straight and fine, so it actually dries fairly quickly,especially if I set with fairly small sections of hair.

[Retro_GI_Jane]

Thanks for the tip, binglish prof.! I set my hair with a spritz of water and back into my foam rollers. I took them out this morning and worked in some cornstarch but for fear of pulling out my curls, I didn't get the back roots so well and after brush out, I could see the oilyness under my layers at the back. I didn't realize though that resetting in rollers on the second day would give my hair more staying power than setting after washing so I know now I can really work that cornstarch in without worries of everything falling. I really had to brush through my curls to shape them though I didn't have such great peekaboo waves on the side.

[MissNathalieVintage]

I noticed my scalp has such product build up. And when I brush out my set to re-set the hair products I used end up making my hair look like I have a bad case of dandruff. I switched to a lighter weight hairspray and it seems to help a little bit.

What do some of you do about product build up after a set brush out?

[binglish prof.]

I haven't noticed a great deal of product build up appearing like dandruff after a brush out, MissNathalieVintage, but I do know that I can feel the pomade greasing up my hair after a day or too. That's why the cornstarch sprinkled right after taking out the rollers and right before the full brush out seems like a good idea to me. When I wash my hair, I really concentrate on rubbing my scalp with the shampoo and working it through to the ends to focus on removing oil, flake and product. Also the vinegar rinses that people recommend will help with removing product.
And I'm happy to be of help, Retro_GI_Jane!
Retro

[MissNathalieVintage]

My hair is medium thick and takes almost two days to dry. I tend to use a lot of hairspray to set my hair. When I brush out my set it ends up looking dusty and coarse. I learned in order to fix this is to wash out my hair with water on my no-poo days. I do not like to have to do this since that would mean I have no choice but to blow dry my hair in order to re-set it. My scalp ends up becoming so dry, tight, and itchy. For now I use less hairspray and double up on pomade I use the Got 2 be brand it comes in a silver, yellow, and purple package plus the product is white inside. And I have not used a setting lotion instead I have a small spray bottle of just water. I spritz each section of my hair lightly and with a fine tooth comb. Comb the water through my hair to distribute the water evenly and re-set my hair. When I do this my hair comes out fantastic!
I also found two wonderful no-poo how to articles. http://natural-forces.com/essays/poofree.htm
I have completely given up shampoo for good. I am still using a leave in spray on conditioner. Once I run out it I am going to start using the apple cider vinegar rinse. Here is the second article this is the no-poo I am going to use from now on. I keep it in the same bottle it came in but I add 4 drops of tea tree oil and shake to mi,x since I have oily hair. Best thing ever! http://www.veganbeautyreview.com/2011/03/homemade-vegan-shampoo-conditioner.html

[VintageBaroness]

I have an early 30s hairstyle but flyaway hair the first few days after shampooing, so I tend not to wash more than 1-2 times a week, as I want my hair to lay flatter against my head. I spritz flexible hold hairspray into my hair, and while still wet, I scrunch the sides to activate my natural wave pattern (which, lucky for lazy little me, is Marcel-wave-esque). If my roots start feeling oily before "wash day," I use hair powder. If you don't like how baby powder, corn starch, or some other powders turn dark hair ashy, you can buy expensive tinted hair powders from Bumble + Bumble. I use Lulu Organics's hair powder "for hair on days of unwash" http://luluorganicsnyc.com/hairpowder.html:) It has a great Art Nouveau image on the container, too. As binglish prof notes of corn starch, I find the powder helps reduce flaking of scalp and product buildup of certain kinds.

[Frenchy56]

I noticed my scalp has such product build up. And when I brush out my set to re-set the hair products I used end up making my hair look like I have a bad case of dandruff. I switched to a lighter weight hairspray and it seems to help a little bit.

What do some of you do about product build up after a set brush out?

I used to go five or six days without washing and would still have fantastic curls, until I noticed- like you - that it looked like I had dandruff, when in fact it was just a build up of setting lotion that had flaked. I was horrified, especially seeing as anyone looking at my roots wouldn't have known that it wasn't dandruff, and I'd been walking round for months like that!

In answer to your question, my solution was just to sacrifice a few days of my set and wash earlier, and/or use less product, and always brush thoroughly. My perm solved a lot of my setting-related worries too, though I wouldn't suggest that as a solution!

Also, not to detract from what works for you, but have you tried a different kind of styling product? Personally I feel like hairspray does more to make my hair lank and greasy, and give it that 'coated' feeling, than any other product I've tried, (maybe other than mousse). Have you tried proper setting lotion, diluted or otherwise? Or a gel spray?

[Retro_GI_Jane]

I noticed my scalp has such product build up. And when I brush out my set to re-set the hair products I used end up making my hair look like I have a bad case of dandruff. I switched to a lighter weight hairspray and it seems to help a little bit.

What do some of you do about product build up after a set brush out?

I use AquaNet for hairspray and I notice a flakiness only if I am heavy handed with it on my roots or don't let it dry before spraying some more. I'm still learning how to use cornstarch in between washings, so I also notice a dandruff like effect if I sprinkle too much and don't brush it out enough. A good brushing out the night before resetting seems to help me when it comes to loosening up any product from earlier in the day.

[Sara Rabbit]

I've been shampooing my hair about 2 times a week for the last few months, and it has significantly improved my hair. Like all those "no-poo" articles say, shampoo seemed to strip my hair of oil which just made my already oil-prone hair even oiler! :eusa_doh: So last night I tried for the first time to wash it with baking soda and then rinsing with lemon juice (I didn't have the apple vinegar that the various websites will tell you to use, and I mixed them both with water) and my hair felt very soft and clean afterwords. I also just shake through some baby powder when it starts to look a tad greasy and that really seems to help mop up any oilys.

[therizyflapper]

i don't use any shampoo, i wash my hair every 3-4 day with 1TBSP baking soda to 1 cup water and my conditioner is 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar to 1 cup water :) it works awesome :) then i put my hair up in pin curls and put on a cute scarf, then when i go out that night i just take just the pin curls and and brush it out :) and i don't use hairspray or hair gel ( my hair holds a curl wonderful without product for days) but if i feel i need product i make my hair gel our of aloe and Agar Agar :)

[CH Sherr]

Even if I cleaned and pin-curled my locks at 4 PM, it would still be quite soaked in the day. Also, I would have to do mid-day tasks, etc. with my locks in a set. How do you all get your locks to dry? And what do you do if you have to go out and it's set.

[JoanHolloway]

I hardly "wash" my hair, having both red and naturally curly hair, sulfates are my greatest enemy!

I use s sulfate free and avoid silicones. I wash about two times a week (unless something special comes up that warrants a full wash and set). In between washes, I use cornstarch and then set my pin curls again, holds just fine.

Once a month I do a bi carb soda rinse to sort out any build up.

[JoanHolloway]

Even if I cleaned and pin-curled my locks at 4 PM, it would still be quite soaked in the day. Also, I would have to do mid-day tasks, etc. with my locks in a set. How do you all get your locks to dry? And what do you do if you have to go out and it's set.

My hair was horrible when I did a wet set! I don't know if it was the natural curl, but it came out all frizzy and limp.

I wash and then Velcro roller set my hair at night. Let it dry and brush it out and put pin curls in before bed. All done for the morning

[Tenuki]

I haven't master victory rolls yet, so I wear my hair pulled up and held in place with combs that give a sort of victory roll look. It's held in place with hairspray and sometimes a bit of pomade. At night, I either rinse the product out and set pin curls or brush it out and pin it up. Once a week, I use shampoo. It took about a month for my hair to adjust, but it's much healthier and the rinsing keeps the oil at bay.

[MissNathalieVintage]

I finally found out why my hair becomes so flakey after using hair spray. I read in a 1960s beauty book that the hair spray becomes flakey when one holds the bottle of hair spray to close to the hair while spraying. When spraying the hair spray onto the hair one must hold the bottle/can of hair spray 8-12 inches away from your hair. A hair spray mist (I call it the cloud) is what is used to style the hair with. I am glad I learned this, now when I use hair spray I no longer have any flakey-ness. I end up using less hair spray and my hair does not frizz or drop.

[DameWhoDrinks]

It really depends on the thickness. Like Miss Dottie, I usually do once a week(part afro, part italian, very course) But I also dont curl and spray my hair everyday. Usually when that takes place I'll wash either the day after a set, or two days. Sometimes I'll just leave it till I wash again. Prell is a great shampoo for getting gunk out

[Laura Hunt]

I usually wash my hair once or twice a week with shampoo and maybe every other week I do a co-wash to keep things soft and shiny. I tried doing co-washes all the time but it left my hair a bit greasy-looking and without volume.

Coconut oil has become my new favorite thing for hair though--I run a bit through my wet hair (especially the ends) after washing and roll it up in a towel for a couple of hours. Then I spray my whole head with Garnier Fructis wave spray and scrunch, and if it's late enough at night I can spread my hair above my head on the pillow and just sleep that way, and in the morning I have fantastic volume. The wave spray gives my naturally wavy hair that "beach wave" look for the first day (it's also really shiny!) and then that night I usually end up doing a damp set. My hair doesn't set well right after washing. The pin curls will stay in for an inordinate amount of time, though. Usually all week, or whenever I decide I need to wash it again.

[SilkDoll]

I wash my hair about every other day. Even when I use a gentle shampoo, my hair still gets dry. If I'm in a hurry, then I'll just do the shampooing under the sink with the spray nozzle. I've found that Johnson-and-Johnson shampoos are best for my hair in preventing split ends.

[Fräulein U.]

I wash with conditioner only (which is the best thing I ever did for my sensitive sclap) and go about four or five days in between.

I wash and and do a wet set with setting lotion in the evening. In the following nights I either wear a hair net, re-pin into a sloppy dry set (which I may or may not mist with a little water after pinning) or just keep in the updo I was wearing that day if it's curl preserving like rolls or large decorative pin curls. All depends on how much curls is left, which kind of style I want to wear the next day, and, most importantly, how tired or lazy I feel. ;)

Sleeping on a silk satin pillowcase is awesome for frizz avoidance btw. Sometimes when I sleep in an updo I can continue wearing it the next day with minimal touch-ups.

[MissNathalieVintage]

Lately, I've been using burt's bees baby shampoo, which is great for my senesitive skin.

[JessKelly]

In between washings, I set my hair and pat it damp with water--this keeps it from becoming saturated with moisture, so my hair is guaranteed to be dry by morning.

That's also what I do.

I wash my hair, run mousse through and do a pin curl set Thursday night and Sunday night, then Saturday and Tuesday nights I just run a little water over my brush to dampen it to set into pin curls again. Sometimes on Wednesday my fringe likes a little dry shampoo.

In retrospect that looks a little regimented but my hair doesn't appreciate spontaneity so I like to keep on its good side ;)

[Penny Dreadful]

I stopped using shampoo completely about 3 weeks ago. I now use diluted baking soda and vinegar only. There's a transition period that for me lasted until day 12, but now I'm sure I'll be able to go at least a week between washings. I washed it today after 6 days and that was just because I got a hair cut, or I could easily have gone even longer. My hair feels SO much healthier and softer now, and I'm not putting chemicals in my hair or into the environment.

[Red Diabla]

I stopped using shampoo completely about 3 weeks ago. I now use diluted baking soda and vinegar only. There's a transition period that for me lasted until day 12, but now I'm sure I'll be able to go at least a week between washings. I washed it today after 6 days and that was just because I got a hair cut, or I could easily have gone even longer. My hair feels SO much healthier and softer now, and I'm not putting chemicals in my hair or into the environment.

What is your hair like?

I have thin, oily hair and right now I'm trying to go longer in between shampooings, and I'm completely disgusted with my hair right now as a result. It's heavy and greasy at the roots, and limp at the ends. I try using dry shampoo inbetween hair washings, but I still feel like an oil slick. And it's only been five or six days! AUGH. I suppose I should look into the baking soda/apple cider vinegar options more closely?

RD

[Penny Dreadful]

What is your hair like?

I have thin, oily hair and right now I'm trying to go longer in between shampooings, and I'm completely disgusted with my hair right now as a result. It's heavy and greasy at the roots, and limp at the ends. I try using dry shampoo inbetween hair washings, but I still feel like an oil slick. And it's only been five or six days! AUGH. I suppose I should look into the baking soda/apple cider vinegar options more closely?

RD

My hair is the same as yours, super fine and oily. Over the years I stretched my shampooings out to every week, but just barely. It started to get greasy on day 4 and was desperate for a wash on day 7. Since quitting shampoo has re-calibrated my scalp (its not overcompensating from being stripped by the shampoo) it barely gets greasy at all, and it's only been 3 weeks so I think it eventually won't be greasy ever. It's also thicker and wicked soft. I love my hair now :)

[Cricket]

I use to shampoo my every day because it was so thick and would look dry if I didn't. However, I have started vintage-styling my hair just about everyday now (not counting my lazy days when I stick it in a ponytail). I have found that using a setting lotion on a wet set works well for about three to four days. And the best part is that the dryness I use to complain about has disappeared. Not sure if it is the lotion or lack of shampoo stripping my hair, but I will never go back to shampooing everyday.

[fortworthgal]

I have just started using cleansing conditioners (Wen, HairOne, Salon Grafix) and I still use them about twice a week. My hair is insanely thick, coarse, dry, color-treated & heat-styled. The conditioner method seems to work very well for me, and I'm able to use less styling products, which is nice.

[QueenOfRandom]

I wash every other day and have done for years. I really want to start going longer in between, but my hair is short, too short to go into any form of ponytail/bun or even pulled back.

Any ideas on how to hide the grease, yet still be stylish and office friendly? xD I am asking a lot with this! Thought of a headscarf but not sure how office friendly it could be...

[sheeplady]

I wash every other day and have done for years. I really want to start going longer in between, but my hair is short, too short to go into any form of ponytail/bun or even pulled back.

Any ideas on how to hide the grease, yet still be stylish and office friendly? xD I am asking a lot with this! Thought of a headscarf but not sure how office friendly it could be...

Have you ever tried using dry shampoo or cornstarch? For the cornstarch, sprinkle some on a brush and brush through (that is what dry shampoo is made of, as one of the "base" ingredients). A plain warm water rinse in the shower without shampoo can also take away some of the grease. If it is very greasy, you can do a brush through with a lot of corn starch and then a water rinse following.

I used to have to wash my hair every other day because of massive grease on the third day. Using the "no poo" method, rinses, and corn starch I now go once a week. I still use the corn starch on day 7, sometimes on day 6. In the summer I often do a rinse on day 4 as the humidity makes my hair more greasy.

[QueenOfRandom]

Thanks for the tip!

Cornstarch is just cornflour right? >.<

[Lamontn]

Well i use herbal essential shampoo and pantene conditioner about every six days. I add, a little soda to the shampoo to help get out, the goop i put in my hair to style it.There is also, oily shampoo on the market but i have never tried it.

[sheeplady]

Thanks for the tip!

Cornstarch is just cornflour right? >.<

I've never seen cornflour, so I'm not sure... it is different from corn meal (which I would assume to be the same as corn flour). 6ou can find cornstarch in the baking aisle, typically in a small box or can. It is mainly used as a thickener for soups, sauces, etc.

[QueenOfRandom]

I've never seen cornflour, so I'm not sure... it is different from corn meal (which I would assume to be the same as corn flour). 6ou can find cornstarch in the baking aisle, typically in a small box or can. It is mainly used as a thickener for soups, sauces, etc.

Yep that's cornflour here in the UK! Thanks again! I now have 3 day hair which isn't too bad actually, going to see how it is tomorrow and may not even wash then. Force myself and my hair

[retronista]

I shampoo my hair twice a week, but condition every other day. I think you've just gotta experiment to see what works best for you and your particular hair type. I have extremely dry, curly hair, so shampooing less often and conditioning a couple times a week really helps keep my hair moisturized.

[poodle]

i honestly don't remember the last time i actually used shampoo! I dye my hair frequently, so i avoid harsh chemicals because I want the color to
stay! I condition my hair every other day. but sometimes my hair remains to be dry and fried so i let my hair soak in a little bit of olive oil.

[sheeplady]

Yep that's cornflour here in the UK! Thanks again! I now have 3 day hair which isn't too bad actually, going to see how it is tomorrow and may not even wash then. Force myself and my hair

I was thinking about this the other day and I thought the other thing that might help you is to use styling products if you don't already. I find if I am using hairspray or setting lotion it keeps my hair from getting greasy looking for longer (and in the case of setting lotion, it that builds up it looks like gel). Also, any style that lifts the hair off the scalp seems to reduce grease transfer... for instance, the greasy look is abated by curling my hair or rolling it in victory rolls as both "lift" the hair. Combined with the styling products, even when I washed my hair with shampoo, I could get another day or two out of my hair than if I didn't.

[Maudelynn]

I usually wash my hair twice a week, or there abouts. The first day, I pin curl it and sit under the hooded dryer. The second day, I refresh the bottom of the curls with hot sticks, the third day I smooth down the waves and do a small 1930s roll in the back. I usually deep condition one or twice a month, and do a vinegar rinse every other wash! :)

[Grant Fan]

I only put shampoo in my hair two times a month. I condition everything I get it wet which is about three times a week

[QueenOfRandom]

I was thinking about this the other day and I thought the other thing that might help you is to use styling products if you don't already. I find if I am using hairspray or setting lotion it keeps my hair from getting greasy looking for longer (and in the case of setting lotion, it that builds up it looks like gel). Also, any style that lifts the hair off the scalp seems to reduce grease transfer... for instance, the greasy look is abated by curling my hair or rolling it in victory rolls as both "lift" the hair. Combined with the styling products, even when I washed my hair with shampoo, I could get another day or two out of my hair than if I didn't.

I have found that actually, thanks :)

Currently doing the talc method and it really does help on the extra day! But I do find that it looks okay until I brush it, then it looks greasy... Grrrr (before talc that is) I have noticed a difference though, when I do wash it, it's bloody beautiful and so soft! I am persevering, I will make this work!

[BettieBombshellBeauty]

i'm a modified Curly Girl (completely on accident) because I use a non sulfate shampoo, but very infrequently....twice a month, maybe. I've pretty much stopped using products that require a liberal scrubbing to remove, so I could get rid of shampooing all together- but i do like to thoroughly clean my hair every so often.