[Pirate Jenny]

I couldn't resist the topic title; think of it as a companion thread to the Urinetown debate.

OK, a couple weeks ago I heard a bit on NPR about how it was that Americans got into this daily shampoo routine and how that might not be such a good thing, dermatologically and ecologically speaking.

I myself am going through a long hair phase, and it just takes SO LONG to wash and dry my hair everyday, that I started washing it every other day and rinsing in between, and on those "other" days I put my hair up. I think of myself as a clean hair freak, but I also recognize that that is a modern cultural phenomena and not necessarily the best or only way to go.

So, this morning I did some searching online and then tried the baking soda rinse thing -- the jury is still out (right now the verdict would not be great), and I realize it takes 2-4 weeks for your hair to become accustomed to a new routine, but I hope I can stick it out. I KNOW I would save some money if I could wean myself and my hair off this daily shampooing, and IF I can come up with a way to have good results while doing something healthier for my hair and kinder for the environment, it's worth a shot.

Does anyone else play around with this?

[twinmom]

No. I wash my hair everyday and will continue to do so until I am no longer able.

[cityrose]

I wash my hair every other day because I have read many times that that is what is healthiest for your hair. It doesn't look greasy or dirty or anything. My hair is also full, strong and long.

[NativeBlue]

Does anyone else play around with this?

I wash mine every other day or so (probably more in the summer, less in the winter). I remember years ago talking to a few friends who were European and Asian. They found it odd, not good, whatever ... that Americans washed their hair everyday. I remember my Asian friend asking how our hair didn't break off...she washed hers every 4-5 days.

So tell me more about baking soda?

[LicenseForMayhem]

A few years ago, my hair stylist mentioned that she only washes her hair about every three days. I thought that was a little gross, but she explained that she uses a dry shampoo between washes so her hair doesn't get greasy or smelly. I try to wash mine every other day, but I do wet it and restyle it almost every day. I use a dry shampoo, too, on occasion.

Europeans don't shampoo as frequently as Americans, that's for sure. I've also found that older Americans think people today wash their hair entirely too often. My husband is bald, and it's been surprising how many older people have told him it's because he washed his hair every day. According to these folks, there are many more bald and balding men than there used to be. They seem to think it's either the frequency of washing or some ingredient in today's shampoos that's behind it. I wonder if their observations about the increased frequency of baldness are true.

[ceejay]

Long hair here.
Shower every day.
Shampoo every 3rd day.
(Aging makes hair dry!!! Blow drying makes hair dryer!!!)

[LangesterLuke]

A few years ago, my hair stylist mentioned that she only washes her hair about every three days. I thought that was a little gross, but she explained that she uses a dry shampoo between washes so her hair doesn't get greasy or smelly. I try to wash mine every other day, but I do wet it and restyle it almost every day. I use a dry shampoo, too, on occasion.

Europeans don't shampoo as frequently as Americans, that's for sure. I've also found that older Americans think people today wash their hair entirely too often. My husband is bald, and it's been surprising how many older people have told him it's because he washed his hair every day. According to these folks, there are many more bald and balding men than there used to be. They seem to think it's either the frequency of washing or some ingredient in today's shampoos that's behind it. I wonder if their observations about the increased frequency of baldness are true.

Poppycock, hogwash and all that other tripe!!!
Been washing my hair daily since age 17, first baby shampoo for about 15 years then head and shoulders. I am 62 now and still have all my hair. I may have missed it 30 times in that period.
It all depends on how well healthy your roots are.

[Pirate Jenny]

Hair preservation is one thing that got me thinking about this. I have a lot of hair, but it's fine. I'm 48 and have no visible gray hair, have never colored it, and won't. I like my hair. It's healthy but I'm worried about it thinning. My maternal grandmother had a big bald spot, my mother's hair is thinning somewhat, and my brother started losing his hair in his 20's.

I didn't know there was such a thing as dry shampoo for people...thought it was just for dogs!

The baking soda thing was about a TB mixed with a cup of water. It was unsatisfactory but there were a number of reasons why that could have been, so I'm not finished experimenting. You can also use a vinegar solution, but I haven't tried that.

However.....I shampooed my hair this morning, and it feels GREAT!!!!!!

This post has been edited by Pirate Jenny: 06 April 2009 - 06:42 AM

[Goldilocks]

A few years ago, my hair stylist mentioned that she only washes her hair about every three days. I thought that was a little gross, but she explained that she uses a dry shampoo between washes so her hair doesn't get greasy or smelly. I try to wash mine every other day, but I do wet it and restyle it almost every day. I use a dry shampoo, too, on occasion.

Europeans don't shampoo as frequently as Americans, that's for sure. I've also found that older Americans think people today wash their hair entirely too often. My husband is bald, and it's been surprising how many older people have told him it's because he washed his hair every day. According to these folks, there are many more bald and balding men than there used to be. They seem to think it's either the frequency of washing or some ingredient in today's shampoos that's behind it. I wonder if their observations about the increased frequency of baldness are true.

Male pattern baldness is in the genes and not something that comes from frequent hair washings. Had a brother whose receding hairline began in his late teens. My parents were mortified and took him to the doctor to see if anything could be done. The wise old doctor said no potions and lotions would work to stop the baldness. He was right.

[solitary]

Been going noticeably bald since 17, decided to trump nature at 22, shower daily, shave every couple of days, but I could shave every day.
I use shampoo to shave, it works out pretty well.

[salty]

When I had long hair, I'd only wash it when it was dirty. Usually three or four days. Tried not to get it wet in the meantime, as that would instantly make it feel dirty. Hair had alot of body. Ego attachment gone now.
Learned the shaving with shampoo trick too. ph balanced for my hair, never had a zit on my scalp...

[grieker]

I couldn't resist the topic title; think of it as a companion thread to the Urinetown debate.

OK, a couple weeks ago I heard a bit on NPR about how it was that Americans got into this daily shampoo routine and how that might not be such a good thing, dermatologically and ecologically speaking.

I myself am going through a long hair phase, and it just takes SO LONG to wash and dry my hair everyday, that I started washing it every other day and rinsing in between, and on those "other" days I put my hair up. I think of myself as a clean hair freak, but I also recognize that that is a modern cultural phenomena and not necessarily the best or only way to go.

So, this morning I did some searching online and then tried the baking soda rinse thing -- the jury is still out (right now the verdict would not be great), and I realize it takes 2-4 weeks for your hair to become accustomed to a new routine, but I hope I can stick it out. I KNOW I would save some money if I could wean myself and my hair off this daily shampooing, and IF I can come up with a way to have good results while doing something healthier for my hair and kinder for the environment, it's worth a shot.

Does anyone else play around with this?

Nope I use Pssst!