Hairstyle How To's: The 4 Days, No Washing Experiment (page 2)

Hairstyle How To's: The 4 Days, No Washing Experiment

Posted by Alexandra C. | Thursday May 17, 2012

Yup, you read that title right. Today, we're going to show you how you can get away with not washing your hair for four, whole days. Ok, so maybe four days is a bit much but skipping a shampoo every other day (or two days) is actually encouraged to maintain healthy hair. The natural oils in your hair need to distribute themselves to condition your hair, actually keeping it stronger. And I promise, you won't be gross and look like something the cat dragged in, I swear.

Day 1: Cleansing
The night before, wash your hair and let it dry overnight so you wake up and you are ready to go. Use a fortifying shampoo that won't weigh down your hair. Try a shampoo that focuses on healthy hair that doesn't contain silicone. Sulfates are found in some shampoos and can dry out your hair, use a sulfate free one to keep your hair hydrated. Basically, you want to clean your hair and get rid of dirt, without over stripping your natural oils. Wear your hair as you would normally, try to to play too much with it though. Oil and dirt from your hands can transfer. Use as little styling product as you can and if you do use any, use it when your hair is wet if possible.

(clockwise from top left) Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo, Conditioner and 2-in-1 (US$6.49 each)
Marc Anthony Salon Expert Color Care Shampoo, Conditioner
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo, Conditioner (US$6.38)
Live Clean Professional Healthy Balance Shampoo, Conditioner (C$8.99)

Day 2: Style Hair
Beachy waves are the perfect summer hairstyle but what's also excellent about them is that they actually look better when your hair is dirty because your hair has more texture and grip to it. On day 2 of your no-wash experiment, try out our easy to achieve beach wave style. This will keep for at least two more days. As your hair gets dirtier, your beach waves will look more natural and boho. Here's how to get them:

Step 1: Use a heat protecting spray. We listed the product we used below.

Step 2: Curl your hair. After curling your hair, while it is still warm, comb your fingers through lightly. Don't worry too much about getting ringlets instead of loose waves.

Step 3: Straighten over your curls. Try not to stretch or pull your hair as your straighten. Go over any pieces as necessary. After straightening, while the hair was still warm, we combed through with our fingers again and pulled lightly.

Step 4: Doesn't Mandy look gorgeous? We love this care-free and laid back wavy style on her. It adds volume to hair and is a casual, never over done curl.

Tip: I would suggest forgoing any styling products, besides the heat protecting spray for this. You don't want to produce more oils or layer dirt in your hair.

Day 3: Dry Shampoo
Oh dry shampoo, where would I be without you? We've sung the praises of dry shampoo over here and here but I will never shut up about how great it is. You want to use dry shampoo to absorb any oiliness on your scalp. With your beachy styled hair on it's second day, you'll want to use dry shampoo on your roots and around your hairline. This is where hair gets greasiest. Most dry shampoos leave a white powder behind that needs to be combed through. We love these products for their non-residue producing properties:

(from left) Dove Refresh and Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo (C$7.49), Herbal Essences Set Me Up Heat Protection Spray (C$4.99), L'Oreal Texture Expert Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo (US$14.00)

Day 4: Bun It Up!
On the last day, you'll want to put your hair up and keep it away from your face. If you are anything like me, your skin can get oily and this oil can transfer to your hair, or vice versa. This means, break outs ensue. Yuck. If your roots are getting greasy, feel free to spray some more dry shampoo on them. This will also help to give it a nice, fresh scent. Then pull all your hair together into a top knot or chignon. May we suggest some of these styles?

More by Alexandra C.
More on Hair

Pin It

DIY Summer Drinks: Infused Vodka...

Top 10 Ideas for Long Weekend Fun

20 Comments

	on May 17, 2012 shanaz 5,961 said: Side note about the "OSCAR BLANI" dry shampoo: It's wonderful on dark hair, as it does not leave a white residue. It also smells amazing!! You guys HAVE to try it out!!
	on May 17, 2012 LadyFlash 8,899 said: I find I can't wash mine daily as it's so fine, fragile and I have really sensitive skin. My hair doesn't get too oily fast either. Except for my bangs so I just use a good dry shampoo spray (gosh is my favourite brand right now) to re-freshen them up. My hair is pretty good for about three days (unless It's been a hot, sweaty day or lots of exercising going on) and then It's bun up for the fourth. But that's as far as I can go then I need a good cleansing.
	on May 17, 2012 shanaz 5,961 said: Ladies: The best dry shampoo is by "OSCAR BLANDI" It is honestly the MOST AMAZING one out there!
	on May 17, 2012 AlexJC 50 said: I usually do wash my hair everyday, but I've started to skip a wash every other day. It's hard though because I do always feel like it is greasy plus with curly hair, your second day curls are always limp and lifeless. I've started straightening my hair on the second day though and using dry shampoo (that leaves little residue) which has helped a lot.
	on May 17, 2012 Patricia 6,845 said: I have the bad habit of washing my hair everyday! I don't think I could go four days without washing my hair! I tried a dry shampoo once. I didn't like it because it left my hair feeling sticky!? I guess I didn't try a good one, since everyone seems to love them! I would try one for a camping trip or something like that, but if I have access to a shower, I would probably just wash my hair with regular shampoo.
	on May 17, 2012 mamaluv STAFF said: It really comes down to training your hair, too. All my life I have never washed my hair more frequently than 2x per week unless I swam in chlorine or got my hair dirty another way. There was a stretch where I only washed it 1x per week, but that was pushing it toward the end. I should also note that I have usually had long hair (as you can see in my profile pic). When I had a pixie cut a million years and 3 stupid decisions ago, I had to wash it every 2nd day. My hair is also quite thick too, so if you have thinner hair it's probably a lot harder to stretch the washings that far apart. I actually find that my hair misbehaves the worst on the day that I wash it! I get the best style on day 2 and day 3, and day 4 is always a french braid, ponytail, or bun day. I get the best results on an intricate bun or braid on day 3 or 4. My hair is too clean and slippery on day 1 or 2. It really comes down to what your hair is used to, and your scalp's oil production will compensate.
	on May 17, 2012 sirenstarlight 7,239 said: I only wash my hair every 3 days anyways. Never thought to try a beachy look though! It looks great! :) I've also never used Dove dry shampoo so I think i'll pick that up too :)
	on May 17, 2012 Tiffmorris 1,792 said: Dry shampoos have been my saviours many a mornings that I have slept in.
	on May 17, 2012 MizzRobin 13,788 said: I had a hairdresser tell me to do this once and I thought she was crazy, then I heard of other people doing this...personally I wash my hair every second day and can't stand it to go longer than that! I can see how the dry shampoo could lengthen the time between washings though if someone wanted to try it out!
	on May 17, 2012 takoda 28,648 said: I don't think I could go four days with out washing my hair, even with a dry shampoo. My hair would be so full of grease you could cook french fries on top of it.LOL I've always had a hard time finding a nice balance between my oily roots and my dry ends. I call my hair combo hair just like my skin. I do admit that I haven't tried a dry shampoo, so I just might surprise myself if I ever do try it out.