First, I shower enough. I really do.
This is not about personal hygiene but about grooming. Mostly my ridiculously thick, wavy but can be curly hair. My hair looks great when I leave the salon and when I take the time to blow dry and straighten it. When left to its natural tendencies it likes to frizz and curl into a washed out 80’s perm. No clip, hair band or pony tail can save it.
The three looks of my hair:
*These are all photos from the last year taken with my laptop using Photobooth. When Chris is away on tour I try to take one picture a day of Henry and I to send to him. It was fun to look through all of them and a) notice my many hair looks and how they were mostly of the fuzzy pulled back bun variety and b) more importantly, how much my little man has grown up. He’s sure not a baby anymore.
It might sound counter-intuitive, making a pledge to spend more time on your appearance when you’re wanting a simplified life. The thing is, my hair makes me feel good. Laugh all you want but smooth locks brighten my day. I feel confident and, honestly, a touch energized when my hair is straightened.
As I’ve written in the past, I’m making a go of freelance writing (sold first article – more news on this later!). It means occasionally meeting up with people or going to a few events to connect with other writers. My mother-in-law loves my curly hair, bless her, but I feel best when my hair has been blown out and flat ironed.
So I want to get back to spending a bit more time on myself. Since having Henry I’ve mostly put my appearance last on the list of things to do. In the first few months of his arrival I would occasionally visit a Blo bar for a quick hair revitalization. In the haze of sleep deprivation it was a luxury that pepped me up more than three cups of coffee.
Back to the showering. I do shower regularly but I wash my hair at most twice a week. This is a shocker to a lot of people. After a disastrous foray into dark hair I was told the best way to try and keep my lock while turning them back to blonde was to wash my hair as little as possible. After a few greasy weeks my scalp regulated its oil production. It’s been almost four years since that experience and I’ve never gone back to washing my hair more than once or twice a week. I promise I don’t look like a grease ball all the time.
This could be one of my harder challenges but I want to feel my best every day. Look good, feel good, do good.
Anyone else have something a bit off the beaten path they’re working on this year? I’ve shared my stories of speed eating and hair fantasies and would love to hear what others want to change in their life.
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I wash my hair with baking soda/water (shake it up in a bottle), than I rinse with apple cider vinegar. It’s the “no poo” medthod, and it allows me to skip hair washing. I wash probably 1-2 a week, my hair never gets greasy like it used to with shampoo.
My hair is the same as yours…sort of wavy. After dyeing it blonde for 10+ years, it was getting damaged. I tried EVERYTHING to repair it. It was so frizzy all the time. My hairdresser said this wouldn’t work, as there was no moisture, but it did: http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/?doing_wp_cron=1326229542 — because the natural moisture is not stripped. My hair is so frizz-free…I love it! I hardly use any defrizzer; maybe a tiny bit right after washing. (I used to use copious amounts every day. I also only wash my hair every 3 days.) The No Poo method is so much cheaper than the best quality shampoo & conditioner I was buying before and all the defrizzer — all of which were doing nothing to improve the state of my hair. (Also, after it got severely damaged, I dyed it back to brown — so I could give my hair a break for a while — and the No Poo method has not made the colour fade at all.)
Also, I love your waves! I have learned to love mine. The youth we work with call them “sexy beach waves”. I enjoy my beach waves the first day after washing, and then the 2nd & 3rd day I enjoy my hair straightened — if I take the time to do it. Anyways, that’s what’s working for me right now. Letting my hair “do what it wants” saves me so much time.
Another thing I should really try. I still used salon conditioner and shampoo. The nice thing is that while the products are expensive they last me a very long time because I only shampoo once a week.
Okay, I am liking the term “sexy beach waves” and might wear it that way more often. 🙂
A couple years ago I stopped using commercial shampoos and conditioners. Instead I buy shampoo bars from a local natural soap maker (Pacific Coast Soap Works in Victoria, BC). All natural ingredients, specially formulated for hair, so no chemical concoctions, no plastic bottles to toss out. And best of all I no longer need conditioner because I’m not washing out all the natural oils. Instead I do a quick rinse with a 1:1 vinegar/water solution (I keep a spray bottle in the shower). My hair has never been healthier. I also stopped colouring it (after doing so virtually continuously for almost 20 years). If I had curly hair I would cut it in a style that takes advantage of that. I don’t blow-dry or use any styling products (because my hair is so much healthier). A huge cosmetics budget plus the time spent using it all (and dealing with the packaging waste) is now gone from my life. Hope this inspires you to keep thinking about your hair and alternatives to the usual.
Thanks you for this. Talking about my hair ‘challenges’ has brought me so many good ideas and alternatives to shampoo. And revealed that I am not alone in my less is more with hair washing =)
I realize that this is late but i just had to say that your natural hair is gorgeous! Straight and smooth hair may make you feel good but if you want to feel sexy wear it natural. i envy you. 🙂 Also it is truly amazing what you have managed to do. It gives me anxiety to think of getting rid of everything but it is exactly what I want to do…time to research and get motivated
Thanks, Jennifer and good luck. Don’t get overwhelmed when you start =)
I loved reading your blog (did a marathon reading). You are doing an amazing job with your minimalist life approach and documenting it all. I am in the process of simplifying my life as well and it helps to read some real life advice.
As for the hair, I suffer from the same not curly – not straight hair…(it might be that the majority of women have the same type of hair?) The solution to that was a recent discovery of a fantastic invention: the hair-drier brush. It is a round, smaller hair drier with a brush attached at the end of it. After you normally dry your hair, just put your head down and brush it with this machine. It works wonders and it only takes 3 minutes. If you have more time on your hand, you can even part your hair and do smaller layers and the result is quite similar to the blo bar. It is around $30 to purchase but it is worth every penny.
Instant confidence boost!
🙂
Can’t wait to read more of your blog!
You are the second person to recommend this blow dryer brush! Now I will have to look into buying one. I have a great high end blow dryer – maybe I can sell it on Craigslist and use the proceeds for this.
Thanks for the kind comments and good luck with your simplifying!
Just found your site via the Globe and Mail – thanks its inspiring.
I have your same hair, and only wash once or twice a week. A day or two after straightening your hair, if you want to give it a bit more life just rub a bit of dry shampoo into your roots it works wonders. Good for after a ‘mild’ workout too.
I agree that it’s really important to feel good about how we look. It affects how we perceive ourselves and, perhaps unfortunately, how we are perceived by others.
It is important. I’m trying to find that balance of making the effort but not worrying about it too much. So true, at the core of it, it’s about how we feel about how we look – not necessarily how we look. When you feel good in your skin it shows.
I wash my hair twice a week using baking soda mixed with water. I’ve been using it for nearly a year and I’m loving it. It’s made my frizzy hair less frizzy and it saves on waste from all those bottles. I also love that it’s non-toxic. I’m definitely a minimalist when it comes to lotions, potions and things like that.
Have you tried any alternatives to shampoo?
Haven’t tried alternatives but with all these great suggestions I am thinking about it. I’ll look into if any of these things are ‘highlight safe’. My hair stylist is very cool and into alternative styling/maintenance products so I am sure she will give me honest answers.
Thanks for the info!
I love bee charmer too but I think you are right, it’s about how it makes you feel. My word for 2011 is “polish” and so your post really speaks to me. And another ref to networking awesomely -it’s a sign for me that I should buy this one via Katy’s site. Great post.
Ooh, I need a theme word for 2011. Will think on it. Minimalist is so 2010 for me 😉
I just cut my hair – ala Emma Watson / Jamie Lee Curtis. I’ve had it short before. I love it! Takes no time to wash, dry, or style. Saves water, shampoo, electricity. I wash it every other day unless I need to look super spiffy. It’s an easy look and I feel great in it! I guess for me it is an early step in minimalizing!
Good for you! I’ve experimented with different lengths but never gone that short. Every woman I know that has gone super short says it is liberating.
My hair can relate to your hair! I feel best when I’ve straightened my naturally curly hair, AND I only wash it about once a week. Definitely a confidence/comfort thing. Love your blog!
Thanks, Roberta. Love all the wavy and curly haired comments here.
Hi Rachel had to pop back – last night I thought of you… firstly I checked out the website about curly hair – the beer tip came up again. I love beer, I drink it, I cook with it so why not wash my hair in it. Definitely worth a go! Anyhow…
My top tip is this… when I dry my hair I use a brush and dryer combination. Many years ago I tried my friends and it works very well. It looks like a curling brush but blows out heat. The reason it works on my hair (I think) is because it dries from underneath, you use it like a brush. Also I struggled to use a normal brush and a hair-dryer at the same time as it is so thick it is difficult to do, and takes so long my arms start aching. It also works with the wave, so I get ‘body’ rather than frizz which is what happens if it dries naturally. Just a thought 🙂
I’ve seen those brush/dryer things but honestly didn’t think they would work well. Interesting.
I agree, it’s an arm workout to use the brush and blow dryer.
Thanks, Yuliya!
You’re thick, wavy look is beautiful!
Thanks, Michelle. I just find it BIG. And I’m already a big tall person (6ft) so I gravitate to a sleeker look.
We all want what we don’t have as they say. My friends with poker straight hair are desperate for some curl.
have you ever heard of naturallycurly.com aka curlygirl? i’ve thick, wavy, and curly hair too. it’s worked wonders for me. it involves not using shampoo, but 2 different kinds of conditioners, never brushing, and loving your curls.
http://www.naturallycurly.com/
cheers!
What a great website – thanks for sharing! I might consider some day just embracing the curl and going with it. That is a great resource. And totally reminds me why my hair looked so huge and fuzzy in high school – I brushed it like crazy. Even now, if I am not wearing it straight I don’t brush it.
I really enjoyed your posts on the Everday minimalist & miss minimalist=)
Thanks, Steph. I’ll put up a link the Everyday Minimalist’s What’s in Your Wallet Series tomorrow. I’m enjoying it – her wallet/purse was fantastic. She has great taste. When we were emailing and she said she had the same Mat&Nat bag as me I felt proud of that purchase!
Love the first photo, but trust you know what you want… Used to have straight hair with a bit of a wave, then after two kids, and I guess some sort of hormonal thing, I now have really wavy/curly hair. And no time to figure out how to deal with very different hair…. I’m embracing the curl and have experimented with various products that enhance the curl/reduce the frizziness. I’m with you on not washing more than 2x per week and I’m fairly certain people don’t whisper about my personal habits behind my back ;)!
Thanks, Lori. Did you see the comment about naturallycurly.com? If I ever go full time curly I will use that technique.
So great to keep hearing others only wash their hair twice a week. I’ve been given some strange looks when I admit to it.
I wash my hair no more than twice a week either. Glad to know I’m not alone!
We’re totally not alone, Jody =)
I can relate! Hi Rachel – I found your blog on diaperswappers (of all places 🙂 ), and have really enjoyed reading about your journey! We love ourselves some minimalism around here – I’ve undertaken unloading another 2011 items from our home in 2011, and so far I’m seeing real benefits. I’m really finding that streamlining the stuff is leading me to have more time to do the things that I really want to do – whether that’s baking for my kids or reading a good book (or taking the time to blowdry and straighten my hair each morning).
The Internet makes it a small world, doesn’t it?
Nice work on the minimaliz-ing. And cool to hear another person talk about the equation of less stuff = more time.
Hopefully see you around the ‘hood soon =)
My hair can have great curls but they take as much time and work as straight hair and only last for a day. Straight hair can last me up to 5 days with a bit of maintenance.
In a good way, my mom focused on sports and school when we were young. Being a bit of a tom boy I never spent too much time on make-up or my appearance as a teenager. Some times I feel like I am just now learning about this whole put your best foot forward with your appearance thing.
I got a perm last year- worst decision of my life I miss being able to streighten my wavy hair in five minutes, now it can take me up to a half hour to get it streight. I’m a busy mom so I thought a perm would save me time but I don’t like the curls at all & now I spend more time on myself more then ever, grrr.
I looked into the permanent straightening but the chemicals are really harsh and my hair stylist told me my hair would turn orange.
It sounds like such a great thing – no mess straight hair for 3 months. Sigh. Maybe some day they will make a formula for it without formaldehyde.
From reading your blog, it sounds like you are doing well in the domestic arts this fall and so far this year. I’m trying to sink my teeth into that role too.
I wouldn’t have guessed 80’s hair for you. From pics your hair looks pretty sleek and perfect.
Bee charmer!!! I love the rocker hair. Always have, always will.
Total bee charmer. Tawny Kitaen!
I’m going the opposite route and embracing the curl. I just can’t find the time or energy to straighten it when it gets ruined each day by the rain or working out. But I will still support you in your resolution.
Your curls are looking great. I just can’t rock the bob of curls with my round face. Side part and smooth hair works best for me.
As discussed, I don’t work out as much as you and seem to be sweating less as I get older. And I am not afraid to run on a treadmill to save my hair.
I too only wash my hair about 2x a week and it really is so much better.
My goal is to take the time and put on a little bit of makeup – I usually go completely without – at least 3 days a week for work. I do feel just a bit peppier and more put together. And by a little I mean, either a light smoothing on of foundation with SPF and mascara, or powder and mascara in the summer heat.
When I get around to it my make-up routine is similar. So true, I feel put together and more confident when I put just a bit of effort into it.
Rachel – I know you have a twin already but I am sure we were separated at birth 🙂
Paragraph 1 – snap I could have written it (ridiculously thick hair – ditto). I have to blow dry and straighten my hair for me to feel human and this takes up to 2 hours from hitting the shower – but it is so worth it when I do it, in fact it saves me time as I spend less time messing around generally with it trying to look half decent! I too wash my hair max twice a week and yes people are horrified, but I am presuming due to the description of your hair it is the same texture as mine and as such doesn’t really get greasy if washed twice a week – in fact mine gets too dry if washed too much.
Your three looks are exactly like mine – messy bun, smooth and sleek (best on day two) or rock chick waves (but seriously your Rock Chick waves are fantastic – mine never look that good!) . I was brought up to believe hair is your crowning glory – and I totally agree good hair makes a world of difference to how you are perceived. loved this post – and many many congrats on the sold article – way to go girl! Jo
Is your family from the north? Maybe we are related. My parents moved to Canada in the 60’s from around Glasgow. Maybe it is a British thing =)
It also takes considerable time for me to tame my hair. One of the many reasons I find myself not making the effort. The blo dry salon does wash/dry/blow out/flat iron in 40 minutes. Maybe I just need more practice?
Must be in the ancestry! As far as I know I’m not from Scottish descendants – but I adore Scotland and have visited there many times to work and ski. Whenever I cross the English/Scottish border I always get a feeling like I have come home!