To shampoo, or not to shampoo?
That is the question.
For is it nobler to use non toxic products and wash more often or to use conventional product and wash more sparingly.
In an effort to reduce the amount of chemicals I am flushing down the drain I decided to wash my hair less often. I heard that your scalp would adapt and your hair would actually be less oily and you could go longer without washing. I used to wash every other day religiously.
So I started weaning myself. First I would go 3 days in between, then 4 and for the past year I have been washing my hair once a week. It is true that your scalp does adjust and that my hair could wait the six days in between washes.
Monday it looks good, Tuesday is better than Monday, Wednesday it’s ok and Thursday it starts to show a bit of oil, so I pull it back. Friday I am off from work so who cares and Saturday hair is pulled back in a ponytail or bun. On Sunday, well you don’t want to see my hair on Sunday. That’s when I usually wash it. Unless, I have to go out Saturday night.
Simultaneously I tried to move away from conventional shampoos and try to find something less toxic. One controversial ingredient I try to stay away from is MIT (methylisothiazoline). Some studies have shown neurological system damage. Some worry that pregnant women can put their developing fetuses’ brain development at risk.
I tried Dr. Young’s Shampoo and Conditioner which were great but so expensive. Here is a link to the website.
I tried Aubrey Organics. This one only worked for me the first 3 washes afterward my hair looked horrible.
I tried Burt Bees Pomegranate but I didn’t like the smell.
I eventually tried Burt Bees rosemary body wash and then Dr. Bronner’s castile soap.
The truth is they will not leave your hair feeling the same way as the conventional brands but I think it is worth it in order to stay away from such toxic chemicals.
I will keep looking and till then my hair will be oily sometimes and frizzy other times but hopefully my body and the environment will be the better for it.
Please take a look at some links for more information.
