Sunday May 18, 2008

Almost a month of going no 'poo, which I started on Earth Day April 22. This week I skipped the shikakai, as my scalp seems fine. This morning I washed with hot water, did a scalp massage, and then rinsed with white vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil. My roots are oilier than they would have been if I'd just left them alone.

I'm going to try to stretch the shikakai scrub to once every two weeks instead of once a week. Honestly I think my hair really likes being left alone. It seems to do best just with vigorous brushing and a little cornstarch.

Note for those of you trying this: Styling gels or mousses that have petrochemicals in them can throw off your results; the only way to get chemicals out of your hair is with more chemicals. If you must use styling products, go as natural as possible. Lush has a few good styling gels that are vegetable based.

There was a fairly recent article, from February, in the New York Times about how more and more New York salons are encouraging patrons to shampoo only once a week. This is because many girls are getting towering beehive hairdos a la Amy Winehouse and then letting the 'dos come undone over the week. Hot. I've been waiting all my life for beehives to come back in fashion.

I'm also trying out a DIY deodorant made of baking soda, cornstarch, and lavender oil. I haven't been doing anything too strenuous this morning, so I'm still shower fresh. This formula looks gnarly with black clothes, so I'm going to have to put this powder in a base of shea butter or cocoa butter, otherwise all my clothes will have white streaks on them.