No Shampoo Update

Way back in March I talked about jumping on the no-shampoo bandwagon and I thought I’d give you guys a little update.  Stage one of the plan is almost complete!  (stage one being transitioning to washing my hair less often)  I now wash my hair two days a week, on Sunday night and Wednesday night (I’m a night-showerer, which works well because D is a morning-showerer so we’re never fighting for turns).  Washing my hair much less often has led to two realizations:

1.  I’m using much, much less shampoo.  It’s kind of crazy how little shampoo I’ve gone through.  I told myself I’d use up all my current, sulfate-full shampoo and then make the switch to baking soda.  I had no idea those last two bottles would last over 6 months.  I’m almost done with the final one, at which point I’ll start washing my hair with baking soda.
2.  My hair gets dirty/oily much slower.  I used to cringe at not washing my hair every other night, and sometimes all I could do on that third day was throw it in a bun and hope to look presentable, but lately it looks totally normal and not greasy even after three days of no shampoo.  I feel like this is definitely progress.

I imagine moving into stage two, which will be actually washing my hair with baking soda and using apple cider vinegar as conditioner, will be more difficult.  I’m fully prepared to wear my hair up in buns or hidden under hats while I get the hang of it.  However, I’m also really looking forward to getting rid of a bunch of bottles in the shower and not having to schlep tiny little containers of shampoo and conditioner through airport security.  I’ve been streamlining my beauty routine in the last few months and have gotten my “liquids” pared down to shampoo/conditioner, face lotion, toothpaste, and contact lens solution.  My goal is to only take one carryon bag for our 10-day trip to Italy in March.  Simplifying my hair routine will definitely help.