So wash #2 happened this morning.  My plan was to wash my hair on Tuesdays and Fridays (as I generally wash my hair at night); however, given KC’s work party last night…I wasn’t in any shape to be washing my hair once we finally made it home. (By the way, KC and I discovered that we are an awesome karaoke duo last night.  You’re welcome PwCer’s).  Sooo cut to this morning when I finally stumbled into the shower for the baking soda and vinegar party part 2.

As promised (or, alluded to…) previously, I took photos of my hair pre and post-shower this morning so you can see how my hair is faring on this new detox diet. (Don’t worry, I’m fully clothed.  I’m not that desperate for a job.)

Yes, this is what I look like first thing in the morning after a night of merriment (aka boozing it up like college student.  Hey, I’m unemployed, I need to bring joy into my life any way I can; if it happens to come with an olive and a straw, so be it).  I know, those glasses, the un-combed hair, the sexy powder-blue tank…KC is a lucky man indeed.  Anyway, focus more on the fact that this is how my hair looks after not washing it for 3 1/2 days (and after not styling or brushing…whatever, it was a long night).

Here’s another picture…  Yes, clearly I have no shame posting pictures of myself sans makeup or, let’s face it, basic hygiene.  Ok, so maybe I don’t look so fabulous, but you have to admit that (despite the lack of styling) my hair looks fairly decent for day 3 1/2.  Also, that adorable tail on my left belongs to this critter:

Seuss Mackey the Lionhearted (who, even when you catch her looking like an evil beast mid-meow, is still just ridiculously adorable).

I rescued Seuss from the Humane Society in December 2006 and our love affair has continued ever since.

Yes, there’s a story behind Seuss’ unusual name.  Long story short, Alexis (the very same sister who inspired this challenge) had a dream that I had a child out of wedlock (I’m apparently quite promiscuous in Alexis’ subconscious) named Seuss Mackey, whom I hid in a duffel bag so no one would know about him (perhaps because I was embarrassed of his sharpied-on eyebrows…?).  Anyway, this dream (the product of severe jet lag on our trip to Austria) spawned the name for Seuss (who happens to be female, but I think still embodies the spirit of that original duffel-clad illegitimate child of mine).

But I digress, back to the hair (what this post is supposed to be about right?).  So I washed my hair as I did the last time I posted (1 tbsp. baking soda + 1 cup water; 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar + 1 cup water + 1 drop lavender essential oil) and here’s the result in photo form: (Yes, I do generally look like a normal person.  I pull it together quite well when I need to.)

I’ve noticed so far that, though my hair feels much dryer when wet than when I was using shampoo and conditioner, once I blowdry and style it, it feels fairly soft.  I should say though that my hair has a bit of a different texture these days since starting the no ‘poo challenge.  I don’t know how to describe it, other than to say my hair feels less fine.  It’s almost as if my individual strands are thicker somehow.  Strange, but that’s the only way I can really convey it.  Also, my hair seems to be looking smoother and healthier than it did when I was using shampoo and conditioner.  I generally have a fair amount of fly-aways and split ends due to my heat styling routine (my straightener and I are very close, BFF you might say); but my fly-aways seem less noticeable these days.  My split ends are still there (because, let’s face it, it’s not like I can get rid of those without a pair of scissors), so until I get my act (and finances) together and get a trim, I doubt much will be changing on that front.

Ok, so now to answer a few questions (or…one question): yes, my hair is uncolored.  I used to color my hair regularly, but because of my personal employment situation (aka financially-challenged) I decided that was an expense which I could live without for awhile.  So now my hair has been not permanently colored for over a year, and not demi-permanently (wash out) colored for 6 months.  So yes, I’d say it’s pretty safe to say that my hair is back to it’s natural state color-wise.  Because of this, I don’t know how this regimen would affect hair that’s been colored.  Based on my research, some say that the diet strips your color faster than shampoo/conditioner, others claim it’s about the same.  Still, some say that going natural has actually helped them maintain their color longer because they wash their hair less (1-2 times a week, as opposed to 3-7 times).  I only washed my hair twice a week on average when using shampoo and conditioner, so I’m not sure what the change would be, if any.  If I happen to become employed in the near future (fingers crossed!  *Insert shameless self-promotion here: Hire me, please. Seriously.) and go back to my highlight routine, I will let you know how the natural diet affects it.  Until then, the research I’ve seen is inconclusive at best.  Also, a note about the vinegar rinse — if you opt to use the lemon juice version, know that it may lighten your hair (natural highlights anyone?); but you knew that already from your 1998 adventure with the Sun-In bottle right? (Yes, I’m talking about you, Alexis).

If you have other questions about the challenge, please feel free to post it as a comment; or, if you see me everyday (Bar Methoders…) feel free to ask me in person.  Maybe your question will show up on here later (with your name attached?!  OMG.  How famous are you!)  Yes, your very own question might be posted on this blog which is read by literally tens of people every week.  You’re pretty much right up there with J Lo and Celine Dion.  You’ll probably have your own Vegas show by the end of the month.  Sweet!  Just remember who gave you your start and get me some good seats and a comped suite at the Wynn (or The Palms, I’m easy).

Until next time…one more adorable Seuss pic for the road: