My Clean Beauty Haircare Routine (and how I go at least 7 days without washing my hair)

I asked you on Instagram if you wanted to know my haircare routine. And 96% of you gave a resounding yes to that. I’m trying to deliver the content you really want, and although I don’t know a lot about styling my hair and you won’t see a fancy hair tutorial for me, I would love to share the routine that I have found for my thick and long hair using only clean products. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I go at least a week in between washing my hair. This matters to me because I can save so much time not doing my hair very often. My long hair takes me over an hour to wash, dry, and style. I don’t have time for that in my days. And I don’t want to make time either.

Can I go that long without washing?

You may be thinking you could never go a week without washing your hair. And, you may be right. But, you can work towards going a day longer with your hair. A day at a time. And my hair is thick and dryer. It isn’t too oily and I have always been able to go 3 days between washing. I accidentally trained my hair to go 7 days between washing when I was pregnant with Evie. I was so tired, and washing my hair took so much energy I decided in my first trimester I wasn’t going to wash as often. And somehow I started washing it once a week (Wednesday’s) and have kept that up since.

I took note of what I was doing, which products I was using, and have shared bits and pieces here and there. And over the last few months, I have purchased a couple of new products (like good brushes) and have honed this skill of washing less. I found a few bloggers who were sharing tips about this. But I found they were using products full of chemicals, and I wasn’t going to use those on my hair. I took some tips from them but used my clean products with so much success.

I wanted to share it with you so it can help you or at least give a starting place on training your hair to go longer in between washes.

I use clean and natural products

I think it is hard to find out how to learn to extend washing with your hair and still be using natural and clean products. I’ve seen people talk about using dry shampoo and other products that I would never use on my own hair. I ditched the harmful chemicals out of my hair products years ago. This is a big deal to find something that works with your hair and keeps your hair healthy while not washing it as often.

My hair is thick. It is dry. And it tends to build up minerals and product in it very easily. I used to look forward to getting my hair cut so that they would use the conventional shampoos and conditioners because I could finally have shiny hair that I could comb through and it would take the product build up out of my hair. That’s not the case anymore. I have products that don’t build up in my hair. And, I believe they work well for all hair types.

My Routine

I feel I should start this section by saying I don’t take a ton of time on my hair. I don’t know how to style it super fancy. And I used to rarely brush it. I guess what I’m trying to say is that wherever you are in your skill level with doing your hair, you can implement my products and tips.

Shampoo

My thick hair took a turn for the better when I started using Beautycounter’s Daily Shampoo. It doesn’t leave your hair feeling coated and you only need a little bit. I think my shampoo lasts me an entire year. Even with my thick hair, I don’t need much more than a dime or quarter sized amount. I do a pre-wash with a very little amount of shampoo just to get my washing started. Then I follow up with the Clarifying wash and shampoo a second time with more product before I use conditioner.

Purchase the shampoo here

Clarifying Wash

This clarifying wash was the miracle product for my hair and having it be manageable again. This product helps chelate out mineral buildup (and I believe product build up too) and leaves your hair feeling so clean and really able to comb through it. I used to get these mini dreadlock type knots in the back of my hair, and this product (and a great haircut) helps to prevent that. I use a liberal amount of this on my whole head. Roots to the ends of my hair. I let it sit on for 3-8 minutes, depending on how deep of treatment I feel my hair needs. I wash it out completely and shampoo again.

Conditioner

I don’t use much conditioner. I am always nervous I won’t get it all out and my hair will be so greasy. I do use the Beautycounter Daily Conditioner or the Volume and Shape conditioner. I prefer the Volume and Shape for my long hair now, but have been using the daily for a few years now.

Styling Products

I don’t think styling products are that important in getting your hair to go more days in between washes. I still wanted to share some favorite products.

• I use the Beautycounter hair oil on my hair first. Just to add some moisture into my hair and tame flyaways. I use 2 pumps.
• I use a lot of Onesta products right now. My stylist who colors my hair carries them and they are a professional salon line that is safer. And they work so well. I use the leave-in conditioner, blow dry cream, and hair spray.
• One product I can’t live without is Beautycounter’s Volumizing Mist. This is what gets my curls to stay in longer and helps the whole curling process. I use this before I use my curling wand and after as a hair spray.

Dry Shampoo

If you’re stretching your hair to go longer between washes you are going to need some dry shampoo. I use Primally Pure or Acure. I put it on at night and comb my hair. I usually use dry shampoo once or twice in a week

Brush

I just invested in nice brushes for my hair. And it makes such a difference! I bought them from Lange and have been loving them. They don’t break my hair and I try and brush morning and night. Brushing your hair more often stimulates the hair follicle and helps distribute your natural oil into the bottom parts of your hair, making your hair less dry. I have both of the Sienna paddle brushes. I use the boar’s hair one when I am brushing my scalp. If you would choose one, I’d choose the regular Sienna Paddle brush.

Curling Wand

I know there are many great brands out there. Right now I’m using the Lange Ondule Titanium 25mm. For longer lasting curls, you want to use the 25mm wand. I curl my hair once a week. That’s all. I brush it out 2x a day and still keep the curl in. Putting my hair up at night helps keep my curls in, but also, this wand just keeps the hair curled so well. You could definitely touch up as needed. As the week goes on, the curls in my hair get looser and more beachy.

Hair Ties

This tip alone has helped my hair go 2-3 days longer in between washing. And keeps my curls in good shape. I put my hair in a scrunchie on top of my head every night. My hair doesn’t touch my face full of skincare and get oily. And a quick brush in the morning and I’m good to go.