Ask The Eco Beauty Expert Ana – War And Grease

THE QUERY:

I hear all the time that you shouldn't wash your hair daily so it retains it's natural moisture, but I feel like mine looks so greasy if I don't wash. Is there any way to make it look good on the second day? -Jane of Redondo Beach, CA

THE PROBLEM:

Jane, I know a lot of women out there are looking for a solution to this little problem. Most hair stylists and dermatologists will tell you shampoo should be used no more than two or three times a week. It is absolutely true that washing excessively is not good for your hair and plays a huge part in that dry, brittle, fried look that hasn't been socially acceptable since 1992. It can also contribute to dry scalp problems and we know where that leads - Dandruff, never a good look.

We can't really hate on shampoo though. The entire purpose of the stuff is to remove the excess oil build-up, and thank God it does or we would all walk around looking like someone just emptied a deep fat fryer on our heads. Shampoo is your friend. Just make sure yours is free of harsh chemicals and synthetics.

Check the ingredients for Sodium Laurel or Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Parabens, artificial Fragrance or Parfume (it usually contains phthalates) and DMDM Hydantoin (it often contains formaldehyde). Pick a good shampoo, use it sparingly and have this little trick up your sleeve...

THE SOLUTION:

I am proudly in the Wash-Thrice-A-Week Club, and I absolutely could not live without a fabulous dry shampoo. If you've never used the stuff, here is Dry Shampoo 101-

Dry Shampoo is an ingenious invention that uses powder to gently absorb the oil in your hair instead of stripping it like it's sudsy counterpart. Your roots look fresh again without a washing, and your scalp can retain its natural moisture without your hair looking greasy. Here are a few little tips for application:

* Shake a small amount in to the palm of one hand then use the fingertips of your other hand to apply. (No matter how well you contain dry shampoo, it is still powder. Avoid a mess by applying over the sink, and before you get dressed.)

* Start with your natural part, dusting the powder along it with your fingers. You only need to lightly cover about the first half-inch of hair from the root.

* Next, pull your hair into a deep side part and repeat application along it. You may want to do this a few times on each side until you have applied to your entire hairline.

* Then part along the back of your head as if you were making pigtails and apply to this part from the crown of your head to the base of your neck.

* Let it set for a few minutes to absorb, then use a brush or comb through your whole head to make sure any excess powder is perfectly blended.

* One last little, tip... Once you're done, HANDS OFF! Raking your hands through your hair constantly just transfers their oil onto your hair. Style it and then leave it alone.

Perhaps, my favorite part about dry shampoo is that it also gives your hair a great texture for restyling. You'll be able to easily create lots of volume on top and it will be very pliable for cool updos.

Check out Skinny Skinny Organic Dry Shampoo at http://www.skinnyskinny.com/. Unlike the average dry shampoo on the market (which are loaded with chemicals and artificial fragrance), this stuff uses organic cornstarch and brown rice powder and essential oils for scent. And the scents are really fantastic. Choose from Lavender, Jasmine, Grapefruit and Cardamom, or Rose and Black Pepper. You simply must give dry shampoo a try. I'm pretty sure you will wonder how you ever got through life without it.

Editor's Note: This post was submitted by TheEcoDiva.com contributor Ana Lange from
www.itdoesabodygreen.com