No-shampoo method (free) vs. Wen haircare system ($30 up)

[pony mom]

I was doing the conditioner-only method of washing hair, then I switched to BS/Vinegar. It was just OK but seemed more work than it was worth. Since getting my hair highlighted, I've gone back to COwashing. This time of year I only wash 3 times a week, but by day 3, which falls on a Sat., it's kinda grungy, and I work that day. So now I'm using Pureology $hampoo on Thurs. so it's OK on Sat.

Since it's quite long now it doesn't get as oily but I hate that scalpy smell. During the warmer months I'll just rinse with water during my shower on my non-washing days.

This winter I experimented with going soapless in the shower so I don't overdry my skin and so far it's going well.

I really wanted the BS/V to work; my hair was so clean and light feeling. It was a PITA to do in the shower though.

[Spartana]

I'm with Jane and Gregg on this - just use a basic inexpensive (Suave?) shampoo/creme rinse combo and that's it - no other products. Long very straight fine hair that tends to the oily side so the fewer products I use the better - and it usually looks good. If it's too labor intensive I won't do it. Also use an inexpensive bar soap (Pure and Natural) to wash face and body with Aveeno lotion afterwards. That's my entire "beauty" regiment right there!

[ApatheticNoMore]

I was doing the conditioner-only method of washing hair

Yea I've tried that, go too many days without shampoo and my hair looks dull and lifeless (maybe I'd need a special conditioner or whatever, I don't know). But use shampoo at least ever other to every 3 days and hair is shiny and nice looking again and it's not some esoteric thing I have to figure out the secrets of, it's using shampoo and conditioner and getting nice hair in return.

[pony mom]

Yea I've tried that, go too many days without shampoo and my hair looks dull and lifeless (maybe I'd need a special conditioner or whatever, I don't know). But use shampoo at least ever other to every 3 days and hair is shiny and nice looking again and it's not some esoteric thing I have to figure out the secrets of, it's using shampoo and conditioner and getting nice hair in return.

I agree. I think it needs a good but gentle cleaning occasionally to remove the build up. BTW, I use cheap VO-5 conditioner (no -cones).

I used to use cheap shampoos but they really strip your hair. I chose Pureology, which is pretty expensive, because it's made for color-treated hair, sulphate-free and is super concentrated. My little bottle should last me well over a year. Since highlighing my hair, other shampoos make my hair instantly seize up; it becomes this stiff water-repelling rat's nest on my head. Never knew hair could be sensitive.

Shikai makes a really nice inexpensive lathering sulphate-free shampoo that cleans well and is gentle on hair.

[MissMandy]

I received the WEN as a gift..I didn't like it. I felt greasy and weighed down. Maybe because I have naturally more oily hair. I would suggest something more simple.

I usually have the same problem with these things. I pretty much have to wash my hair everyday or I look like a hot mess.

[Jill]

Thanks for all the replies! I think you all have talked some sense into me. I rarely get taken in by those infomercials but I have been on a lifelong quest to find something to "fix" my hair so it touched my weak spot.

[Zoebird]

Jill,

What is the 'problem' of your hair? Perhaps we can put some heads/research together and see what might work.