Hair A week without washing
Your cut-out-and-keep guide to shampoo-dodging
MONDAY FRESHLY STYLED
Preparation is key, so you’ll need to put the effort in early doors. Reach for a clear shampoo and a conditioner that doesn’t contain any oils or butters to avoid your hair looking weighed-down and greasy by Wednesday. “When it comes to styling, volumising mousse is the bouncy blow-dry go-to,” says Nexxus global creative director Kevin Mancuso. “The ingredients are suspended, making it less concentrated and easier to distribute.” Heat sections of hair around a brush and blast with cool air to set before releasing. Afro-hair stylist Charlotte Mensah recommends using double-prong clips to hold wet hair up at the roots when drying curls to achieve volume without product.
TUESDAY INTENTIONAL BED-HEAD
Today is the day for embracing your slept-in texture: Mancuso recommends a spritzing of sea-salt spray to encourage kinks and absorb any excess oils. Try a sugar alternative if your hair is a little on the dry side, as salt can be pretty moisture-zapping. For Afro hair, Mensah suggests sleeping in a “pineapple” the night before: “Loosely fix curls in a high ponytail with a scrunchie and wear a silk scarf like a headband. This stops curls from getting squashed against your pillow and also lifts hair at the root for extra volume in the morning.”
WEDNESDAY NEATLY KNOTTED
Freshen up with a scented dry shampoo, which will also add grip for a long-lasting updo. “A chic topknot hides a multitude of hair sins,” says Schwarzkopf Professional UK Ambassador Janet Maitland. “Tip your head upside down and brush hair (or gather curls) into a ponytail at the crown, twisting the tail around on itself and into a knot.” Fix with kirby grips and hairspray. And don’t waste time taming flyaways – effortless is sexy.
THURSDAY SLICKED-BACK ’N’ BRAIDED
Brave a catwalk favourite – the slicked-back, just-been-caught-in-the-rain look. Comb through a wet-look pomade and (motivation levels dependant) work in a braid, or keep your ponytail dry and textured to soften the look. Mensah recommends a faux undercut to add edge to a week-old Afro. “Braid one side of your hair (cornrows or box braids will do), and leave the other loose.” Half a hairdo, double the impact.
FRIDAY ADDED EXTRAS
It’s all about camouflage and distraction as you drag yourself closer to the weekend. We’re talking hairline-concealing, attention-grabbing accessories. Not one for turning heads? Well, if the humble black headband is good enough for Tom Ford…