I wash DD's hair only monthly (or less!) - anything I should know?

[laohaire]

DD has fine, dark hair. She absolutely hates to have her hair washed. I didn't make a decision to no-poo her or anything (and frankly know very little about the process or its reasons) but just basically let a long time go between washings because she hates it and it doesn't seem to be a big problem.

It does look nicer when it's freshly washed but unless I'm just not seeing it, it doesn't look disgusting even when it's been a month. DD isn't a very dirty kid but obviously if she gets food in her hair or dirt or something I do wash it, but that's rare.

So, have I habituated her hair to infrequent washings? Am I going to have to be careful if I start washing it more often suddenly? Like will it be very dry? Is there something I need to be doing or washing her hair with if we wash so infrequently?

[smeisnotapirate]

I would say that you should continue just scrubbing with water as she gets older and see what happens. If her hair starts looking gross as she hits puberty, maybe you'll want to do conditioner-only scrubs with conditioners that have no -cones or -xanes in the ingredients. Those will create buildup that you can only get rid of using sulfate shampoo, which is not good for hair.

[MoonStarFalling]

My ds is 7 and I've only ever put shampoo on him a few times. His hair looks great.

If you do wash it or suddenly start washing it often I would just stay away from the laureth sulfates. Use something gentle like california baby and it shouldn't dry the hair or scalp out.

[laohaire]

Originally Posted by smeisnotapirate

I would say that you should continue just scrubbing with water as she gets older and see what happens.

So that means I should wash the hair, just not use shampoo? Ah, idiot me, I guess that's what no-poo is, you still wash the hair but just without shampoo.

Doesn't the hair get icky and dry and sort of "sticky" with just water? The few times I've washed my own hair with just water it never turned out well at all.

I guess I'm not no-poo-ing DD, I just wash her hair really really infrequently.

[MoonStarFalling]

I think still scrubbing with water once or twice a week is a good idea. You can still use shampoo once a month or whatever. You still need to stimulate the scalp and loosen any gunk that's stuck there. I learned a lesson when we shaved my DS's head a couple years ago. His scalp was disgusting, we just couldn't see it because of his thick hair. I try to scrub his head more often now. The hair will be much shinier and softer if you use water only.

[laohaire]

Oy!!!

OK, duly noted!

[carrotstick]

My kids are 10 and 5, and have only washed their hair a handful of times (they are in charge of their own shower). My son (10) has started washing his hair a little more frequently of his own accord as he swims or gets really sweaty, but my daughter (5) just rinses with water and isn't a fan of the shampoo at all. If I told "normal" people this they would either not believe me or think I am gross! haha! But if you see my kids you'd have no idea. DH is the same way, he hasn't washed his hair in years.