9 Things That Might Happen If You Stop Washing Your Hair

You’ve heard the rumors. You’ve read the articles. It seems that everywhere you turn, people are telling you to stop washing your hair. But would you dare to skip the suds?

Here, nine surprising things that just might happen if you do.

1. You hair will probably be less greasy. Sure, the first two weeks may be a little bit rough, but eventually, your hair will stop producing quite as many oils (to compensate for the dryness caused by shampoo) and will, in turn, appear more lustrous and shiny. See, even old hair follicles can learn new tricks.

2. But it might smell gross. Over the days and weeks, your tresses will definitely pick up the smells of the world around you. (Note: Campfires and fish dinners do not pair well.) To keep it from being truly disgusting, wash hair regularly with water and try a once-weekly baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinse.

3. You’ll have fewer split ends. Less washing means less agitated cuticles. You do the math.

4. And more body and bounce. Some shampoos strip natural oils from your hair and replace them with chemical moisturizers, which can actually reduce thickness and body over time.

5. Unless you have fine hair. Unfortunately, natural oils + fine hair = limp locks. You can still go without shampooing every day--but you’ll need to wash hair more frequently to make it work.

6. Your color should last longer. Color damage is caused by repeat washings. It’s as simple as that.

7. It’ll be easier to braid and style. You know how super-clean hair kinda slips through your fingers? Consider dirt and grime life’s natural pomade.

8. And your morning routine will be a cinch. No hair washing means no hair drying.

9. But you might feel sad and empty and weird. After a long day, is there any better feeling than hot water pounding on your head? Yeah, there’s a reason we sometimes stay in there for 20 minutes at a time.