WASHING your hair can become a chore, so we understand why Ulrika Jonsson recently decided not to bother for an eight-day stretch.

The telly star, 52, admitted on Instagram that she hated washing her hair – to the delight of some.

Converts to the “no poo” movement claim your hair is better off without the use of modern products.

Skin expert Emma Coleman says: “Magnesium and zinc make up our hair follicle health – and chemical-based shampoos can strip these nutrients away. Alternatively, ‘not pooing’ can create a build-up of oil, dirt, pollution and skin, which blocks pores and inhibits growth.”

Fans claim there is a turning point following four weeks of not washing, after which hair health is much improved.

So is grease the word or just the gateway to a hairy situation? Here, Siobhan O’Connor decides to take the plunge and ditches her usual three washes a week . . . for a full month.

DAY ONE

The night before, I treated myself to a thorough head massage in the hope that a long wash will buy me more dirt-free days.

I shampooed twice to make it extra-clean as, let’s face it, I will be saving on products and hot water for the next month.

DAY THREE

Normally this would be my next hair-wash day, so I was not surprised when my roots started to look shiny.

With the rest of my mane looking fine, though, I know much worse is to come.

DAY FIVE

A messy bun is my go-to do when pushing back on hair washes. But now I am embracing the slicked-back ponytail.

The grease is starting to make my hair look wet. So I take inspiration from Ariana Grande’s scraped-back look . . .  only not quite so high, as I don’t fancy a pony-induced headache.

My brother asks why I am using so much hairspray. Better than figuring out it is grease, I guess.

DAY SEVEN

My normally bouncy hair is as flat as a pancake . . . and that is the least of my problems. I am very itchy, as if my scalp is transitioning and shedding a layer of skin due to the natural oils taking over.

Scratching results in flakiness. Not a good look at all.

DAY 14

It takes a while for the level of grease to get significantly worse — a gradual and uncomfortable process.

My roots look like they have been pasted with enough gel to put Elvis Presley’s quiff to shame. But the ends are unchanged.

Unfortunately, the fresh shampoo scent is long gone and my hair smells like a dusty attic.

DAY 16

Around now, I tell myself I will never again moan about washing my hair.

I long for a foamy massage and in desperation, I decide to rinse my hair with water — in the hope it will hose off the oiliness.

While it feels cooling at the time, it takes for ever to dry — even wrapped in a towel for hours.

I face other dilemmas too, like what to do about my bed linen. Nothing beats getting in between fresh sheets.

But do I really want to ruin my pristine pillowcases with enough grease to cook a full English breakfast?

DAY 17

It is Saturday night and I am heading out for a drink with hair that has not been washed in over a fortnight. This is a first.

Usually I would wash regardless, just so strangers could get a whiff of my fruity shampoo.

To tackle the situation, I again opt for a celeb-style slick ponytail, back-combing the roots to volumise my buttery locks.

A bold red lippy should divert attention too. When a mate compliments my hair, I know I have got away with it . . . as long as they don’t notice the nasal pollution.

DAY 22

Now this is weird. Only five days before, I was moaning that you could fry an egg on my scalp.

I was blaming it for the spots on my forehead too. Yet now I seem to be on my way to natural goodness. Don’t get me wrong. On closer inspection my roots are still glossy.

But having my hair down looks passable again. When friends say my hair looks healthy, I feel a certain satisfaction in telling them I haven’t washed it for weeks.

DAY 31

Finally, the end is here. I have to admit I am excited about washing my hair.

Experts warned that embarking on this journey is not always easy and can lead to dandruff and acne.

I did experience an itchy scalp and more spots on my forehead.

The dermatologist Emma Coleman warned me that withdrawal could leave my hair much oilier for a few days but would then even out after a couple of weeks.

Most read in Fabulous

My hair did indeed go full circle, becoming much more presentable again by week four — and actually enhancing my natural curls, which have dwindled due to years of hot irons.

But I just can’t get on board with that stale smell.

After all, who wants to get a whiff of your boozy night out several days after the event?

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]

Source: Read Full Article