Getting 3 days out of your Hairstyle

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David in the Crib

Now, more than ever, I’m trying to get a few days on my hairstyle so all my efforts on day 1 are not for naught. Is that redundant sounding?

I’m a “hair down” kind of gal so any hairstyle that I can wear completely down, or partially down, is a win in my book. Inevitably I’ll end up pulling my hair up by day 3, but I try my best not to cave to the pony before that.ย I tend to get headaches if I wear my hair up a lot, and I just like my hair down better.

Anyway, I’ve practiced this routine for a few weeks now, and thought I would share some tips as well as my 3 go-to styles extended from 1 day of “start from scratch” styling.

day11

Day 1 is styled with a 1.25 inch curling iron in loose, textured curls. I don’t hold the iron on very long so my curls don’t turn into ringlets. I try to go light on the hairspray on day 1 as well. The less amount of “strong hold” finishing spray you use, the longer your hair will feel fresh.

day2

Day 2 is usually revived a bit with the curling iron, and inevitably it looks more curled. I try to work a half up style in on this day. My top choice lately has been the Flipped Half Up. Good gracious this tutorial is old. Don’t judge.

day3

Finally by day 3 I’m either wearing a messy bun or just a simple ponytail. There’s a great deal of texture in my hair at this point, so pulling it up is easy.

3daysofhair1

 

I bought my satin pillow case here!

I have yet to make it to day 4 because by the end of day 3 I’m dying to wash my hair and get all the product out of it.

My main 3 tips are listed in the graphic above. I think the biggest factor in being able to restyle my hair for a few days is that I sleep on a satin pillow case. In addition to those, try not to touch your hair much during the day. Find a dry shampoo that works for you. Play around with braids or twists to change up your hair from the usual.

The more time that passes from your initial shampoo and blow dry, the less amount of products you’ll need to add to the hair. For example, I may need to use a bit of texture spray or hairspray on day 1, but by day 3 there is enough product and such on the hair that additional products aren’t really necessary.

Ultimately it comes down to figuring out what works best for your hair type. And it may take a bit of time to test different methods to see what works best. I never thought a shower + blow dry at night would work for me, but I’m loving the volume I’m left with in the morning from wearing it in the high ponytail as I sleep.

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Kim says · 04.02.15

I love this – your hair looks great! I normally wash my hair 2-3 times each week so I appreciate the tips!

Kim
http://trendkeeper.me .. Writers block and reccomendations!

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Madison Pender says · 04.08.15

I love your blog! The things you post are so helpful! You and your family are adorable!

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Danielle @ Little Mama Big Life says · 04.02.15

Great tips! Im always trying to get the most out of my hair too!

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Katrina says · 04.02.15

Great tipsโ€”I always go 3 days between washes, and I follow a similar “schedule”
I’ve also found that baby powder works better than any dry shampoo that I’ve ever used! If you don’t mind smelling like a clean baby-bum in the early morning, then it’s a great (affordable) alternative ๐Ÿ˜‰

http://KatrinaIllustration.etsy.com

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Z.S. says · 04.03.15

๐Ÿ™‚ also for a natural home-made dry shampoo:

mix equal amouts of corn starch (maizena, or arrowroot powder) + dark cacao (for brown hair), or cinnamon (for redheads), for blonds keep it white

add a bit of baking soda & lavender extract if you wish

apply to roots with a powder make-up brush

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Katrina says · 04.03.15

Oh! I’ll have to give that a tryโ€”thanks! (sounds like it would smell better too, haha!)

http://KatrinaIllustration.etsy.com

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kim says · 04.02.15

Can you recommend a good satin pillowcase? The ones I have seen are made of polyester; does this provide the same effect? Thx!

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KC says · 04.02.15

I second this I’m looking for a simple one that wont break the bank and will still look good with my bedding.

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Carla says · 04.02.15

I stumbled across mine at Walmart of all places. It is silk but I think was about $15. It did happen to be in a clearance bin, but I was so excited to hit the jackpot.

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Elizabeth says · 04.02.15

Yes I have been looking around for a silk pillowcase as well and haven’t found anything wonderful. What is your suggestion?

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Genevieve says · 04.02.15

I bought mine on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdorabellaBaby & love it!

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Laura says · 04.02.15

Cute and I agree…too much time “up” and my head is throbbing!

Laura
http://www.24-7style.com

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Ashley says · 04.02.15

Looks great. I get headaches to from pony tails it is a bummer!

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Katie K says · 04.02.15

I know this is gonna sound weird, but can you show us how high the bedtime pony is? Also, any tips for extended hair even after workouts? I’ve got a similar haircolor happening now with darker blonde roots so it looks “greasy” much faster than when I had a full head of highlights. Thanks!

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Autumn (@Beautifully Gray) says · 04.02.15

How do you prevent your hair from looking greasy by day 2 or 3? Sometimes dry shampoo will work for me, but other times that just seems to make matters worse!

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Leigh Ann says · 04.02.15

I think people’s experience with this varies widely by hair/skin type. My hair is way too greasy to make this work. No amount of dry shampoo in the world is going to keep it from looking wet and glued to my head by day 3.

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Genevieve says · 04.02.15

I get away with going 5 days (yes, 5!) without washing by using texturizing powder & teasing at the roots when I’m out of dry shampoo. I’ve had red hair for over 10 years & it’s the only way to keep my color fresh.

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Taylor Brown says · 04.02.15

Ive done many salon type hair shampoo and conditoners, I have greasy hair within like a day and I dont even use that much. Would you be able to give me some tips on what I can do or get. Thanks in advance!

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Nicole says · 04.02.15

Oh my god, it’s like you wrote this just for me. I am always trying to get more than two days out of my hair. I have fairly oily hair, so when I’m shooting for the long haul, it’s dry shampoo city up in here. I like to spray my hair with some dry shampoo before I go to bed on day one, so it feels fresh-ish on day two. I’ve gotten to day three before, but it’s definitely a pony-tail day for me, too.

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Sarah says · 04.02.15

I can’t make it past three days, either! I have tried several dry shampoos and have found that plain, old-fashioned baby powder works best for me. I have blonde-ish hair, so the fact that baby powder lightens up my roots a tiny bit isn’t a bad thing.

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Janelle says · 04.02.15

Hi Kate!
I have a quick hair-related question: What are your thoughts on the “no poo” method (not using shampoo on your hair)? I have been intrigued by the idea and want to try it as I have heard it is healthier for your hairโ€ฆ any thoughts?
Blessings on your family!

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Laura says · 04.03.15

Hi Janelle, Kate wrote a post on it a couple of years ago! Here you go:
https://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2013/08/reader-questions-no-poo-method/
She also did a review on Wen, if you are interested. You can find it by using the search button in the sidebar!

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Darryl says · 04.02.15

Quick question – what if you have cowlick in the back of your scalp, is it still possible to get 3 days out of your hairstyle? I feel like I have to wet my hair daily or I will look a bit bald in the back of my head.

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Sarah says · 02.12.16

This is my problem I can’t get more than one day because as soon as I go to sleep I wake up with a greasy looking spot from that.

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Nicole says · 02.17.16

Try pulling all your hair onto the top of your head in some kind of bun before you go to bed. I’ve heard silk pillow cases are good as well.

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Brittany says · 04.02.15

Love this! I’ve read so much about satin pillowcases..looks like I need to invest!

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Missy Robinson says · 04.02.15

I regularly wash 2-3 times per week and use a similar routine of down – half up – all up! Yay!

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Claire says · 04.02.15

I find that blowing out my hair and NOT touching it really helps. And of course shampoo twice and condition halfway down to the ends. I can make it 3-4 days sometimes if I do a ponytail or braid on days 3&4. It’s been two days today and I’m really starting to feel the itch, but it’s raining outside so I’ll just wait until I’m out of the rain!

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Meg - Life of Meg says · 04.02.15

What a great post! I recently cut my hair into a short bob and it’s easier to revive day after day. Love the tip on a little dry shampoo + hairdryer – thank you!

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Sarah says · 04.02.15

I can relate to a lot of the comments about your hair getting oily quickly but if you keep to the “schedule” your hair will begin to balance out. The oil is the natural protector so when you stop washing it away everyday, the hair (really scalp) will adjust accordingly.

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Kayla says · 04.02.15

I could not agree more. I used to be an every day washer (I can’t even imagine doing this now!) and slowly over time transitioned to every other day, and now to every third day. Occassionally I wash every fourth day. It takes time but your skin/scalp will transition to producing less oil!!

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Jill Palumbo says · 04.02.15

This isn’t true for everyone. I’ve tried for weeks and longer and my hair never adjusted. I have very fine, limp hair and it requires daily washing. Plus I shower daily anyway so I just shampoo too. If I had to blow dry, dry shampoo, curl and all that, it feels better with clean hair.

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Aubrey Prince says · 04.02.15

There are tons of satin pillowcases on amazon.com for between $10 and $15!

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Lori says · 04.02.15

Mmmm…..I just can’t do it….I have to wash my hair everyday or I feel gross. If I don’t I feel like it smell like ‘old hair’…..

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Lindsay says · 04.02.15

Me either! I’m jealous of those that can do it though. However, I have a sweaty workout every day so there is no way I could feel clean w/o washing (and sometimes even twice a day if workout before bed is really sweaty)! I just like the clean feel each day, lol. However, my hair is never as pretty either! lol

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izzy says · 04.02.15

Thank you, this is great! I have a 3 month old and have found that I have no time to maintain the beauty routine I had before baby. These hair tips are perfect time-savers!

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Evelina says · 04.02.15

I can’t believe how good your hair looks still on day 3! I have to use so much dry shampoo to not look like a complete grease-ball on day 2. three days isn’t even an option for me. I haven’t ever tried to blow dry the dry shampoo. Must try!

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Tiffany says · 04.02.15

Love this as I totally need tips on being able to extend my hair beyond 1 day! Any tips on if you workout and get sweaty? Can you save your hair at all after that? My hair is fine and thin so I suspect the answer is no, but thought I’d ask anyway!

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Emma Walker says · 04.02.15 Reply
Breanna C. says · 04.02.15

Love these tips! I have been challenging myself to not wash my hair everyday just for time and money’s sake (my shampoo is expensive!). It gets easier and easier as I do it. My hair is pretty trained to not be as oily(which I thought was a pipe dream!) and to stay a nice direction. I will definitely look into that satin pillowcase!

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Sherri @ Adventures of Love and Marriage says · 04.02.15

What type of dry shampoo do you use? I go 2-3 days between washes but my dry shampoo I have been using just weighs me down and feels gunky.

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Jennie H says · 04.02.15

These tips are great and I find that I can go 3 days without washing most weeks. But I have a short angled bob and I find that if I go wavier as the days go by and use dry shampoo, you can’t really tell my hair looks unwashed because of the texture. For short hair styles, a quick blow dry in the morning is all you need to refresh!!!

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Corena says · 04.02.15

I am always in awe of people who can pull this off. I do wonder, and it will seem a bit odd, how do you avoid washing your hair while bathing/showering? I can’t imagine you are going 2-3 days without a shower. And if you are in the shower and your hair gets wet, you might as well just wash it.
Each style looks great regardless. Great tips for those that can pull it off too.

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Kate says · 04.02.15

I wear a shower cap ๐Ÿ™‚

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Corena says · 04.02.15

LOL! ๐Ÿ™‚ told you it was an odd question. Never even thought of that option.

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Renee says · 04.03.15

I find wrapping a towel around my hair to be more effective than a shower cap. The shower cap doesn’t cover all my hair, but a towel works like a charm!

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Donna says · 04.02.15

I’m new to this curling hair with a curling iron. My question is after you are done how do you brush the top of your head’s hair without messing up the curls….this question is also for how you brush the top on day two and three? Thanks! ๐Ÿ™‚

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A says · 04.02.15

Lol I remember when you used to say “just wash it every day”

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Anita says · 04.02.15

I was thinking the same thing!

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Trisha says · 04.02.15

Love this! It takes a few weeks to grow accustomed to not washing your hair everyday, but once you do it and realize how great it is you won’t go back ๐Ÿ™‚ I personally think my hair cooperates better on day 2. It has just enough product left in it and tends to stay where I want it. By day 3 my hair is ready for a bath!

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alyssa says · 04.02.15

Well, this isn’t completely related, but I’ve been looking for some new shampoo/conditioner. I know you like the purology hydrate line, but when I googled it to find other reviews, I quickly came across complaints about the formula changing a few years back…any opinion on that?
I was also wondering if you’ve tried the living proof perfect hair day shampoo/conditioner
? (Somewhat related to this post, as it claims to keep your hair cleaner longer).

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Evelyn says · 04.02.15

Oh my, I got nostalgic watching that video!!

Great tips, thanks!

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Lara says · 04.02.15

Have you used the Redken Pillow Proof spray? I started putting it in my hair before I go to sleep, and so far I can make it through two days without washing my hair. My hair gets pretty oily by the end of day 1 and dry shampoo doesn’t really work well so this has been a life saver!

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dawn says · 04.02.15

Kate did a post, one of her “disappointing products”.

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Megan says · 04.02.15

I love this! I rarely manage to stretch past day 2, but your tips give me some more ideas to really make my hair last. My hair has a ton of natural wave/curl to it, so starting from loosely curled made this perfectly follow-able for me. Good timing too, because my 2nd baby is due to arrive in 8 weeks – definitely will be wanting to squeeze extra mileage out of styling my hair once!

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Sabrina says · 04.02.15

Kate,

Wondering if you could link your favorite shower cap? Thanks!

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Michelle says · 04.02.15

If I skip a day, usually my hair looks stringy and kinda oily– not near the scalp but like from my ears down (my hair falls just below my shoulders). Dry shampoo helps near the scalp. What to do for the ends?

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kathleen says · 04.02.15

the piggy flip… too cool… growing up we always called it a “topsy tail”. gonna gove this three day thing a try! love your blog!

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Clever Girl Reviews says · 04.02.15

Great tips!

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Tyana says · 04.02.15

love your hair, it looks great

check out my newest post
xx
Tyana
cityofglitter.com

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Twinkle Parekh says · 04.02.15

Once again, you have boosted me to purchase a satin pillow cover.. I will buy it soon ๐Ÿ™‚

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Lisa says · 04.02.15

Just a reminder, tons of people waiting for the oatmeal bake recipe! Thanks!!

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Keely says · 04.03.15

GREAT TIPS! Seriously! I work at a daycare and I just want to throw my hair in a ponytail every single day. It’s so hard not to! I usually just wear my hair straight and I think that is why I can only go like a day and a half without needing to wash. I really want to start curling it! And get a satin pillowcase FOR SURE! I love your hair girl!!

Great post, and I really like your blog! Can’t wait to read more!!

XOXO
Keely | http://www.keelyashton.blogspot.com

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Leanne Job says · 04.03.15

I love these styles especially as I never have enough time to wash or style my hair properly as my 19 month old is normally hanging off me or putting my hair products in the bin or toilet because he wants my attention. Lol. So I need a style that is super quick but stylish.

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Kacie says · 04.03.15

My hair doesn’t seem to hold curl with a 1 1/4″ curling iron, regardless of what products I spray into prior to curling, and I have a hot tools Pink Titanium. Do you think I would need to switch to a different type of Hot Tools curling iron? I buy that brand for cost, and have a 1″ gold plated one already – which I have used for curls when my hair was shorter. It’s longer now and doesn’t seem to do anything with the 1″.

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LADY FUR says · 04.03.15

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Z.S. says · 04.03.15

so appreciating the simplicity of presentation & the utility of your beauty posts!

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Marissa H Suddreth says · 04.03.15

Totally keeping these in mind as I grow my hair out! I have always been one to stretch my wash days, but since I’ve been living at university, I’m usually hitting the shower every morning… I hate having dirty hair because it makes me feel so blah, but I wish I wasn’t washing it everyday! Like everyone else has said, great tips! Thanks for sharing. ๐Ÿ™‚

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Stephanie says · 04.05.15

I almost always try to go three days between washes. It’s never good to wash your hair daily. Most people’s hair (including mine) benefit a little from the natural oils that build up after a day or so.

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Mubashir Gilani says · 04.06.15 Reply
Rosa LnL says · 04.06.15

Oh You have that cool effortless messy look down pat. Mine just looks plain messy when i try and pull off tousled haha.. great post!

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Nicole says · 04.06.15

I kind of do this with my hair too, except I don’t really do much with it on the first day. Just half blow dry & pull into a bun. The second day, I might curl with a curling wand or straighten. The third day, I’ll brush out the curls, maybe recurl some pieces. Day 2& 3 I use baby powder on the roots regardless of the style. Morning of day 4, it’s time for a wash. I always get the most compliments on my hair days 2 & 3. I used to wash daily & it’s great to save the time and effort of not doing that anymore. When I shower, I just pull all my hair to the top of my head & use a wide cotton headband.

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Megan says · 04.06.15

I have dark brown hair. I tried dry shampoo once and it made my roots look gray. Also the powder in it clogged up the sprayer so I only got one use out of it. Highly disappointed. Is there a certain kind of dry shampoo for brunettes? Or was I applying it wrong! (I just sprayed it on my roots). Also how do you keep it from getting clogged? Thanks! Love all three looks on you! Would love to be able to pull this off without my hair looking (and smelling) nasty on day two and three!

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Erica @ Coming Up Roses says · 04.07.15

This is golden. And your hair is gorgeous, per usual.

cominguprosestheblog.com

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Hair Color Styles says · 04.10.15

Great Post. I would surely follow this schedule. Thanks for sharing this valuable post.

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mallory says · 04.13.15

Kate! i love love love you hair color! could you please give me an tips on what I could tell my hair dresser to emulate your color? thanks!

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