EEEWWWW - did you know what's in fabric softener??? Gross & HR!

[twofatponies]

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/16-12/st_whatsinside

You really didn't want to know what the ingredients in fabric softener are. I wonder if it's the same for dryer sheets!

If you are easily horrified, just trust me this is horse related and not for vegetarians!

[snbess]

Well, now I have a legitimate reason (as a vegatarian) to not do something I already don't do...buy fabric softener. lol
Sandra

[equineartworks]

The grossness is also in many laundry detergents too. We used to buy the big bucket detergent from Sam's club for my DH's work cloths and some of my barn shirts got in with his. They had this funky greasy smell that just wouldn;t come out. And they seemed to hold on to the stains no matter what I did to them. I asked around to some vegetarian friends and they told me about the tallow thing. It was wierd because that is EXACTLY what the odor was...it smelled like stale grease. I would have expected an industrial grease smell coming from my DH's construction gear, but not a food service greasy smell!

I soaked everything in vinegar overnight and then washed them in SalSud's and that finally got rid of most of the smell and the colors started brightening after washing in a new detergent several times.

Gross, gross, gross!

[Lori B]

Ewwwww.

[flyingchange]

well isn't that special?

:eek:

[HydroPHILE]

The grossness is also in many laundry detergents too. We used to buy the big bucket detergent from Sam's club for my DH's work cloths and some of my barn shirts got in with his.

I started making homemade laundry detergent - it's cheaper...and I know what goes in it! :)

[joiedevie99]

Yup. As a vegetarian, I buy Seventh Generation or Method or the Trader Joe's store brand dryer sheets, detergent, and diswasher soap. Walmart carries another brand that is safe, but I'm forgetting the name of it at the moment.

[Carrera]

I started making homemade laundry detergent - it's cheaper...and I know what goes in it! :)


How do you do that??

[Equibrit]

Use this http://www.ecos.com/pages/ecosliquid.html NO crap and smells divine!
(available at Sam's)

[Rallycairn]

How do you do that??

I make my own laundry soap. If you use this recipe, unless your water is very hard, you should be able to eliminate using softener, or at least greatly reduce the amount you need.

NOTE: This is SOAP, not detergent, and it will not produce suds at all -- but I've been very happy with its ability to clean.


Use 1 T for small or light loads; 2 for normal; 3 for large or heavily-soiled loads.


Combine in a 2:1:1 ratio

GRATED Fells Naptha Soap (comes in bars; a food processor will grate it for you in seconds): WASHING soda (NOT baking): Borax

I use Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and 20 Mule Team Borax. I can get the washing soda and Borax at the grocery store, though I do order the Naptha bars from soapsgonebuy.com (they also sell it already grated, I believe).

Happy Washing!

[equineartworks]

We use SalSuds, and the homemade soap I make, but I'm going to try your "recipe" Rallycairn...thanks!

[KayPink]

Ugh I never use fabric softener or dryer sheets anyway, but this is yet another reason not to!

[jn4jenny]

Another homemade laundry soaper checking in. I use one part Borax to one part Washing Soda to one full grated bar of Ivory soap. About 1/8 cup of powder per load does the trick for us.

For those who are appalled by fabric softener ingredients, try one of these four alternatives:
1. Wadded up ball of aluminum foil thrown in dryer
2. Dryer balls
3. Homemade fabric softener, hair conditioner + water
4. Separate your natural from your synthetic fabrics, thereby eliminating almost all static in your laundry.

[twofatponies]

I don't know about the hair conditioner - that has some kind of waxy substance, too - what if it's also tallow? Or maybe it's some other kind of fat or wax.

What's with the homemade laundry detergent? I think of that as well, something counter-cultural back to the land types do, or grandma in the Great Depression. However, it sounds like a brilliant, easy and non-toxic kind of thing, so I might just try that!!!

I do like the Seventh Generation brand stuff, and buy that mostly. That's the brand of dryer sheets I have, though I only use them for certain loads (the ones with all the fleece clothing). Never used fabric softener myself - I don't generally like the feel of it.

[Anselcat]

Combine in a 2:1:1 ratio

GRATED Fells Naptha Soap (comes in bars; a food processor will grate it for you in seconds): WASHING soda (NOT baking): Borax

Is that 2:1:1 by volume, or by weight?

[LuvMyNSH]

I can't believe that fats in soap are such a revelation. :confused: Am I the only one who remembers Grandma making soap with lard? Tallow makes a nice soap too, harder than lard soap.

The veggie soaps just don't cut it for me. They can't compare to how Grandma did it.

[twofatponies]

I knew traditional soap had fat in it - we made soap in chemistry class - I think we used vegetable oil or crisco or something, though. I guess I figured modern soaps or detergent were probably something else entirely! Doh.

[00Jumper]

If you think that's gross, wait until you find out some day what's in Cool Whip. Not HR, but, well, that doesn't make it any less frightening.:eek:

And yes, there is fat in soap, omg. Anyone who has seen Fight Club knows that. ;) Horse fat is actually less foul than . . . others. :winkgrin::lol:

[Laurierace]

You know I can't think of the slightest reason for that to gross anyone out or even why it would bother a vegetarian. Its not like the animals were slaughtered for that purpose. Most likely they weren't slaughtered at all, they were euthanized or died a natural death otherwise they would have been meat and not rendered. What the heck did you want them to do with the carcass?

[Chall]

I can't believe that fats in soap are such a revelation. :confused: Am I the only one who remembers Grandma making soap with lard? .

Well, not Grandma, but I remember studying it in 7th grade when we covered the 13 founding colonies. And using beeswax for candles.

[cu.at.x]

Gross. I think I'll stick with my Trader Joe's coconut-based laundry detergent.

[Blinkers On]

You know I can't think of the slightest reason for that to gross anyone out or even why it would bother a vegetarian. Its not like the animals were slaughtered for that purpose. Most likely they weren't slaughtered at all, they were euthanized or died a natural death otherwise they would have been meat and not rendered. What the heck did you want them to do with the carcass?


I more than second that. Seriously what do we all think is done with the "leftovers" that aren't useful for consumption. It's not a new thought. How many cultures don't "waste" a thing. That includes our forefathers..

[Sakura]

I more than second that. Seriously what do we all think is done with the "leftovers" that aren't useful for consumption. It's not a new thought. How many cultures don't "waste" a thing. That includes our forefathers..

Recycling at it's finest... Waste not want not.

[twofatponies]

True, true, to those who have pointed out the "not wasting parts of the animal" aspect of this. And the historical aspects. It's so easy to forget where things come from when I buy them in a bottle at the supermarket!! Still kinda gross, though!! :D

[Laurierace]

True, true, to those who have pointed out the "not wasting parts of the animal" aspect of this. And the historical aspects. It's so easy to forget where things come from when I buy them in a bottle at the supermarket!! Still kinda gross, though!! :D

I would be surprised if you aren't eating it ie. marshmallows, salad dressings, gelatin, smearing it on your face or putting it on your hair as well. It is what it is.

[Blinkers On]

It might be gross, but if we thought about what is in lipstick we so happily wear or dang just about anything we lube ourselves up with we'd be some dry skinned, static clingy folk.
That reminds me...time to do laundry!

[Kementari]

I am not a vegetarian, and I do not have a problem with there being animal fat in my fabric softener (though I do try to buy the brands like Method and 7th Generation because they aren't tested on animals). Hell, I had bacon at lunch; why should I object to animal fat being in my laundry?

Also, I have NEVER noticed my laundry smelling like kitchen grease, even when using Downy - and since I sometimes work in a (commercial) kitchen, I'm pretty familiar with the smell. But I also don't use el cheapo laundry detergent, since it doesn't do so well getting the laundry clean, anyway - so I can't speak to how those brands make the clothes smell...

[shade]

You know I can't think of the slightest reason for that to gross anyone out or even why it would bother a vegetarian. Its not like the animals were slaughtered for that purpose. Most likely they weren't slaughtered at all, they were euthanized or died a natural death otherwise they would have been meat and not rendered. What the heck did you want them to do with the carcass?


I was thinking the same thing but was wondering if I was off not finding it gross. And it's not all horse either. AND...I reember my grammie making soap with lard and maybe lye???

[2ndyrgal]

Pbpppstpb! My clothes are soft and clean and they smell great. Think that's a bit yucky? Then you probably don't want to know what's in your cosmetics, lotions, hair stuff, or anything else.

[Coreene]

Why is this such a surprise? What do you think happens to dead animals when their bodies go to the renderer? It's not like they sing Kumbaya and put them into a mass grave.

Giddyap!

I have no problem with it. Use everything you can.

[SuperSTB]

It's nothing new... Then again if you know a die hard vegan you learn all about these little factoids.

Waste not/ want not. I do have a gross story though. Being in highway construction I worked on a project where there was a wee little accident (of many- highway is always interesting). We completed a lane/traffic change at an intersection. Apparently a vehicle's driver wasn't paying much attention and tried to cut off a truck going up the inside (think Breakdown lane). Anyhow the truck happened to be full of semi-liquid/solid form of rendered animal byproduct (which in order not to collide with said stupid driver) swerved a bit. Grossness thusly escaped spilling onto vehicle of stupid driver. Well stupid driver decided it was our fault because we did a traffic change. So he proceeded to sue us for damages to vehicle (yes exhaustive multiple cleanings and tried to have it 'totalled' because of the extreme odor that could not be eradicated.)

I'm still waiting for the technology to turn this 'waste' into suitable bio-fuel for autos/trucks. It's out there... and we still end up dumping a considerable amount of animal renderings in landfills.

[Ambrey]

Why is this such a surprise? What do you think happens to dead animals when their bodies go to the renderer? It's not like they sing Kumbaya and put them into a mass grave.

Giddyap!

I have no problem with it. Use everything you can.

*cue Lion King music*

It's the circle of liiiiife.

I also have a sheepskin saddle pad. I found out they actually make those out of sheep!

Seriously, I admire people who walk the walk and make sacrifices for animal welfare. I don't think this one should be a high priority, though- especially since if we had MORE need for rendering, maybe disposing of the carcass wouldn't be an added expense for the people who would struggle to afford euthanizating their horses.

And my grandma also made soap out of lard and lye!

[Rallycairn]

Is that 2:1:1 by volume, or by weight?

Volume.

Just to give an example, I pretty consistently get 3 cups of grated soap from each bar of Fells Naptha. 3 cups of soap to 1 1/2 cups of washing soda and 1 1/2 cups of Borax.


I like to do this because I hope I'm avoiding the phosphates and junk in grocery store brands -- I feel it's good for my groundwater and good for my skin not to be exposed to the chemicals. I've bought Method and 7th Generation in the past, but I can do this a lot more cheaply.

[tikihorse2]

Sometimes the "all-natural, herbal-scented" stuff can work against you, too. I tried an all-natural shaving lotion (Kiss My Face) and it resulted in a VERY lively evening--anaphylactic reaction to something in it required a trip to the ER! :eek: Doctor speculated it was one of the herbs. I read all labels very carefully nowadays.

The homemade laundry soap recipe sounds interesting, though, and like something I could use. I often throw in a half a cup of borax with whites or towels just to freshen things up. Works great!

Kim

[Guilherme]

We haven't used fabric softener in 20 plus years. We ran out one day and found out that "dryer softened" clothes, towels, etc. are just fine. :lol:

We've not vegitarian anything (just had a nice dinner of sweet Italian sausage, peppers, onions, Fettucini Alfredo, and red wine :cool: ). We just found out we didn't have to spend the money to get what we wanted.

Viva Cheapskates! ;)

G.

[twofatponies]

What do you think happens to dead animals when their bodies go to the renderer?

Actually, beyond vaguely thinking that a) "rendering" was the historical way to produce things like tallow and gelatin or b) the current way to make dog food, I had never really thought about it.

What else do they make from the "rendered" animals? Is this typically post-meat removal? or are these different animals (poorer quality?) than the ones that get turned into meat for human consumption?

It's like Mythbusters for COTH! (or maybe just for ignorant me!) :D

[snbess]

Ok, good points people. I still find it gross...but I do understand the whole circle of life thing and I know I am consuming some animal products whether I like it or not. And I will admit, I like the idea of using everything better than the idea of wasting.
Sandra

[Appsolute]

Count me in with the not surprized or grossed out club.

The tallow is broken down through a chemical reaction, its no longer grease, never had greasy clothes! And it was surely animal fat we used to make soap in chem class.

To all of those who don't use it because of its animal content, do you use leather tack?

Or is it different because it may contain horse?

[HorsesinHaiti]

Do you know why Proctor & Gamble started their business in Cincinnati? Because at the time in the 1800s, Cincinnati was known as 'Porkopolis' for all the hog butchering that was based there. All that tallow and fat needing to be done with, so P & G found ways to use it and the rest, as they say, was history......

[Frank B]

:lol::lol::lol::lol: Oh, you clueless city-slickers!

Obviously you never encountered Grandma's Lye Soap! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQA6tBYAvms&feature=related)

[Blinkers On]

LOL.
I had a friend who schooled me in waste not want not. She has lupus and made EVERYTHING from their "product" Lengthened her life. You name it, they made it. Good ole farmers!

[Foxtrot's]

My husband's mother really did make soap from lye, ashes and lard. They also lived in a log cabin, had to chop holes in the ice for the cows, milk by hand, haul water and hew wood. All staples were bought by the sackfull, all vegetables grown in the garden, most meat was hunted. All this and nine kids raised without disposable diapers.

It isn't the tallow that worries me it is the powerful antimicrobials (whatever they are) that stop it going rancid that I query, when it gets washed into the environment.

[EponaRoan]

Well, everything has to go somewhere when it dies. At least the rendering plants are making use of stuff that would rot otherwise.

That said, I haven't used fabric softener in years. I use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of (plain white) vinegar instead. And no, I don't smell like a salad - when the stuff is dried, the odor goes away.

[silver2]

Um, what do you guys think they use on tack :cool:

I actually have a little tub of tallow that I use to condition and waterproof all my boots and tack once a year. It's the best thing ever for leather and one little (cream cheese sized) tub has lasted me 5 or 6 years now.

[Ambrey]

I think a lot of them use lanolin- which I know comes from sheep, is it rendered from sheep?

[twofatponies]

I think a lot of them use lanolin- which I know comes from sheep, is it rendered from sheep?

I thought lanolin was the oil washed out of the wool?

[Gayla]

Why is this such a surprise? What do you think happens to dead animals when their bodies go to the renderer? It's not like they sing Kumbaya and put them into a mass grave.

Giddyap!

I have no problem with it. Use everything you can.
Yes they do... don't they?

[unbridledoaks]

Ewwww is right!

[Sannois]

My downey smells great always has. So does my detergent.
:yes:

[TikiSoo]

We haven't used fabric softener in 20 plus years. We just found out we didn't have to spend the money to get what we wanted.
Viva Cheapskates! ;)


I'm with you on that one. Have no problem using animal products. Have a BIG problem wasting money on anything not really essential.

I launder with Arm & Hammer soap adding borax (so nice to know I'm not the only one!) and vinegar if smelly. I can't STAND the perfumey smell on some people's clothing, I can even smell it wafting from neighbor's dryer vents.

Ever use Vaseline? Ew. Lanolin is my favorite "animal fat" and think it is removed from cut wool.

[farmgirl88]

lanolin is the oil in sheeps wool...thats why some wool has a funky odor to it. if you ever go up and sink your hands into a sheeps wool or handle sheep...you'd smell like it. its not very pleasant. it is removed from cut wool

[Evalee Hunter]

. . . . It isn't the tallow that worries me it is the powerful antimicrobials (whatever they are) that stop it going rancid that I query, when it gets washed into the environment.

The quaternary ammonium from the original tallow IS a powerful antimicrobial (used in hospitals to kill "germs") An example of quaternary ammonium sold under a brand name is "Timsen" which many horse people use to treat rain rot & which is also sold as an industrial strength antimicrobial.

[jn4jenny]

Um, what do you guys think they use on tack :cool:

I actually have a little tub of tallow that I use to condition and waterproof all my boots and tack once a year. It's the best thing ever for leather and one little (cream cheese sized) tub has lasted me 5 or 6 years now.

To make myself clear, my objection to it is not that it's a horse byproduct. It's that they put horse fat in my LAUNDRY to make my clothes FILMY. I don't need clothes with film on it. Tack, on the other hand, does need it!

[threedogpack]

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/16-12/st_whatsinside

You really didn't want to know what the ingredients in fabric softener are. I wonder if it's the same for dryer sheets!

If you are easily horrified, just trust me this is horse related and not for vegetarians!

why did this gross you out? that is what surprises me.

[trubandloki]

You know I can't think of the slightest reason for that to gross anyone out or even why it would bother a vegetarian. Its not like the animals were slaughtered for that purpose. Most likely they weren't slaughtered at all, they were euthanized or died a natural death otherwise they would have been meat and not rendered. What the heck did you want them to do with the carcass?

:yes:


What to all you people who do not use any fabric softener product at all do about the horrible static if things like fleece?

I hate electric clothes.

[TikiSoo]

What to all you people who do not use any fabric softener product at all do about the horrible static if things like fleece?

I hate electric clothes.

I hate static-y hair even WORSE!
After brushing my hair, I'll put hand lotion on and give my hair a quick run through with my fingers-it helps a lot!
I'll often do the same thing with my poly fleece shirts. All the dog hair stuck to me will roll right off in a clump too.
I've learned not to wear fleece to work (I'm a painter) as any dust, hairs or fiber stuck to me will go right into the paint! When people say, "there's a hair" I just call it my trademark.;)
A humidifier helps.

[trubandloki]

I hate static-y hair even WORSE!


Static hair is why I hate static clothes actually. I have long thick hair. Static drives me totally bonkers.
That is why I asked about static. In my world not using an anti static product is just not an option. I was hoping they had some ideas that might help.

[LAMS21075]

[QUOTE=jn4jenny;3712735]Another homemade laundry soaper checking in. I use one part Borax to one part Washing Soda to one full grated bar of Ivory soap. About 1/8 cup of powder per load does the trick for us.

So, are you staying you mix all of this in a container and then dose it out per load?

Downy is my favorite. I'm devasted. :eek:

[up-at-5]

That's gross. I don't use fabric softener anyways. I use those dryer ball things...they really work.

[MistyBlue]

Static hair is why I hate static clothes actually. I have long thick hair. Static drives me totally bonkers.


Ugh...same here! (except mine is long baby fine hair, think "Muppet Hair")Nothing like pulling off a knit hat in winter and having a couple feet of hair instantly wrap around your face! :eek: :lol: :eek: I keep mine in a long ponytail but then hats don't fit so well and low ponytails at the base of my neck are annoying because then the ponytail gets caught in the jacket and everytime I turn my head one single hair gets yanked out by the root...not the most fun I've ever had, LOL! Turn my head one way and "Ouch!" and turn the other and it's "Dammit, ow!!!" :winkgrin:

[trubandloki]

Ugh...same here! (except mine is long baby fine hair, think "Muppet Hair")Nothing like pulling off a knit hat in winter and having a couple feet of hair instantly wrap around your face! :eek: :lol: :eek: I keep mine in a long ponytail but then hats don't fit so well and low ponytails at the base of my neck are annoying because then the ponytail gets caught in the jacket and everytime I turn my head one single hair gets yanked out by the root...not the most fun I've ever had, LOL! Turn my head one way and "Ouch!" and turn the other and it's "Dammit, ow!!!" :winkgrin:

Exactly!!!! :yes:

And it sucks big time!

Have you done the 'my hair is so static stuck to the back of my sweater that it is hard to move my head' routine? Not fun!

I think I am sticking with my fabric softener. Yepper.

[philosoraptor]

I have no problem with rendering plants reusing the products of carcasses.

If you want to be upset about fabric softeners, be aware of the potentially toxic ingredients in it that may hurt you.

Here is a list of just some of the chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets:
* Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
* Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
* Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
* Limonene: Known carcinogen
* A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
* Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list
* Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
* Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
* Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
* Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

[Frank B]

If you're worried about Ethanol, better stay away from booze -- it's commonly know as "drinking alcohol". :lol:

[JSwan]

UTurn my head one way and "Ouch!" and turn the other and it's "Dammit, ow!!!" :winkgrin:


I pulled the blanket off one of my horses yesterday morning and he did the same thing.

(note to self - use more fabric softener in the wash next time.....)


As to what it's made of.... no biggie. Waste not want not.

Y'all do know what red dye is made of, right? The stuff that is used to color beverages and other foodstuffs?

The crushed bodies of insects.

mmmm... tastes like chicken!!:lol:

[MistyBlue]

Trub...yep, I've had the entire mass of hair glued to sweaters before too. :yes: My fave is sitting down near a lamp and having about 30 hairs stand up and migrate over to the lampshade and stick there. Hubby will look up at me and say, "Honey, your hair is misbehaving again" :lol:

JSwan...I used to use a fleece liner under Gal's mid weight winter turnout in really bad weather. Trying to slide it out from udnerneath after it warms back up was murder...Gal would start dancing the second I started and then have a bloody fit...so I'd remove it like swiping a table cloth off a table out from under the settings...in one fast swoop and I did it outside so Gal could bolt all she wanted to. :lol: We had the process down...she'd stand while I unbuckled the straps from underneath and then her back leg straps to the turnout...she'd be dancing in place in expectation but wouldn't go anywhere. Then I'd say "Ready" and she's practically perform a light speed version of the piaffe while I yanked it out and she'd bolt forward a couple strides and then stand there while I redid her back leg buckles, LOL!

[Auventera Two]

I also have a sheepskin saddle pad. I found out they actually make those out of sheep!!

OH.MYGOD!!! I laughed until I cried :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I am putting that in my signature line!

[Coreene]

Shrimp farming uses horse by-products in the shrimp food. Just thought I'd throw that in. :lol:

[MistyBlue]

Don't shrimp farmers bring the herds in by horseback too? :winkgrin: :lol: :winkgrin:
I'm just picturing the old cat herding commercial but with prawns, LOL!

[BestHorses]

yuk

[Kementari]

If you're worried about Ethanol, better stay away from booze -- it's commonly know as "drinking alcohol". :lol:

That was my first thought, too! :lol:

[Sue from Auckland]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jn4jenny
Another homemade laundry soaper checking in. I use one part Borax to one part Washing Soda to one full grated bar of Ivory soap. About 1/8 cup of powder per load does the trick for us. " If you are doing this so as to not be using tallow, a quick google of Ivory soap would tend to indicate that it contains tallow (sodium tallowate).

[Gray Horse H/J]

I pulled the blanket off one of my horses yesterday morning and he did the same thing.

(note to self - use more fabric softener in the wash next time.....)

I knew an older school horse that couldn't wear blankets due to the static. The first time a blanket was pulled off her and shocked her, she freaked. Fell down, it was very dramatic. She would panic if you tried to blanket her after that, so they just let her get shaggy every winter.

[EponaRoan]

Don't shrimp farmers bring the herds in by horseback too?

Silly. They use seahorses. :D

[Candle]

CHI and John Frieda make silicone anti-static sprays now, CHI's is the best IMO. I spray some of that on my hair, and sometimes spray a bit on my fleece tops. I think it works well, god only knows what's in it though :eek: :lol:

[paohatch]

Recycling at it's finest... Waste not want not

And also.. just a thought.. what about the zoos and big cat rescues... what do you think they feed the lions and other big cats??? Tofu burgers? :winkgrin:

[TikiSoo]

OK for all of you that have too static-y hair....stop washing it! If your hair is long and you wash it too frequently, you're stripping too many oils out. After YEARS of cringing when a man put his arms around my shoulders, I decided to change MY habits instead.
Try skipping the shampoo every other wash and just using creme rinse. It'll clean dirt out of your hair without stripping the oils. I've used this alternating method for years now and would never go back.
And remember, just wiping the ends with your hands covered in hand lotion will do in a pinch.

[EqTrainer]

OK for all of you that have too static-y hair....stop washing it! If your hair is long and you wash it too frequently, you're stripping too many oils out. After YEARS of cringing when a man put his arms around my shoulders, I decided to change MY habits instead.
Try skipping the shampoo every other wash and just using creme rinse. It'll clean dirt out of your hair without stripping the oils. I've used this alternating method for years now and would never go back.
And remember, just wiping the ends with your hands covered in hand lotion will do in a pinch.


This is so true. My hair used to be down to my waist. It was *beautiful* - no split ends, no frizzy top layer, no dried out rat tail - my hairdresser told me to not wash it more than once a week - to dry shampoo the roots if I needed to - to use just conditioner for an inbetween "wash" - and she coated it in Redken Shades once a month. NO PRODUCTS WITH SILICON IN THEM.. it ultimately dries out your hair.

And it was never staticy :)

[trubandloki]

OK for all of you that have too static-y hair....stop washing it! If your hair is long and you wash it too frequently, you're stripping too many oils out. After YEARS of cringing when a man put his arms around my shoulders, I decided to change MY habits instead.
Try skipping the shampoo every other wash and just using creme rinse. It'll clean dirt out of your hair without stripping the oils. I've used this alternating method for years now and would never go back.
And remember, just wiping the ends with your hands covered in hand lotion will do in a pinch.

Um, no thanks. Really!

I understand what you are saying but just because I have static does not mean I do not have oily skin. If I do not wash it every day I look like I just got out of a rain storm it is so greasy and I get a lovely itchy head with lots of pimples.

I have hair I almost sit on and I have no split ends. My hair dresser seems happy with the way I take care of my hair.

And it is not the ends that are an issue. Lots of hair here. Lots of static to go with it.

[MistyBlue]

I have dry hair...always had dry hair. I wash my hair about 3x per week, I can't go less than that because it's also baby fine hair and snarls easily. If I only washed it once a week by day 3 I look like I have a rabid muppet attacking my head. :eek: :lol: :eek:
(holy crap, the sun just came out...sorry for the tangent but it's been dark and rainy for days here)
My hair is curly and long, the curls are from a once every 18 months perm. If I don't have some sort of perm or curl in my hair then a ponytail holder slides right out and my hair is too long to not have it contained. It's also on the thin side...nothing really thin but thin enough that it looks really bad straight. It needs wave or curl to have any body and to stay in a ponytail.
I do deep condition it every wash or else it just poofs all over and the sticks to my face when it dries. I tried shorter hair a while back but it looks awful on me...but I should get my butt to a stylist and have a good 12" taken off to bring it up to right below my shoulders again. It just grows so fast!

[linquest]

Sorry, I had to laugh at this comment to the article.

I'm wearing Eight Belles? How luxurious!

:lol: