How I've Managed To Not Wash My Own Hair For Over 4 Years

I don't know one person who jumps out of bed as soon as their alarm goes off, eager to spend an hour getting ready for the day. I personally love the morning, but only when I can spend the first hour I'm awake sprawled out on the couch with coffee, my laptop, pajamas and a topknot.

This is why I'm not afraid to admit that I only wash my hair once per week, and I haven't done it myself in over four years.

Born into a family of thick-haired people, I feel extremely lucky to possess the somewhat unruly locks I have been blessed with. Growing up with a hair stylist for a mother, I learned at an early age how to style my hair, no matter how dirty it was, utilizing fun braids and twists to disguise the grime.

Spending less time getting ready in the morning means spending more time doing something else more productive than staring in the mirror and repeating the same steps you did the previous morning.

The truth is, I don't have an hour each day to spend styling my hair, and I certainly don't want to be putting heat on my beautiful locks every day. I've trained my hair not to get oily by slowly stretching out my time between washes until I got it down to seven days. It's probably the most life-changing thing you can do for yourself, your hair and your morning. I get ready in 17 minutes. Time is money, people.

I have spent the past 11 years of my life as a hair stylist, but I don't own shampoo or conditioner. What I do invest in is a quality shower cap, dry shampoo and expensive hair oil. Oh, and I've been getting a professional blowout once a week for the past four and a half years.

There are definitely some precautions I have to take in order to keep my hair from needing to get washed before the week is up, and I pretty much plan my life around my blowout schedule.

Monday is typically my hair washing day, so you won't see me in a smoky bar unless it's a Sunday night. I won't be caught dead near a bonfire, and when I workout (which happens to be about four times per week) my hair is typically in a loose bun on the top of my head.

I won't do extensive cardio until the last few days of my blowout. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I lift weights or go to a barre class, so I can avoid as much sweat as possible when I have a fresh blowout. Once I start adding in the cardio, that's when dry shampoo joins the party as well.

Since guys don't understand what we go through to maintain pretty hair, I am usually a little cautious about admitting my once per week hair washing schedule to a guy I'm dating until we are at least a month or so in. I obviously still shower daily and maintain proper hygiene, but I wear a shower cap and my water bill is probably below average. Winning.

As someone who loves travel, I have definitely spent the occasional beach trip getting my hair wet in the ocean. It's actually a pretty liberating feeling for someone who is never fully submerged in water. But you better believe I let it air dry after it has been soaked in salty ocean water and don't fuss with it again until I'm back in the salon. I let someone else do all the work.

Yes, there is a financial factor to consider when it comes to paying someone to wash your hair. Let's get past that right now: Get one less manicure a month, a few less trips to Starbucks or embrace the art of cooking dinner a couple times a month and guess what? Your blowouts are paid for and you don't have to feel guilty about it. I'd give up cable TV, gel manicures, steak dinners or shopping trips if I had to.

I'm honestly not one bit high maintenance. No one would refer to me as a diva. My eyebrows are never properly waxed, I bite my nails and I've gotten like two facials in my whole life. However, I'm not ashamed to admit that I never plan on washing my own hair again.

I'll take the extra six hours a week and healthy hair. Thank you very much.