Hey everyone. I'm new to these forums and I have a couple questions that I hope you can all help me with.

So, I've been reading a lot about how washing your hair everyday is very bad for it, and can cause a lot of damage and dryness. My hair has been pretty dry for as long as I can remember.. because I've been washing it pretty much everyday for almost my entire life. Now, I've been reading about people who only "wash" there hair with water, or even just conditioner once in a while. I've tried the water only method, but I had to stop because I had to return to work, and I just didn't see how I could possibly be working with my hair looking the way it did. I managed to keep up with the water only washing for.. I think it was 16 or so days. But.. in order for it to work, you have to stick with it for a month (even two months for some people) by that time, your scalp adjusts to the changes, and doesn't produce as much sebum which allows you to go longer without washing your hair. Is there another approach I can take to doing this? Or someway that I can hide the greasiness in the meantime? I can't wear hats, or scarves or anything to work so that won't help at all. I also tried washing my hair with baking soda & apple cider vinegar yesterday. I haven't taken a shower yet today, and my hair looks noticably cleaner than if I would have done my CO washings. Of course it's only been a day since I've tried it so I'm not getting my hopes up. Would this be a good approach?

Ok, I have ONE more question. Um.. I want to start growing my hair out really long, but instead of cutting off the damage now, and having to deal with short hair for a while.. couldn't I just trim the ends every month or so until the new growth comes in and pushes down the old growth allowing me to get rid of the frizziness and split ends? Is that a reasonable way to do it or am I better off just cutting all of the damage off now instead of gradually? I still want to just cut off however much is necessary each month or two, but if the damage just travels up to the root, it might not work. I am going to start taking hair vitamins as well (I know it won't help my already damaged hair but it should definitely help the new growth that will come in)

Anyway, sorry for the long post.. and I hope I explained everything clearly enough.

Welcome Primula!  I'm glad you joined us here.

Increasing the amount of time between shampoos is something that takes time.  I went from daily to once a week shampooing, but it took me months to get my scalp adjusted.  If that is what you want to do, try not washing on weekends to start, then skip a day during the week.  After several weeks (or months) skip another day.  If you feel your hair needs to be washed, on a "non wash" day, try using just a light conditioner and rinsing.  Most conditioners have some cleaning properties.

As for the dry hair - join the crowd - mine is very dry (and fine).  I use jojoba oil on the ends of my hair to give it moisture.  During the winter I oil my hair nightly.  It takes just a tiny bit of oil to help keep the hair in good condition.  You might also try leaving a small amount of conditioner on the ends (NOT the scalp of course).

Removing the damage eventually will be necessary.  If you can't handle a big cut, then try trimming 1/2  - 1 inch every 6 weeks until it is health.  During that time be sure to check for split ends and remove those as well, keeping in mind all your hair is not one length and the splits can be anyhwere!

Good luck with reaching your hair goals!

Thanks for all of your advice everyone, and for your welcomings. =] I'll try out some different things and see what happens.

Welcome PRIMULA