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I got sick about a week ago and have been fighting a full respiratory infection ever since. I'm recovering now, but I wanted to share my observations about the condition of my hair during this illness.
When I first got sick I had a high fever and just wanted to sleep. My doctor agreed and so I slept for three days straight. I didn't use the multiple hair tie technique I learned here on MLHH because I was too weak to even care and my hair got kind of tangled as a result. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I think that's partly due to my change in hair care products. I switched to a moisturizing shampoo and was washing my hair every other day. The improvement was immediate and obvious. I learned that here at MLHH as well.
The thing that suprised me the most was the effect of not washing my hair at all for a few days. As I spent several days in bed and didn't even have the strength to crawl to the bathroom for a shower, I just put it off till I felt better. My hair felt greasy for the first couple of days, but then it kind of balanced itself. I finally did wash it when I got some strength back, but I haven't washed it again for a few days to see if there was a trend. I'm rather impressed by the health of my hair. It actually feels and looks cleaner than when I was washing it on a regular basis. It's also easier to remove tangles, which is probably due to the natural oils not being stripped away.
Anyway, I thought all this was worth passing along. MLHH helped improve my hair, but I was always skeptical about not washing my hair for more than a day or two. It took getting sick to see the light. Thank you to all who have given advice.
Hey Mr. Strong Bear,
So glad to hear that you are getting over this illness! My partner was just diagnosed last Monday that he indeed had the H1N1 virus (AKA "Swine Flu"), and am glad to report that he is now on the recovery end of the ordeal (but it is indeed a scary flu, and not one to fool around about)...
Yes, giving your hair an occasional break from shampooing does work better than I originally thought at one time, too. Sometimes I do "Water Wash Only"; sometimes "Conditioner Wash Only"; but, w/ belt-length hair now, I'm down to thorough shampooing only once a week now (but it does all depend on many other deciding factors as well).
Everybody's hair is different, because everybody's genetics are different; but I have always enjoyed reading what others here find works for them, because maybe, just MAYBE, it might even be something that I'll find will work fort me, too!!
Take Care, -- and again, I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better!
- Ken in San Francisco
I'm glad your partner is getting over it. The H1N1 does sound pretty serious if you get it. Fortunately, it's on the decline and is actually harder to catch than the seasonal flu, so we're looking at a positive trend and eventual elimination of the virus.
It may be too late to make a difference now, but my grandmother taught me an American Indian remedy for nausea associated with the flu that helps more than it's simplicity would seem to make possible. Just nibble on blueberry pie filling. There's something about the concentrated natural dye that settles the stomach. I had an MD look into it once and he agreed that there's value in the advice, but like most Indian medicine, he couldn't explain why it works.
I'm fortunate enough to have a very caring wife who was willing to take care of me while I was sick, bringing me water, juice, and medicine while I was in bed. Without her, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to sleep off the sickness and I'd probably still be sick. I'm lucky to have her (thank you, Chris).
I made the mistake today of listening to a recording of a comedy concert after I got home from work, and as a result had a horrible coughing fit brought on by laughter. I'll have to be more careful until I'm completely well, but it was totally worth it. I'm just happy to be well enough again to enjoy the pleasures of life.
Likewise, I've learned a lot about haircare since I came here a year ago. I wash mine about twice a week and use lots of conditioner.
I've never had a respiratory infection but last spring I had a stomach virus and I sleep for 2 days off and on. Hated that.
Paul
Glad to hear you are on the mend.
And yes...getting away from the frequent shampooing was a major improvement for me. I'm not pure Water Only...too lazy to keep up with that...Having my hair wet twice a week is a real pain. What I tend to do is water wash once a week or so, and every few weeks, put a bit of very dilute shampoo on the scalp area and then rinse out with my usual water routine. I get almost fluffy hair for a while, but without the tangles and roughness of full shampoo washes (also without having to add conditioner to help with those issues...AND without the scalp issues caused by the products).
Anyway...yes...you can stretch the frequency and reduce the amount/concentration/type of product you use and still have good looking manageable hair.
[Sitting here in front of the heater vent, nursing the regular cold I have...on MY weekend, mores the pity]