I have not used shampoo in about 6 weeks.

The washing routine takes some getting used to; this isn't for everyone.

For one thing, there's no gratifying lather. For another, there's no squeak to the clean. My hair does not feel clean when it's still wet after washing, but it looks and feels clean when it's dry.

It takes awhile to figure out how to wash one's scalp and hair with powder. If you decide to try this, you'll see that you have to work out a method for getting at your scalp, and for cleaning the ends of your hair (I rub hair between my two palms as if I were making a playdough snake, if that makes sense).

The vinegar is in a spray bottle, and I probably use a couple of tablespoons each time I wash my hair. Not very much. I probably use 1/3 cup of baking soda per wash at this point. I am using less as I perfect my method. I expect I'll get away with one or two tablespoons down the road.

Will I do this forever? I don't know. I'll keep you posted from time to time.

I enjoy these little experiments because they enforce the idea for me that it is possible *to do without* conveniences that cost money and that we take for granted. I may not bake bread from scratch all the time, but I know how to do it, and do it pretty well. I may usually buy yogurt at the store, but I can make my own tasty yogurt when I want to. I can wash my clothes in the bathtub, make my own tinctures and old-timey kitchen remedies from plants that I've gathered, barter for goods and services, cut my family's hair, and make paper from trash. There's much more, but you get the idea.

Back to the hair.

I do not have a great haircut--just a blunt bob from Great Clips--but today a woman standing behind me at the bank complimented my hair for it's "body." I smiled and thanked her, and I probably turned red.