Dirty Hair, Don’t Care: FAQ’s

Q: Does the hair powder mixture of cocoa and cornstarch work for blondes? What about redheads?

A: For platinum blondes, I would use straight cornstarch. For darker blondes, add maybe 1 part of cocoa to every 5 parts of cornstarch, and work up from there. The main thing that the cocoa does is help the mixture to blend in with your hair color and not look like you’re wearing a powdered wig.

For natural redheads, use natural unsweetened cocoa to try this, as Dutch processed cocoa is going to have less “red” in it visually speaking. In fact, Hershey’s Dutch process cocoa has an almost purple/grey hue to it. If your hair is close to salon-maroon (mine used to be and I miss it on nights when I remember my forgotten dream to be a dancer on Soul Train), then you might be better off with the Dutch process cocoa. It’s a little trial and error in the beginning.

Q: Can I apply the hair powder more frequently than Days 2 and 5 (as you mentioned in your first video)?

A: Yes! Apply it as needed, but use sparingly each time. Everything you add to your hair post-wash is going to eventually weigh it down, even if it removes the grease. I normally use the hair powder any day that I have worked out, after getting out of the shower. Note: I keep my hair from getting wet while in the shower.

Q: Why don’t you rinse your hair out, without shampoo, instead of keeping it dry all week? 

A: I have tried to rinse everything out without using shampoo, and then style as normal and it is so disastrous, I cannot even begin to tell you. It’s oilier than if I had done nothing. I guess this is because even straight water will strip some of the oils on your scalp, but not as many as using shampoo, which means your head will then produce more oil. On top of the existing oil left after the shower. Plus, I’m still spending time drying my hair and adding to its damage. In my experience, it’s not good for my type of hair.

Q:I have naturally curly hair and do not wish to run a natural bristle (or any type of) brush through my hair, because it will wreck my curls. How can I extend my hair washing regimen?

A:I am no expert in this department, but I do know that curly haired and even wavy-haired girls tend to show oil less because the hair doesn’t lie flat against the scalp, where the oil is produced. Lucky! If you have this type of hair and you are feeling like you have to wash it daily because of excess oil, that is probably a sign that you are already over-washing it and it is over-producing oils. If you are keen to extend your washing regimen, then I would begin on Day 2 by applying hair powder to your roots, letting it sit for 5 minutes, then vigorously rubbing it into your scalp with clean fingertips. And that’s it. I wouldn’t brush it through, because it’ll probably ruin your curls. Here are some links to some curly haired ladies with excellent advice for refreshing curls: 1, 2.

Also, there is some information for those with curls who do not wish to shampoo at all here.

Did you follow along and try it yourself? Let us know! Take some pictures and instagram them with #dirtyhairdontcare. We’d love to hear how it worked for you!

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