How To Conserve Energy: Self Care Edition #2 (your hair)

Hair is one of those things, like clothes, that allows us an opportunity to present ourselves to the world and choose how we want to be seen. Hair can also be demanding in the energy department taking into consideration things like textures, lengths and personal tastes.

TIP #1: The length.

Nobody can tell you what length to keep your hair but here are some variables you might want to consider. Above and beyond what you look like with any given hair cut, long versus short hair can mean the difference between spending five minutes styling your hair or one hour and counting. I have had all the different lengths and here's the thing: there is no perfect answer but find one that is right for you. For example I have very thick, plentiful, wavy and frizzy hair. When it's long I struggle with not just pulling it back into a ponytail or bun and thruthfully those both cause me quite a bit of pain. When it's down it's wild and heavy looking. I've also at different times in my life had short hair. Anything from an ear-length do' to a pixie cut. My hair is currently short and it only takes me about 5-ish minutes to style it in the morning. There's a catch though... I have to go to the hairdresser every 8 weeks and for some people in chronic pain, that's just too many spoons. So that's why I say it's a personal decision where there's no clear cut answer. Find a haircut that's wash and go. I offset the energy consumption of traveling to get my hair cut by asking my husband to do the driving so I'm not as exhausted at the end of it. Do what's right for you.

TIP #2: Washing.

I am a huge proponent of washing one's hair less! As a teenager I used to wash my hair almost every day and straighten it! It was a lot. As an adult I got introduced to the idea of not washing my hair as often and I have to admit I was a bit grossed out at first. I gave it a try though and in retrospect I wonder how much time I wasted by washing, drying and straightening my hair every day! When you wash your hair every day your natural oils are stripped and your body gets the message that there's not enough oil so it actually makes more. My hair was far greasier when I washed it every single day than it is now that I don't. My secret number is two. I wash my hair twice a week and I love the way it looks and feels. On the last day before I wash it I will often use 'dry shampoo' to absorb any greasiness that is starting. Only washing my hair twice a week means that I have a lot more energy in the mornings.

Here's a link on Amazon to my favourite dry shampoo:

TIP #3: Consider shaving it.

It's not for everyone, I get it. I have a friend who keeps her hair shaved and the upkeep (except for having it shaved) is virtually nothing. There are no styling products or tools and definitely no prep time.

TIP #4: Sit down to style.

I bring my dining room chair into the room when I need to blow dry or style my hair beyond just a swipe of hair paste. This was especially true when my hair was long and it took awhile to achieve the look that I wanted. If you have a vanity this is the perfect time to use it! If you do your hair in the bathroom you can sit down on the toilet or the side of the bathtub to catch a break.

TIP #5: Easy updo!

If you have long hair consider really simple updos that won't find you straightening or curling your hair when you are having a bad pain day. The messy bun is a favourite but you can also check out this 'sock bun' tutorial on Youtube from SMLx0.

Most of all be kind to yourself. There will be good days and days that are much more challenging. If I learned anything from my time at Constance Lethbridge it was to be kinder to myself and I think it's a valuable lesson for everyone. When you can't do today it's important to accept this and know that better days are coming.