Looking for a simple way to green your beauty routine? Cut down on your shower time! Actress Kristen Bell, an ambassador for Neutrogena Naturals (and former Women’s Health cover star), teamed up with the skincare brand and The Nature Conservancy to encourage you to pledge to take shorter showers during the month of October. The Jump In. Jump Out. Join In. campaign aims to conserve five million gallons of water and bring awareness to domestic water issues.

“The average US household wastes about 10,000 gallons of water every year: enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” says Kristen in a press release. And according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family uses around 400 gallons of water per day. Of these, 70 percent occurs indoors. Now that’s a LOT of H20.

But don’t panic. You don’t have to forgo lathering up altogether (after all, it’s completely understandable that you want to look presentable—and feel clean). There are many easy ways to make shorter (or less frequent) showers work for you—without sacrificing your hygiene, according to Renée Loux, eco-expert and Women’s Health advisor. Here, her six tips on how to conserve water, while looking and feeling shower-fresh.

Replace your showerhead
A regular showerhead uses around five gallons of water per minute, which can really add up. Switch to a low-flow option, which can save around half of the water you would regularly use, says Loux.

Detangle beforehand
Knotted, tangled hair is not only annoying, but can also sabotage your shower-shortening efforts. The solution? Brush your hair and completely detangle it before getting in the shower, Loux says. That way, tending your tresses is easier, less time-consuming, and much more environmentally friendly.

Wax, don’t shave
Toss your razors and book some waxing appointments, stat. “You spend a lot less time in the shower if you stick to waxing,” says Loux. “Shaving may be less expensive, but waxing saves a lot of time—and water.”

Time yourself
This may be the hardest one to stick to if you love the feel-good effects of a long, hot shower or bath. But, by taking one to five minutes off of your shower, you can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per month. To make sure that you limit your time, Loux suggests making a mini playlist. “Find two songs that you like, and know that once they’ve played, your shower time’s up,” she says. Even easier? Set an alarm on your phone.

Give towelettes a try
These beauty problem-solvers are great for a quick, faucet-less freshening up. To cleanse your face, try Korres Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes for Oily And Combination Skin ($ 12, sephora.com). “They use nourishing botanical and healthy oils, so you feel moisturized and not completely dry,” says Loux. And if you’re worried about B.O., swipe Crystal Body Deodorant Towelettes ($ 10, drugstore.com) under your arms. They’re made of all-natural mineral salts, which eliminate the bacteria that causes body odor, she says.

 Style strategically
“Dry shampoo can extend your hair one day after your shower,” says Loux, who recommends Lulu Organics Hair Powder ($ 30, luluorganics.com). Just sprinkle the powder into your hands and then rub it through the roots of your hair to fake complete cleanliness. Another option: Opt for an updo. Slightly dirty hair is more voluminous and will hold a style better than squeaky-clean strands, according to Loux. And there’s no need to get fancy: A topknot or ballerina bun will disguise a semi-greasy scalp in no time.

More from WH:
How to Extend Your Haircut and Color
The Best Beauty Products Ever
What Your Hair Color Says About Your Health
Fuel your workout with The New Abs Diet Cookbook!

javahut healthy feed