No showers at work

[Kiwi Stoker]

Dry spray on shampoo does really work such as Baptiste. Just make sure you brush it out well. Also now there is foaming dry shampoo which probably doesn't leave a residue.

+1 baby wipes. I couldn't shower for 3 weeks after surgery (was allergic to the waterproof dressing) so used baby wipes to clean up when I couldn't do the wet face cloth thing.

[PscyclePath]

I shower before I head out, and ride a moderate pace. Hopefully you don't break much of a sweat, but summertime in Arkansas will often soak you down even if you ride easy.

On arrival, I stop by the cube, fire up the computer, check the overnight e-mail, and basically wait until I stop sweating. Then it's time to change... clean clothes from the skin on outward, and I keep a package of "Clorox disinfecting wipes" for a quick wipedown before getting dressed again.

[tulip]

For hair: use the bathroom sink to wet your hair. Then dry as usual--keep a hairdryer in your desk if you use one. If you have a very long, hot commute, you can shampoo in the sink, too.

[indigoiis]

I use a washcloth instead of wipes - I hate throw-away items and the washcloth dries during the day (I hang it in a locker along with my towel and bike clothes.) I use the washcloth on my hair, too, then stick in in a ponytail on my head, folded over wet, while I dress, so it "curls" the ends.

[rubysoho]

Thanks for all the replies! Tomorrow is going to be my first commute (24 miles!) since it was raining last week! I like the idea of showering first. I think wet hair will help keep me cool and I will just throw my hair up in a messy bun or pony tail for work. Today I am taking in a change of clothes and some toiletries so I don't have to carry much other than my lunch tomorrow. The afternoons have been hot and muggy so coming home will be the worst part but at least I can just hop in the shower (after hugging my boyfriend while being stinky! Lol!).

[soprano]

It seems to me that those of us who have either really short or really long hair have it easier. I have hip length hair, and have zero problem with styling it quickly when I get to where I'm going. I pack a travel brush and maybe a Ficcare hair clip so I can put it up. I occasionally get odd looks or questions when people see me carrying a helmet, but not dressed or looking like I rode in.

I'm going to say something that could be controversial: I think that wearing natural fibers really helps keep the stinkies away. The only times when I consistently have body odor problems after my commute is when I wear a synthetic shirt. Loose, light, cotton or linen shirts (usually sleeveless) get me through our Texas summers. I'm never stinkier than when I pull out the one (and only) CoolMax shirt that I own (and I'm never buying another one again).

[tulip]

Any stink that I had...and boy did I have some...has completely gone away with the use of crystal deodorant. I'm no health food/no chemical nut---the stuff works is all.

[Espresso]

I'm going to say something that could be controversial: I think that wearing natural fibers really helps keep the stinkies away. The only times when I consistently have body odor problems after my commute is when I wear a synthetic shirt. Loose, light, cotton or linen shirts (usually sleeveless) get me through our Texas summers. I'm never stinkier than when I pull out the one (and only) CoolMax shirt that I own (and I'm never buying another one again).

I have consistently found this to be true as well. All the synthetic shirts I've tried claim to have odor control, but I am always way, way stinkier than if I just wear a cotton shirt.

[jessmarimba]

I still stink in cotton. But as long as I wear a wool sports bra I seem to be tolerable in the office.

[FunSize]

I'm so glad this thread exists! Tomorrow is my first commute since my bf has to take the car to charlotte for two days. Its only 8.6 miles. But its hilly, I have to pass the mall, and get on one of the most dreadfully busy roads in my town.

But at least when I get there ill be able to clean up with all the good advice!

[Antaresia]

I don't have showers at work either, but my ride to work is mostly down hill - except for the ramp to get up onto the bridge.

I get to work early - not only does it give me more time to get ready for the day but it's a bit cooler, before the sun really gets going.

I wear a bandana under my helmet, it keeps my hair from getting wild.

a good anti-perspirant. I used my google-fu a while ago - and ended up reading back posts on a body builders form. They had the opinion that Certian Dri is the best brand - and I have to agree. Holy, that stuff workes 3X as well as any other I've tried (use as directed; you put it on at night, not when you wake up). I can even skip a day, which is CRAZY because I sweat a lot.

Oh ya, and I wear one piece no-seam spandex, uh, I guess "yoga bra" would be more accurate than "sports bra". They are much more convenient to put in the wash than normal, fancy lace-padded-underwire bras. And they dry overnight easily enough. I get them at mec.

[getting there]

There are no showers where I work either. I keep a bag of cosmetics and baby wipes at work. I also have a little electric fan to help cool me off while I am getting ready in the bathroom. Luckily, we have a stall with a make up mirror and a shelf. I usually wear a headband under my helmet to keep my hair back so it does not get sweaty. Some days my hair cooperates, others it does not. On days it does not, I try not to look in mirrors!!

[chincitop]

If you have access to a small locker at work, or somewhere you can lock down some belongings, you can do something similair to what I have set up: Package of baby wipes, extra socks & undies & change of clothes, deoderant, some makeup, body spray, hairbrush & product. Also, Secret Clinical Strength Sport deoderant is my best friend. EVER. You apply it at night before you go to bed, and it seriously is amazing stuff.

[Voodoo Sally]

Eh, showering / freshening up is overrated. I skip it. And my clothes dry out after an hour or so.

Mm, maybe I can say this because I have a private office far away from other people.

[tulip]

I just got my hair cut very short, pixie. It's great!