A couple years ago I heard about people who were going “no-‘poo”. I thought it sounded silly, not washing your hair with shampoo and everything, wouldn’t your hair end up like a giant greasy ball? But at the same time, reading through the research and experiences with going ‘poo-less, it kind of sounded like it was working for people.
Though I’ve kept the idea in the back of my mind, I haven’t actually made any steps toward trying it myself. Until recently, and for a few reasons.
- This winter has been REALLY dry, and my scalp drier than normal. I’ve heard when you don’t shampoo your hair that the pH balances out and dry skin / dandruff very nearly disappear.
- Shampoo is chock full of junky stuff.
- I’m just plain tired of shampooing my hair :D We use Yes to Carrots, which is a fairly “ok” shampoo as far as chemicals and ratings on the Cosmetics Database scale. And I don’t wash my hair every other day (I try to stretch it to 3 days sometimes). But I just don’t like shampooing it.
For the month of February, I am going to be going without shampoo.
Now, before you get all grossed out and make plans to stay 100 miles away from me, that doesn’t mean I am not going to be washing my hair at all.
Though I won’t be using shampoo, I’m planning on cleaning my hair with baking soda.
Yup, just baking soda.
If you’re interested in joining me on this no-‘poo experiment, here’s what you need to know!
How to clean your hair without shampoo – aka no ‘poo
1. You might go through a really greasy transition period (and it might last for a few weeks, or a few months). That’s ok! It means your skin and hair are jumping for joy that their pH balance is no longer totally out of whack, and they’re getting themselves back on track.
2. You don’t have to wash your hair every day, or even every 2 days. In fact, every 3 days is probably just about right.
3. Use baking soda and water to wash your hair. 1/8 baking soda, and the rest water in a spray or squirt bottle.
4. Use apple cider vinegar as a conditioner, but ONLY on the ends of your hair, or your roots will be greasier than ever! 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of water in a squeeze bottle.
5. If your transition period seems really long, or you just can’t get out of the greasy stage, try this: mix 2 egg yolks and 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar. Wash and rinse (not in hot water or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs!).
6. No-poo might not work for you. Plain and simple. But it’s definitely worth a try.
I’m really hoping it works for me – and for you too! Going the route of no shampoo can mean healthier, stronger, fuller, happier hair. What’s not to love?
