I don’t use shampoo

>>>>>Three month update and detailed ‘no poo’ tips and tricks listed here.<<<<<

>>>>>No poo FAQ’s here and here!<<<<<

Yes, you read right. I have stopped using shampoo, and conditioner for that matter.

Some people may initially think I’m a hair snob, but trust me (witnessed by those who truly know me) I probably spend the least amount of time with my hair. I also haven’t had a professional hair cut since June of 2010. Say whaaaa?

First of all, I have to say, I’ve been blessed to have strange, care-free hair. I used to have stick straight, straw like hair, but then after getting a perm (one of the best/worst decisions of my life) it’s been slightly curly ever since. I can easily diffuse my hair and fix the random non-curly pieces with my curling iron in under 30 minutes.

I will never spend more then 30-40 minutes on washing, drying, and styling my hair. It’s a waste of time. This hair attitude has worked quite well for me in our country to country traveling…for who knows what certain temperatures, altitudes, and waters can do to hair.

I’ve also frequented the salon-a-la-Derik Grove for the last couple years. I’ve slowly been trying to grow my hair out, so I’ve just had him trim the ends every 4 months or so. Works out well for the both of us. Plus it’s free.

Ok, back to what this post is really about. I’ve recently given up shampoo and conditioner. Before you freak out, hear me out.

In the last couple of years I’ve heard about this new ‘trend’ which involves using absolutely no chemical hair cleansing products and letting your hair basically cleanse itself. Seemed so foreign to me, but the people I’ve heard this from (and  that do this) have the most gorgeous, shiny, grease-free, fly away free, sexy hair I’ve ever seen. That’s when I started to do my research.

I’ve since discovered that:

1. Shampoo is a detergent, and like most detergents, it not only cleans, but it strips everything (including the natural healthy oils that keep your hair soft and strong) out of your hair.

2. The fact from point number one makes your scalp overcompensate for the lack of natural oils, producing too much…and making your hair greasy feeling in a matter of a couple days.

3. Shampoo/Conditioner manufactures love this, because you’ll continually wash your hair every couple days, if not every day, for the rest of your life. Cha ching!

I’ve noticed my hair had been getting greasy tons faster here than back home. I also noticed that shampoo is incredibly more expensive (about $14 dollars a bottle for good old Head & Shoulders). Even though I’m pretty chill about my hair, I couldn’t deal with the fact I had to wash it every day, when my few ‘shampoo free’ friends back home were getting by washing their hair once a week and it looked and smelled perfect.

What the heck?

After googling ‘shampoo-free’ posts for a few hours, I felt comfortable taking the plunge myself. And no, it doesn’t mean I don’t wash my hair.

I use baking soda and vinegar to wash my hair.

Let me tell you (It’s only been a week so far), I LOVE THE RESULTS! Not only is my hair significantly less greasy, it feels tons lighter, shinier, and all around healthier!

It’s so weird stepping out of the shower though and not having that silky feeling of conditioner. Takes me about 5 minutes longer to comb through my hair, but once it’s dry it feels soooo good.

I also bought some Biosilk therapy to help with the detangling process.

What about the smell? I don’t know what it is…but after using the baking soda on your roots and vinegar on the length of your hair, it doesn’t smell like anything when you’re finished. It’s weird. I have some essential oils on order though, just to get that yummy ‘clean’ smell to spray in after the shower.

Ok so what’s up with the process? It’s involves only two steps.

Ingredients:

Baking Soda
Vinegar (White or Apple are fine)

Put one tablespoon of baking soda into a squeeze top bottle along with one cup of water. Shake until the baking soda is dissolved.

Combine 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake.

What you do: Thoroughly rinse your hair with water. Add the baking soda mixture to your roots and massage thoroughly. You’ll notice a slightly slimy feel…kind of like shampoo. The baking soda breaks up any sort of residue buildup you may have from hairspray or other hair products. Thoroughly rinse the baking soda out of your hair.

Then spray in the vinegar mix through the length of your hair, paying special attention to your ends. Keep it in your hair throughout your shower until you’re about to get out.

Once finished add any sort of essential oils (or a slight bit of coconut oil) for an added amount of moisture and shine.

So far I’ve noticed I can go about 3 days between washings, but I know once my hair gets used to this I’ll be able to go longer! One of my friends uses just water for most of her washings, and does the baking soda/vinegar once every other week.

I’ve heard everyone has different results initially with this process. Some experience dry-haylike hair, some experience static-y and thin hair, and others experience greasy hair. It’s a transition to get to how your hair is supposed to be, with your natural oils. You can change the amount of baking soda and vinegar you use to change your results as well.

I’ve also learned I can use cornstarch as a natural dry shampoo for my blonde hair! I haven’t had greasy hair at all ( I guess some people have different results in their ‘transition’ process…and get a little greasy). If you have brown hair, a little cocoa powder does the same! Just apply a little ‘dusting’ to your roots and brush through.

Still not convinced? Yeah, maybe it’s not for everyone, but I’m not the only one excited about this! Check out these great blog posts about the topic written by a few wonderful and well-spoken ladies!

-Leah with ‘No Poo’ (The most well-written article about ‘No Shampoo’ that I’ve found!)
-Tsh with ‘How to Wash Your Hair With No Shampoo’
-The Hairpin with ‘How to Quit Shampoo Without Becoming Discusting’

Check it out…my hair looks ‘normal’ right?!

Have your tried ‘No Shampoo’ before? How were your results?

>>>After three months my hair looks like this!<<<

>>>ONE YEAR of no-poo. The results, and the continuation of a healthy journey.<<<

Due to the high amount of comments and questions I have received on this post, I have written a couple of FAQ posts here and here addressing some of your questions and concerns. PLEASE read it to see if I’ve already addressed your question. I get a high number of duplicates each week…and I want to make sure I help all of you! If I haven’t answered your question in a post, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! I’m always on the look out for new FAQ material!