I’ve always had problems with my hair. I’ve needed to wash it every day for as long as I can remember because otherwise it gets too greasy. I tried baby powder as dry shampoo among other things, but nothing works. I can’t even brush my hair because it’s very thin and fragile. It just breaks and creates split ends. Ugh! This is why I tried using no shampoo or conditioner for a month.
I recently learned about something called the “no poo method.” It sounds like something involving bowel movements, but it’s not. The method consists of substituting baking soda for shampoo and apple cider vinegar for conditioner.
Take about a tablespoon of baking soda, mix it with a bit of water, and rub it into your hair/scalp just like you would with shampoo.
Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse it out.
Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and rub that into your hair.
I tried this method about 3 or 4 days ago and started seeing results on the first day. Instead of the usual greasy hair 12 hours after I shampooed it, my hair was fine until the next day. I wasn’t even sure I really needed the baking soda the next day, but I used it anyway, just in case.
My hair looked pretty good and it was full of volume after no shampoo or conditioner, which normally isn’t the case. However, my hair was still hard to brush and it wasn’t nearly as soft as it used to be.
On Day 3, I noticed that my hair started to dread (for those of you who are trying to do dreadlocks, use baking soda, Seriously). That was pretty scary, especially since I wanted my hair to be softer.
I figured maybe I could try using more apple cider vinegar, but that didn’t work either. Therefore, on Day 4, I gave in and used… real conditioner. I’m sorry! I still didn’t put it on the roots (I used apple cider vinegar there), so that counts, right?
I think I’m going to try using coconut oil or find a natural conditioner because the apple cider vinegar really isn’t working for me. I’m not giving up and won’t go back to regular shampoo and conditioner just yet! I really do like the baking soda as shampoo, but I have yet to find a good natural conditioner.
Read Part 2 of my “no poo” experiment here.
The apple cider vinegar was dreading my hair. I use white vinegar now. I basically use the same process!
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Related Content:
How I Wash My Hair Without Shampoo | Fashionable Thinking
My No-Shampoo Method | Happiness Is Natural
No Poo Method: 4 Years | PINKKLOVER
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
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Don't panic! Your hair is transitioning! It's used to the harsh shampoo treatment and things will probably get worse before they get better... But it's worth it! I only have to wash my hair like once a week...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nopoo/
That facebook group has a ton of active members who can anwser questions!
DON'T GIVE UP! It's worth it. For the next week, rock a messy bun. :)
I've never used a conditioner, but when I read about using apple cider vinegar and water I thought I'd give it a try. As yet I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes. I've also just started massaging in water-soluble rosemary essential oil from VIZ. I don't think I will personally notice anything. I'm not that particular and I don't style my hair. When I see my sister-in-law who has been in the hair style industry for years I will ask her what she thinks of my hair.
Try using a slightly weaker baking soda mixture for starters. It's very alkaline and can strip the hair if you aren't careful. Also, use only enough solution to wet your scalp. You don't have to use the entire cup every time! A cup can last me a week or so! I add a little raw honey to my "wash" mixture. Honey is a humectant (moisturizer) but isn't oily. Keep experimenting! Good luck!
I’d use more ACV personally! But sometimes I use some paraben and sulphate free conditioner on the ends if I’ve styled my hair
Keep us updated on how it goes! ?