I just came across an article the other day about going 'poo free- "shampoo" free, that is. (You didn't think I'd talk about real poo, did you?)
At first glance, a small shiver went down my back. I have a very low tolerance for other people's hair, especially if it's super oily. To me, oily = stinky and gross and I don't want it anywhere near me. I could never be a hair stylist, so bless you to all those who can tolerate other people's hair, cause someone has to do it. I have a weird aversion to feet too, but that's another post another time.
So what can you use?
After reading on it just a bit, I found that the most natural, cost effective, and eco-friendly way to clean your hair is to use what most of you probably have in your cupboards- baking soda. Apparently, it's wonderful for your hair, cleans it and leaves it fresh and naturally shiny. I've also read that if your hair is super fine, you can also just rinse it with water. I have thick, curly/wavy hair that is prone to oil at the roots and dryness at the tips, so I won't be going that route.
But what if you're a conditioner addict like me?
The eco-hippies have you covered for that one too! (I heart you, eco-hippies!) ;) A quick apple cider vinegar rinse is said to detangle the hair follicles, balance the pH of your hair and seal the cuticles. When mixed with water, the mildly acidic vinegar helps counteract the baking soda.
So, I think I'm going to give a shot. Not just yet, I want to read up a little more on it. But, what's the harm in trying for a week or two? Anyone out there have any experiences they'd like to share in going 'poo free?
I'll let you know how it goes either way!
For more information on going shampoo free, visit:
Natural Forces
5 Minutes for Going Green
13 sweetie poos said...:
Oo yes please keep us in the loop! I am a conditioner addict since the air is so dry here.
I have SUPER fine hair (but LOTS and LOTS of it). I have to wash my hair everyday. If I don't wash it then my blonde hair looks brown and gross.
I read a blog by a hair dresser who has the most wild, beautiful, thick, wavy hair and she is shampoo free. She uses baking soda. I've heard that eventually the baking oda is great but you first have to give it some time and your haor could be oily while your scalp adjusts. But then I hear people either love it or hate it. I've done some reading on it too. :) In high school I used to often use apple cider vinegar on my hair. It left it sooooo shiny and clean! Mayonnaise is a good conditionar too.
Hi! I'm also very curious to know how those things work for hair care. Very interesting information. I may just try it out for myself. :)
One year ago I went 'poo free. And it has been great! Honestly- the adjustment period lasted me a couple of months (and it was rough- I wore a lot of ponytails), and whenever we travel the difference in water does mess with my perfect system, but it is so nice to know that I am not hurting myself with chemicals or supporting the oil industry any more than I have to. Plus- can you say cheap? So so cheap. I still use a natural conditioner on the ends of my hair, but if I cut my hair more than once a year, it probably won't look so bad or need so much conditioner. or well. good luck. it is tough but totally worth it.
How interesting, if you do try it let us know how it turns out! I need some gooood tips and tricks!
I may just have to try this! Since my move to the humid south (and a recent dye job that I will never admit to anyone I see offline) my ahem, black hair is now dry and straighter than ever before. We also try to remove as many chemicals from our house as possible, so this sounds interesting! But, I'll be starting after the weekend is over, a girl's gotta look good when she has a hot date.
www.spontaneouslysouthern.com
Well I'm certainly intrigued! I can't wait to read a follow up post!! Maybe maybe maybe I'll even try it myself. Maybe.
I have started doing poo-free recently. Here's a link to a hair stylists website that talks about natural hair care...
http://www.livecurlylivefree.com/home%20remedies.htm
Her focus is on curly hair, but is helpful to those with straight hair as well. I use a product called Deva Care No-Poo. As the website above explains, it's not good to use vinegar or baking soda too often or it can have negative effects on your hair. In between those treatments, it's good to have a natural no-poo wash for your hair. My hair doesn't get oily fast, so I have not had a problem yet with no-poo, but others don't like it. It really comes down to your hair type and finding which no-poo product works best for you. I know each person's adjustment period is different as well. Here's a link for some sulfate free products that users have rated...
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlproducts/search/:null:/:null:/3/:null:/:null:/:null:/11/:null:/
Here's some more information on shampooing and vinegar rinses...
http://livecurlylivefree.blogspot.com/2008/12/shampoo-bars-and-acv-rinses.html
http://livecurlylivefree.blogspot.com/2009/04/do-sulfate-free-cleansers-automatically.html
I forgot to share these links with you as well.
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curltalk/going-no-poo/
http://www.wikihow.com/Follow-the-Curly-Girl-Method-for-Curly-Hair
http://livecurlylivefree.blogspot.com/2010/02/curl-whisperer-on-naked-hair.html
All I kept thinking about was the baking soda reacting with the vinegar. What grade is it that you build an erupting volcano using just those ingredients? Can't wait to read up on your experiment!
Thanks so much for all the info! Like I said, I definitely want to read up more about it. I've heard one of the keys is being sulfate free.
hmmm very interesting! keep us posted :)
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