The No Poo Movement
Ok, this is not what you think. What I’m talking about is the No Shampoo Movement. It seems that more folks are getting it. Chemicals are bad. Eating chemicals is bad. Putting chemicals on your body is bad. A lot of folks are looking for more natural ways to take care of themselves.
I just read an article on this shampoo-less method of personal hygiene. I also did a search for more articles on the subject. It seems that many people are doing this. So, starting today, I’m going to join them & see how well this works.
The idea is to use baking soda instead of shampoo until your hair gets to the point that you don’t need to use anything but water! What you do is dissolve a few tablespoons of baking soda in an 8 oz cup of water. Pour it on & work it in. Or you can put the baking soda in the palm of your hand, add a little water to make a paste then work it in. Leave it in for a few minutes then rinse with water. . Next rinse your hair with a vinegar and water rinse (I’ve been using this rinse for years). You can rinse it out or leave it in.
They say that your hair will go through a transition period for a week or two. I would like to suggest that you use warm water to dissolve the baking soda and also for the vinegar rinse (unless you like the shock of cold water going down you back!).
Read my follow up post
24 comments
This is day 3 of using the No Poo method. So far so good . My hair actually feels softer, not oily at all. It does seem flatter & less dry than usual. I’ve been mixing the baking soda and water in the cup instead of making a paste in my hand.
It’s been 1 week since I started the No Poo method. I think it’s working great. My hair is definitely not oily like I thought it would be.
After 2 weeks I can’t tell a difference. Wow, I wonder what else we’ve been brainwashed into buying!
It’s been almost a month since I switched to the No Poo. I honestly cannot tell a difference. I guess the next step is to eliminate the baking soda & use water only. I’ll probably wait until the weekend so the folks at work won’t think I’m out of my mind! Go Natural!!
[...] shampoo and conditioner recipes are a bit labour intensive so I’m trying to work up to the NO-Poo method. I’ve been hearing about it for years and I would like to give it a [...]
Wow! It’s been over 4 months! I have not used or bought one drop of shampoo. My hair is soft, not oily. I am still using baking soda and the vinegar rinse.
Sarah you need to try it!
[...] The No-shampoo shampoo [...]
[...] been using the “no poo” method since last August. I did not taper off the shampoo. I went straight to baking soda & [...]
I used baking soda then washed it off then used conditioner then rinsed that off.Nice shiny soft hair.
Today I just washed it in conditioner and gave it a good rinse,thought my dark wouldn’t shine,but it shines like silk.
I will never use shampoo again.
Hey great Lizzy! Though, you really should try the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse. Though I understand especially if you have long hair. Thanks for stopping by!
This is my sixth day of no poo, and I haven’t really noticed any difference in my hair. I’ve been using baking soda and the vinegar rinse – btw, wanted to point out that I use 1 TEASPOON of baking soda, not TABLESPOONS as Susan mentioned doing – works fine for me.
this monday will be 3 weeks without shampooing. i also have not used baking soda or vinegar at all in this 3 week period… my hair isn’t greasy and isn’t smelly. people don’t know that i haven’t used shampoo unless i tell them. when i do tell people this they are amazed that my hair isn’t “disgusting”
Marissa,
You’ve inspired me. I’ve been wanting to cut out the baking soda. I’ll start today!
Hey,
I just wanted to say that I am VERY interested in this method. I think I am going to start with the BO & ACV rinse and taper off to just water. Susan, let me know how you are doing and if it works! I will do the same! Good luck!
I just wanted to leave a comment saying that I just tried this. I am actually sitting here with the towel on my head! I loved how the Baking soda makes your scalp feel!
Do you use scritching? I did that first and then used a boar bristle brush to comb through. I am excited to see what is going to happen!
I have to admit that I’m not doing too well in leaving the baking soda completely behind. I actually only use the baking soda 3-4 times a week. I use just water or don’t wash my hair at all in between those times. Before I started the NO POO I used to wash my hair everyday.
That’s great Loren! Umm… I’m not sure what scritching is but I don’t think I do. What is it?
I found a great website that you might like. It shows you what scritching is. Go here: http://www.longhairs.com/horn_combs_tutorial
But it is basically taking a comb and, sort of, scratching back and forth on your scalp to remove dirt and oil. Then you take your boar bristle brush and pull the dirt and debris out and the oil down the hair to help condition it.
I have to say that I am having some very oily issues. I have been doing a lot of yard work and I am not sure what I should do to control the iciness of my hair. Any pointers?
There is an herbal powder called Thali (made from hibiscus leaves, I think) that many Keralite women use, usually after an oil massage. Works great. Baking powder must be the modern equivalent, but this stuff has been around for centuries in Ayurveda, and still used widely. Lots of women have thick, dark hair till late in life. I think I’m switching to it permanently after reading about the ‘no poo’ method!
Usha,
Thanks for visiting us. What you said about Thali has peaked my interest. I am going to research it & see what I can come up with.
[...] There are many advantages to the No Poo method. [...]
I have been moving in the No Poo method for a few years now. I use to wash my hair everyday with shampoo. About 3 years ago I cut it back to washing about 3 times a week with shampoo and using dry shampoo (I used baby powder) in between. Then a year ago I went to washing 2 times a week. My sister started the No Poo method and now I started today. My hair feels great and I am really hoping this is what I have been looking for. I am so excited to try it!!! Thanks for your great resource.
Hi Natalie,
Good for you! Just stick with it. You’ll be glad you did. I’ve been “Poo-Free” for a year now.
I’m starting the ‘No ‘Poo’ method today. Armed with baking soda and apple cider vinegar, I’m excited to see how this will turn out.
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