no shampoo?

[burgespj]

Hi, in Alissa's book it says she doesnt use shampoo.Well what does she use?What do you use if you dont shampoo?I saw a guy ob qvc that says he never uses shampoos in his salon.How do you all produts out of your hair?Thanks,Pat.

[DavidZaneMason]

My experience:

-I don't use shampoo...and have not for many many years. Why should I? My hair...and other parts....seem pretty clean and comfortable...and well-groomed to me. A quick spritz with water, scalp rub, and comb-through usually do the trick. :) Why coat my hair in wax or detergents?

-David Z. Mason

[northernstars]

I haven't used any shampoo now for over three months! My hair looks just fine, too! I rinse it well once or twice a week and that is all. Of course, it does get a daily brushing. I am quite pleased that it continues to look as good as it has always looked.

[earth_sista]

Hi, in Alissa's book it says she doesnt use shampoo.Well what does she use?What do you use if you dont shampoo?I saw a guy ob qvc that says he never uses shampoos in his salon.How do you all produts out of your hair?Thanks,Pat.

ob qvc??

Some people use honey-yes, just regular old honey, doesn't have to be raw/unheated. Works pretty well. And coconut oil works great for conditioning hair.

Personally, I just use natural shampoo and conditioner I get from my health food store.

Not sure what Alissa uses..

[mykidzrkute]

well.........i'm a hairstlyist so i think that it would take a huge, and i mean HUGE even in my life for me to not use shampoo LOL!

[Stina]

There was another thread on this subject months ago that was entitled something along the lines of No 'Poo. Thanks to that, I gave up shampooing, conditioning, and using products on my hair. I'd been using expensive products from the health food store that still had questionable ingredients.

Well, my hair looked stringy for awhile! Perhaps a couple of weeks. I wore hats for that duration. Then it started to get better as it learned to self-regulate without shampoos harshly overstimulating oil glands. I'm now in the habit of putting a small amount of natural baking soda in a container and taking it into the shower with me about every two to three days, filling up a little bit of water in it, dumping it into my scalp, massaging it in, and letting it sit for a little bit.

My hair is just great, well, there's a little bit of frizz, but it's always there unless I use product, then it gets stringy. Frizzy or stringy, that's my choice.

I'm very pleased with this and I'm saving a lot of money. Money I can spend on organic produce.

[Marin Mom]

I stopped using shampoo too. I have dry curly hair and have to wet it down daily to get a comb through it and I just use olive oil and then rinse it out. Gets out the tangles and I rarely use gel anymore either. BTW I also use olive oil on my face too in liu of moisturizer most days as well.

[Crissy Snow]

But isnt that apart of hygene and don't you get soars in your head from not washing it?

[Stina]

But isnt that apart of hygene and don't you get soars in your head from not washing it?

Toxic chemicals found in modern-day tolietries shouldn't be confused with cleanliness and health. Why would I get a wound on my scalp from using a natural cleanser instead of a synthetic cleanser? I run water over my head several times a week, but getting dirt in my hair is a minimal problem. Now my hair self-regulates oil secretions naturally instead of being unnaturally stripped dry by chemicals, so it doesn't look dirty either.

[apower2me408]

Interesting. I'm so programmed to use shampoos and conditioners. Maybe I'll try just water the next time I wash my hair, and see how it feels.

[apower2me408]

Wouldnt it be very difficult to wash honey out of your hair? Isnt it as bad as getting gum stuck in your hair? I cant imagin

[missvitreous]

I'm starting with the whole no poo thing. It's been nine days, and things are okay so far. I wash with water every other day now, and brush every day. My hair looks shiny, and not too oily, which I'm really glad about. I want to continue with this because I'm saving money, and now my hair and scalp doesn't feel coated anymore. I wish more people knew about this.

[solongng00dnite]

Wouldnt it be very difficult to wash honey out of your hair? Isnt it as bad as getting gum stuck in your hair? I cant imagin

From my experience honey isnt sticky when it mixes with water. I use honey on my hair and it works just fine. Makes my hair shiny and smooth

[Rawkinlocs]

Alissa does use (natural) conditioner but that's it...no shampoo. There's a book out called "Curly Girl" and Alissa has that book and it talks about (especially) people with curly (loosely or tightly as in "nappy") hair doing the "no-poo" method of using conditioner to "wash" the hair with and it making all the difference in the world. I've seen Alissa up close and personal and her hair is gorgeous!

Shampoo oftentimes strips the hair. I, too, am (rather was - still licensed but not practicing) hair stylist and it's not too hard to let go of shampoo once you discover there are other ways of cleaning the hair.

Other things people who do not use shampoo do to clean their scalp and hair is to use baking soda maybe once a month as a clarifier or use ACV (apple cider vinegar) as a rinse (that stuff is GREAT for itching, dandruff, and removing build-up in the hair) as well as rinsing with herbal tea rinses such as chamomile.

But you'll find with a cleaner diet, there are many "hygiene" products you'll no longer need such as deodorant cause...well, you won't stink; soap (water and a rag will do the trick!) Most of these products are created to mask something that is actually stemming from within.

Crissysnow, no you won't get sores in your head from not using shampoo. The whole thing is to keep the hair and scalp clean but again, there are other more natural means to do so as opposed to harsh shampoos that, again, strip the hair and dry it out (causing a "need" for conditioner to soften it again - which seems pretty redundant to me :rolleyes: ) But again, much of the scalp issues (seborrhea, etc.) stem from the inside out and not the other way around...clean up the diet and you clean up the hair and scalp from issues!

I still brush my teeth, but I don't use toothpaste - either just plain water, baking soda and water or a tooth powder and at times a tiny bit of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint castile soap (haven't done that in some time, though).

My oldest daughter stopped using toothpaste too...still brushes, but uses only water and her teeth and gums are healthy (mine are too with the exception of some dental issues I had prior to ever having gone raw) and the whitest I've ever seen them (although not sure if that, whiteness, really matters much or not...just an observation)

[rhythmofthecosmos]

this interests me..

couple of questions though..

It talks about people with curly hair, I have curly hair which is made more curly by the fact that I wash under ice cold water..

Will this no poo method make it more curly??

Also will frizz be reduced? After I wash my hair now my frizz normally lasts for a couple of days really annoying starting to have jim morrison hair..

[Rawkinlocs]

I can't really answer that as I have dreads but from the reviews I've read on doing no-poo...it seems the answer is yes...it will minimize your frizz...not sure about making it more curly, though. Why don't you try it for 30 days and see how you like it and if not, you can always go back to poo'ing...er...umm...SHAMP-pooing, that is! :o

[rhythmofthecosmos]

another 30 day challenge hmmm

bring it on ;)

[rubyhair]

i'm a hairstylist and although i havent tried the no poo method, whichever you might use, i agree that you dont really need shampoo. at least not that often. i always recommend to people with curly hair to only wash your hair once a week. if you feel like you really have to wash it everyday then just rinse your hair with water, scrub your scalp well and then condition. it's really the scrubing that is cleansing your scalp. i personally wash my hair about once a week and i use shampoo and conditioner from a company called Deva Curl. the name of their shampoo is actually "no-poo" because it doesnt suds up and it's sulfate free. it doesnt feel like shampoo either. it feels like washing your hair with conditioner. it doesnt feel stripped and dry at all. and the conditoner i use is called "one condition". their products are meant for curly hair and i have straight/wavy hair but i love them.

[raw_danceruk]

No shampoo works for sure

If you feel you need extra-- try orange juice, lemon juice or acv

Personally I love just water.. works as it was intended..sure you wouldnt see caveman lathering up their hair:D

[queenfluff]

I am no poo for 9 months. I have a Loooong thread here about it:

http://www.goneraw.com/forums/6/topics/565

It is long but it had lots of tips.

Why would people think that shampoo is necessary to keep hair clean? do animals use shampoo? No. Were you born with a bottle shampoo attached to you? No.

Ever notice how clean a babies hair is? It doesn't need any shampoo. It gets oily once you start using shampoo on it. If you want to understand why, read the post at the link below.

I explained the whole process of what shampoo does and why in this post here:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showpost.php?p=315855&postcount=18

The whole no poo process really is about one thing - time. If you can get yourself through, the oily balancing period and give your body a chance to return to a balance you will be rewarded. You will also need to get used to the idea that the clean you have with no poo will not feel exactly the same as when you used shampoo. The reason being that shampoo overstrips your hair so much that it leaves the hair in a state that it isn't supposed to be in - an unnatural state. Just like going raw - your body doesn't go all clean overnight - it adjusts and slowly you feel better and better. Same thing with the hair and scalp - give them time to adjust and return to their natural state.

[lily]

It's really interesting the way this diet seems to work from the inside out... the longer you do it, the less you want to use 'products'. I never really thought about it, but naturally stopped using deodorant (no need any more, as Rawkinlocs says), stopped using toothpaste (mix my own essential oils instead), no more moisturizers and cleansers on my face (olive or coconut oil instead). I hadn't got as far as ditching the shampoo yet, but now having read this thread, I'm going to.

lily

[Anastasia Alston]

I went no 'poo & no soap 4 months ago & haven't looked back. I haven't smelled bad or gotten a sore head, either. I live with 3 dogs & have a horse who's feet I trim myself. I also hike, bike, lift weights & dance. After a day of sweaty physicality I come home & take a shower in plain water. I massage/scrub my scalp with my fingers (pads only!), dry skin brush before every shower or soak in the tub & use a bath brush when I wash. I have dreads, so no need for brushing; just wash & oil afterwards.

I never even think about saving money or that it might be odd that I don't use "products" on my hair & body. I even make my own skin moisturizer from coconut oil, cacao butter & olive oil. I use this on my hair & on my skin (but not for oil pulling - too pricey! <lol>) My skin is softer & clearer than when I used to use a ton of potions & lotions trying for the same effect. I'm glad I tried it & have no intention of ever going back. Why would I need to when this way works much better than anything I've ever "done" & it feels really good, too? :D

- Stasi, Pea Pod (Morab), Rosie Cotton & Binnabik (the Pibble Posse)

[Stina]

I am no poo for 9 months. I have a Loooong thread here about it:

http://www.goneraw.com/forums/6/topics/565

It is long but it had lots of tips.

Why would people think that shampoo is necessary to keep hair clean? do animals use shampoo? No. Were you born with a bottle shampoo attached to you? No.

Ever notice how clean a babies hair is? It doesn't need any shampoo. It gets oily once you start using shampoo on it. If you want to understand why, read the post at the link below.

I explained the whole process of what shampoo does and why in this post here:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showpost.php?p=315855&postcount=18

The whole no poo process really is about one thing - time. If you can get yourself through, the oily balancing period and give your body a chance to return to a balance you will be rewarded. You will also need to get used to the idea that the clean you have with no poo will not feel exactly the same as when you used shampoo. The reason being that shampoo overstrips your hair so much that it leaves the hair in a state that it isn't supposed to be in - an unnatural state. Just like going raw - your body doesn't go all clean overnight - it adjusts and slowly you feel better and better. Same thing with the hair and scalp - give them time to adjust and return to their natural state.

Oh, that was you! thanks! That was a great tip! I can't believe I'm 'poo free at the age of 35, - and you'd never know it to look at me, i.e. I do not look like a homeless person.......;)

[VeroP]

I've only used shampoo twice since early August and that was when the stylist washed my hair before cutting it.

My hair has been fine - I go through the same motions of washing my hair, but just do it under the shower and without the shampoo. I've noticed that my gray hair has not seemed as fly-away and dry since leaving shampoo.

I've also not been using soap - just water and scrubbing!

My daughter - who is 17 - tried going without shampoo and it did not work for her. As a yung'in her hair was too oily and she just couldn't stand it. She may try again next summer as I think you are supposed to do it for a couple of weeks before your hair regulates itself - so she would want to do it when she won't be seeing her friends for a while.

Hmmm - no deodorant - that's one I haven't tried yet. My next step . . .:)

[Livin'onLife]

I had been using baking soda and apple cider vinegar on my hair instead of shampoo, but after about a year, my hair got really dry and brittle.:o I have been using Nature's Gate lavender and aloe shampoo and conditioner. I don't like the idea of using chemicals on my hair, but I don't know what else to do. I have waist-length, straight, fairly fine, medium-thin hair. I am intrigued by using water only, but don't have enough info yet. Any suggestions?
Livin'onLife

[kaybee]

Terressentials brand "pure earth hair wash" is a great alternative to shampoo if you want to use "something" in your hair. its mainly clay based, smells great, sufficiently moisturizes, (at least the lavender kind does), and doesnt leave your hair feeling dried out. i used this exclusively for about a year, and now im down to using it every 3 days or so and just water the other days. and NO styling products anymore either. its super-pure, organic, and chemical-free. a little on the pricey side, but i love the stuff, though ive only found the lavender kind to work really well on my hair (not dry and no frizz). (terressentials also has other soaps, deodorant, and moisturizers that are chemical-free and smell great. their replenishing cream moisturizer is great, and their deodorant is pretty good. their cocoa butter/beeswax moisturizing stick too is the only thing ive found to really heal dry skin on my hands)

kaybee

[jules88]

I was 'no poo' for about 6 months because I had really bad dandruff and a very itchy scalp. about a week ago I quit and went back to using a "natural" shampoo, because I over about a week got increasingly larger dandruff flakes and really really itchy. Since I stopped it's barely noticeable and most of the itchyness is gone. Any comments or suggestions as to why? My diet hasn't changed so that's not it. I was using the baking soda and ACV. I loved the softness of my hair when I was done and it wasn't itchy at first or greasy. I could actually go for about two days before I needed to wash again.
Any comments or thought are greatly appreciated.

[SbutterAMfly]

I'm on Day 6 with no-poo, and I'm still really enjoying it. I'm giving it a try throughout the month of January with water only. I was going to use some ACV this morning because I was getting uncomfortable about the grease, but I forgot to bring it into the shower with me, so it's still only water. I think I'll keep it that way. Water and brushing with a comb, then natural bristle brush seems to keep the oils spread out enough to keep me comfortable.

I have a friend who is also giving this a try. It's funny, some nights we get together and feel each others hair, talk about the "greasies" and what-not. Does anyone want to join us?

[callmebecca]

I haven't used shampoo in years - I use diluted ACV or DevaCurl 'no-poo' - what an amazing difference it's made for my very, very curly hair.

[momma-rawma]

But isnt that apart of hygene and don't you get soars in your head from not washing it?

Believe it or not--your hair will balance out.

I have a friend who washes her hair. It is absolutely immaculate. I forgot that she shared this about a year ago--and she reminded me of that this year when I complimented her hair.

You will go through a period of detox though where your hair...well...might look unkempt. I'm not brave enough to try it yet though.:D

My kiddos don't wash their hair everyday--they hate to...in fact...I only remember to wash their hair when their hair starts getting difficult to deal with. Maybe 2-3 times per week...TOPS!



I do have a question though--for folks who use no soap....

What do you do if you say--handle something....germy? Obviously you folks are raw, so no raw meat...but from a germ standpoint---you just rinse your hands after using the potty? (for example)

[ladypeace82]

I really don't think I could do that. Unless my hair will look like this every time...
I use frizz ease shampoo and conditioner and Quidad products on my hair.

After all the fighting, yelling, breaking, brushes, and tears I've endured since realizing how much curly hair sux, I found Quidad cut and products two years ago...And since I use the products I must wash it out... I'd like to see pictures of the ladies who have curly hair and don't wash or use products. I have to see absolute proof along with your honesty because my hair finally looks good~!!!

see? Unless my hair will look like this all the time, I just can't do it. So I beg you to try to prove me wrong and convince me please, and I'm serious too.

p.s. That's me 6 months before raw
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/ladypeace_82/me-1.jpg

[AvyB]

I've tried several times to go no poo - always with the same weird results. It will (every time) be totally fine for about a month, or a little bit longer then BAM, grease bucket! Like literally overnight. I do know going no poo is very possible as my 9, 8, & 5 year olds haven't had poo on their heads in YEARS, and they are fine - you'd never know! And my 21 month old has never had poo (or ANY body soaps) on her body, ever...just water! Works just fine. Maybe my hair just needs a good detox too? :D

[raw_danceruk]

Why not try it for a week even if you cant try a month!

Nothing to loose!.. orange juice is great, as is acv if you dont want to go cold turkey(so to speak!!)

Have you tried coconut oil before??

I used to be addicted to frizz ease..but not after seeing the ingedients :eek:

This is for the shampoo..so called "gentle" for daily use...

Ingredients
Water , Sodium Laureth Sulfate , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , Glycol Distearate , Dimethicone , Cetyl Alcohol , Betaine , Laureth-23 , Laureth-3 , Cocamide MEA , Polyquaternium-47 , Jojoba Oil , Tocopheryl Acetate , Glycine , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , Sodium Hydroxide , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Sodium Xylenesulfonate , Malic Acid , Benzyl Alcohol , Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride , Sodium Chloride , Disodiium EDTA , Fragrance


Water is for washing your skin, hair and body.. not chemicals made for washing grease of car parts..

Give it a go..whats the worst..you have a couple bad hair days..then it settled down :D

[ChantalLenee]

This sounds so cool!
BUT I'M SCARED!!
My hair is straight (a bit wavy...) and thick but so oily. I might try it... but it's so oily after just one day of not washing. I have very very dark hair and very fair skin so when it's dirty it's practically black and I look goth!
I'll think about going no 'poo. Maybe when I don't have to go anywhere for a few days... but a month?! You are all very brave souls.

[GreenPrince]

Several years ago I realised that we all are completely brainwashed by the cosmetic industry.:)

Then I stopped washing my brain. Just as an experiment. I will never go back. ;)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This thread is so funny.
Don't do this to a new Challenge! Just do it, and keep an open end. Do it and see the result. This is a completely natural thing to do. Use common sense.

I stopped using
Soap – 1975 (occasionally soap for my hands)
Shampoo – 1995
Toothpaste – currently experimenting with OP (oil pulling) 1-2 times a day. Goal: to exchange toothpaste with flossing and tap water brushing. Maybe fluor water rinse once a day.

The results are excellent so far!

[ShelShel]

This sounds so cool!
BUT I'M SCARED!!
My hair is straight (a bit wavy...) and thick but so oily. I might try it... but it's so oily after just one day of not washing. I have very very dark hair and very fair skin so when it's dirty it's practically black and I look goth!
I'll think about going no 'poo. Maybe when I don't have to go anywhere for a few days... but a month?! You are all very brave souls.



This is totally me too! I've got very naturally oily...dark hair. But I think after reading this post...I'm going to have to try this. :p LOL I swear I learn the weirdest things here and I'm always willing to try them! What is that??? LOL

Seriously, I'm going to start tomorrow. Let you know how it turns out in my rawfoodforum blog.;) I'll even take pics of the stages...before, during and 30 days! Wish me luck!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i've been poo-less for a month or so now. i love how my hair styles for me now. before... when i was using shampoo. my hair was limp and gross the day i washed it... then the next day it would be too greasy to leave. i got sores on my head all the time and had to watch what i used on my hair.

now that's i'm poo-free i haven't had a single sore on my head. my scalp is never itchy anymore either. it was itchy all the time before.

and... when i had my hair dyed... i had to use shampoo... well my hair was useless for two days before it balanced back out. i couldn't believe i used to have my hair that limp and lifeless... and that i actually thought it was okay LOL

now my hair is wonderful. with no products in it. i looooove my no-poo self!

[apower2me408]

I tried this for less than a week, and my hair wasnt all that bad. I will need to try it for longer though to see the actual outcome. When I washed it for the fisrt time again after having not washed it for a while, it didnt seem as nice as it used to after washing. I am more aware of how dry it feels. It's better now that it's been a day. I will go another week without 'poo. I dont take showers everyday though while I'm on my winter break, as some days I hardly do anything all day, and I just stay in my pajamas. So I really dont have to try hard to not wash my hair.

[RawSweetie]

This is such a great thread! I REALLY want to do this. Thanks to the folks who posted about their very dark hair--mine is, too--and straight. I have had to wash it every day.

I'm curious about the connection between hair products and going grey. Anybody? I'm in my mid-forties and am starting to notice a stray grey cropping up here and there....:eek: I'm a bit vain about my hair because it's thick and a very nice color (thanks dad) and I want it to stay that way! I'm already impressed with the shine that comes from eating raw foods...I can only imagine how awesome my hair could look on raw with NO crap on it. :D

[Lavendula]

I need support too. I want to do it , but am convinced or brainwashed to think that no one who has my wild hair type could ever control it w/o something formulated to make us feel good about our hair. I have finally weaned from the frizz-ease poo and cond to an Aubrey organics combo, but I still use a little serum, as it is, surprisingly, not as toxic as the mousse. My hair has always been pretty wild. Now, as a mid-dark redhead gone almost all prematurely gray/platinum, most people call me blonde. The texure is mixed, fine/wiry/ frizzy, very wavy, and I think barely controllable, haven't blow dried since age 20. Though I always get complements on my hair and skin, I do and use very little, and I don't see what they see. I would also appreciate, good feedback from experienced hair care specialists not poo-ing at all.

[Conscious Midwife]

This sounds so cool!
BUT I'M SCARED!!
...You are all very brave souls.

It's always funny to me that folks are afraid to skip chemical products but not afraid to try stuff even thought they don't know what the ingredients are. Folks just blindly trust that the same industry that will screw your foods, wouldn't possibly screw your beauty products.

I conditioner wash my hair or sometimes just use hot water after an olive oil treatment. No gels or sprays for me. For moisture I use food grade organic coconut oil. Cheaper to buy food oil than hair oil.

I skip deoderant most days and love applying scented oils for my own aromatic pleasure.

Dr. B's for a body wash and tooth soap. Tooth paste is too sweet, taste like brushin with cheap candy. Yuck:eek:

[Aleesha Sattva]

i've been brushing with a little celtic sea salt on my toothbrush. i do it right after oil pulling... seems to be doing a good job although i've only just begun... no real experience so far.

[Crissy Snow]

At first I was kinda skeptical because I hate dirty hair. My hair is like the thing for me. I haven't washed my hair for a week and I used water and Vitamin E Oil in my hair. My hair is super wavy/curly and I noticed strands of fine straight hair when my hair gets messy at the top. I woke up with messy hair this morning and noticed the fine pin straight hair sprouting from my head lol. Might go another week without doing this, but I have an itchy head.

[Eva]

Once upon a time, I shaved my head for the heck of it. When my hair was growing back, it was one curly nightmare! I bought the book "curly girl" which seems to be almost written for girls, but it is sooooo great.

I stopped shampooing and only conditioned. That worked fine, but wasn't ideal as it would get too oily sometimes...

This past summer, I read about not doing anything but water. I work from home, and I only have temporary sporadic moments of vanity. I thought I would try it out. Why not?

WOW my hair is sooooo much better now that I've gone over the hump. I always had the frizzies, and now it's very very mild when I get them. I took these pics JUST for sharing about the no pooing... but it's not an exceptional "hair day", just normal and average for me. :) AND shame on me... I haven't so much as had my hair trimmed in at least 6-7 months, maybe longer!

Here are three pics: http://s233.photobucket.com/albums/ee223/EvaRawB/?action=view&current=Hairandothers015.jpg
http://s233.photobucket.com/albums/ee223/EvaRawB/?action=view&current=NoPooHair.jpg
http://s233.photobucket.com/albums/ee223/EvaRawB/?action=view&current=Hairandothers026.jpg

[Lavendula]

It's not fair. I would like to see someone with hair like mine.

[The Forager]

Eva: Your hair is absolutely gorgeous! So soft!

[Eva]

Angie that's quite a compliment! Thank you. :)

[momma-rawma]

Anyone know if no 'poo would help fix split ends.

I am only 5 days into this crazy experiment....so was just curious.

haven't had my hair cut in a while.

[Livin'onLife]

Okay, I am going to try using water only. We'll see how it goes. I washed my hair last on Wednesday, Jan. 2. Does anyone else have straight light brown hair?

[momma-rawma]

Okay, I am going to try using water only. We'll see how it goes. I washed my hair last on Wednesday, Jan. 2. Does anyone else have straight light brown hair?

almost--I'm a dark dark blonde (hubby argues that it is "brown" but way too many natural blonde highlights in there :)). And I am a bit wavy--that happened post babies. Was mostly straight except a kink or two up until 8 years ago.:D

[Lavendula]

Okay, I got the book. How many of you no-pooers read the book, and or have tried, with succcess, her recommendations? My daughter is trying the less-poo version and her hair looks great. She is using shampoo on the scalp and roots only, and all over conditioner for the wavy curls. But I have a totally different type of hair and am still working on getting it to work for me.

[Marin Mom]

I just got the same book today. I haven't shampood in about a month and my hair isn't dirty at all. I will see if the suggestions work!

[Tirza]

I have long been annoyed at how my scalp itches, even after diligent and frequent use of anti-dandruff shampoos etc.
My hair is med-dark brown, fairly fine and has good body. I gets greasy fairly easily and is a total disaster if I leave it more than 2 days without shampooing.
After reading this thread and the links, I decided to give baking soda a try. I wet down my hair, then sprinkled some baking soda on it. I rubbed it around and left it on while I did my shower. Just for good measure, I also rubbed some under my arms (baking soda is a deoderizer, right?). When I rinsed it off, I noticed how my hair felt very soft and had a "clean" feel to it, not greasy. This was interesting as I have used baking soda often through the years as a cleanser for glass casseroles, Corning Ware, and my glass topped stove. So I guess it does have cleansing properties.
When the hair dried, I was totally shocked to see that it was soft and not at all glumped together like it would have been if I had just rinsed with water. I have tried just water in the past, but it stayed greasy and itched.
Not only did it look really nice, but my scalp didn't itch either. AND I noticed my BO was much less!
I started to wonder if the alkaline properties of baking soda might be the solution to the itching. Could it be just a PH problem?
My husband saw this and decided to try it as well. He is always scratching at his scalp. No flakes, it just itches. He also said his underarm BO is much less after applying baking soda during his shower.
We think our skin is less itchy as well. Both of us are usually scratching our backs a lot and that is not happening.
SO, folks, we are convinced!
I sent dh to Costco where he got baking soda in a 6-pack, since I had used up my box. Now I have filled a plastic shaker jar so it is more convenient in the shower than a cardboard box. I also added a lot of it to water and put it into a jar with a flip top thing so I can shake it up while showering and pour it on in a liquid. Haven't tried that yet.
I have been finding that my scalp and sometimes my hair is damp in the morning - from sweat, I guess. So I find it desireable to wash it out daily. Now there are no harsh chemicals stripping my hair or causing it to get gunked-up, and no residue on my scalp.
THUMBS UP to this idea!!!!!!! What a $$ saver too!
Try it! You might like it!!

[GlimR]

Hey guys~
My hair is fairly long and very fine, thin even...blond. I have tried various ways to go "no-poo" because in theory I think it's a great idea and don't use soap or toothpaste any more and have removed most chemical based things from my life. But my hair is just horrid when I do this. I've gone for 2 weeks using water, avc, honey and baking soda...my hair was either stringy and greasy or dry as a bone(looked like hay) from the bs. And I rinsed like crazy!!
I see lots of posts from women with dreads or curly, thick hair that it seems to work for......anyone with super fine, stick-straight hair have success with this???

[crystalmoon]

Has anyone been successful with 'no poo' who suffers with scalp psoriosis?
I would love to stop using shampoo & conditioner but if i even leave my hair 3 days my psoriosis is raging

[lore-ah]

Hey guys~
My hair is fairly long and very fine, thin even...blond. I have tried various ways to go "no-poo" because in theory I think it's a great idea and don't use soap or toothpaste any more and have removed most chemical based things from my life. But my hair is just horrid when I do this. I've gone for 2 weeks using water, avc, honey and baking soda...my hair was either stringy and greasy or dry as a bone(looked like hay) from the bs. And I rinsed like crazy!!
I see lots of posts from women with dreads or curly, thick hair that it seems to work for......anyone with super fine, stick-straight hair have success with this???

This is my fear, too. I have fine, straight hair that turns into a tumble weed if I'm not careful. I don't produce a lot of natural oils; my skin and hair tend to be very dry. TMI, I know. I'm thinking the water thing might work, though

[Evike]

I was told by a hairdresser-cosmetologist lady that when you shampoo and condition your hair all you do is strip and wax it.The shampoo strips it of all the dirt,natural oils down to a stringy,dry,tangled mess and then you have to use the waxy conditioner to smoothen out the hair shaft again,otherwise you wouldn't be able to put a comb or brush through it.I'm sure everyone heard about or even experienced the product build up in the hair.That's why they recommend you stop using your regular brand of shampoo every time you notice the build up and switch to a clean,basic,no fancy shmancy fragrances added brand for a while.
I'm having a hard time with my hair because it's crunchy dry if I don't use a conditioner but it gets oily too fast when I do.I also color it to hide my gray.
I wonder how my hair will change after being 100% raw for a while.
I would be happy to stop coloring it but I don't want to be gray either.

[jules88]

Maybe for those of you that are not so sure of just using the water. Try the no poo with the ACV and BS first. I did this for about 6 months or more and then my head was so itchy and had so many flakes that I just stopped using anything. I rinse my hair with water only and don't use anything on it at all. I have auburn, curly hair that is now smooth and almost no frizzies. And I haven't blown dry in ages (years). Before when I used shampoo I definitely had to use a conditioner otherwise It was like ripping my hair out when I combed. Now with a water only scrub and rinse I get out comb with a fine tooth comb and almost never is there a snarl or as my girls and I like to call them rats nests. Just something to consider: do the no poo and then eventually work up (or in this case down) to just water.

[Eva]

Evike... have you tried using coconut oil at all?? I use that on my hair every once in a while if it's feeling dry or if I just want a touch of extra shine, and it doesn't cause any buildup at all. And I use just a teeny tiny bit.

As for gray... if you're not already growing wheat grass, that is supposed to be the best thing you can drink/eat for turning hair back to it's natural color. I'm in my 20s, so I have no experience with that... but that's what I've read. :)

[Lavendula]

Tirza: Okay, I have used baking soda for everything else too, forever. I will try it on the hair, sounds good to me. Was there an adjustment period for you, or were the good results immediate?
I go through the itchy, bumpy thing and it makes me crazy, my hair doesn't even have to be dirty. I think it may just be the dry winter are, but when you go to bed and scratch your head all night, ya feel like a dog with fleas. I never really notice when it goes away, just when it starts.
Can anyone give me specifics on application of the above foods on your hair.

[rhythmofthecosmos]

am on about day 11 of no poo...

I havent used water or anything for about 7 days..

no problems as of yet.. its getting a bit matted but am not that fussed...

Not gonna use any more of that stuff yurk...

[Raw Angel Mom]

Ok, you got my attention. I am willing to try. How long does it take to your hair to get back to normal without looking greasy?

Does anyone have Victoria Boutenko reciepe with flax seed. I heard her saying that she was using this as a soap?

What about your body, do you still use soap?

[SbutterAMfly]

I'm on day 17 without shampoo.
I've rinsed with ACV twice since I stopped using shampoo, and I'm loving how my hair looks and feels. I feel like I'm just getting past the greasies, and into whatever the next stage is.

My hair is dark brown and super straight. Since I've ditched the poo I've noticed that it's been feeling more full than in the past. Yay! I don't think I'll ever be going back!

[Evike]

Eva,thank you for the coconut oil and wheatgrass ideas.I will definetely try the coconut oil.As for wheatgrass,I don't have a good juicer for it but I am trying to save up for a Green Star and then I will do wheatgrass too.
I would love to get my natural dark brown hair color back.

I was thinking what people used to keep their hair clean like 200 years ago?
Before there were shampoos and conditioners.
The american indians for example? Their hair was beautiful,long and shiny.They must have the secret.Anyone live close to a reservation or know an american indian they can ask?

[margoss]

bumping this...anyone else no-poing? I'll be a yr 3-1. It seems to do better in the summer. I have well water. If I go someplace with city water, I have hard time with it, extremely soft & flat..must be the chemicals. People always comment on how great my hair looks then I get 'your just getting weirder' look when I say 'I haven't shampooed in almost a yr, using bc 2x week & acv, isn't it great to save $$ & decrease chemicals?!!"
My dd loves her hair now, I only clean hers once a week.

[RawKnitster]

margoss, what is bc?

[How?]

I get 'your just getting weirder' look :D

"All truth goes through three steps: First it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident."

[OnMyJourney]

My daughter (11) and I haven't used shampoo in a year and seven months and our hair looks so much better for it. We love the Curly Girl method! The sulfates in shampoos are extremely drying and I'm glad to be rid of them. We also cut out all conditioners and products with silicones (any ingredient ending in -cone, -conol or -xane). Our hair products pretty much make our respective bathrooms look like my kitchen.

We conditioner wash (co-wash) our hair and sometimes when I feel my scalp needs an extra scrub I mix my conditioner with a little baking soda to exfoliate and do an apple cider vinegar rinse.

[terry brown]

wow..this is fascinating.
I sure stepped into a whole new world when I went raw!!!!

[terry brown]

bumping this...anyone else no-poing? I'll be a yr 3-1. It seems to do better in the summer. I have well water. If I go someplace with city water, I have hard time with it, extremely soft & flat..must be the chemicals. People always comment on how great my hair looks then I get 'your just getting weirder' look when I say 'I haven't shampooed in almost a yr, using bc 2x week & acv, isn't it great to save $$ & decrease chemicals?!!"
My dd loves her hair now, I only clean hers once a week.

LOL. I am just now getting used to telling my friends about the whole raw thing, telling them i did not shampoo........ hmmmmm.
I may try it!!!

[Rawzula]

I would love to try this out...my scalp is very flaky and itchy....regular 'poo isn't working for me. I've had issues with sores on my scalp recently...and I believe it has something to do with the shampoo I was using.

[margoss]

sorry....bc was a typo. I meant bs---baking soda.

[klomasius]

I've not used shampoo for maybe a year now? My hair is straight and no one can tell at all, they are amazed when I tell them I use no products.

I wash with warm water, then every 2-3 days use bicarb or occasionally apple cider vinegar.

I don't use soap on my body (well, VERY rarely I'll use Dr Bronners, like once every 6 months), I just wash with a cloth and warm water in the shower.

p.s. Rhazula, my partner has just gotten into the no poo thing, he has a flaky scalp and was very hesitant to stop shampooing for fear it would get worse. His scalp has become MUCH better since stopping shampoo! He's had to use the bicarb rinse a little more than I do, but his hair is looking heaps less greasy as well. :D

[lynnc72]

No 'poo for 4.25 years here!! Last time I used 'poo was Nov 2005.

Been raw vegan for only 2.5 years now.

I used conditioner only washing every day for couple of years and gradually decrease to once every 2-3 days.

My hair grows long and healthy down to the middle of my back. I'm a member of LongHairCommunity forum :D

Love it and will never go back to 'poo ever again.

[honeyb1]

hey, check out this interesting site about why not to use shampoo and what to do as an alternative... very interesting!!

http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html