Yes, you read right. I didn’t poo for 4 days last week. No, no not THAT kind of poo. I’m talking about no-poo, an alternative and all-natural way to wash your hair. As the nickname suggests, there is no shampoo involved. Hence, no-poo.
If you’re thinking this is a hippie thing to do, you are mistaken. No-poo isn’t about rebelling against artificial ingredients (wait a second….what’s actually in there?). It’s about doing something that’s healthier for your hair. And all it entails are three things: water, baking soda and vinegar. That’s it. Here’s what my hair looked like after my first time doing no-poo:
I learned the following:
- Shampoo is a detergent. And like all detergents, they strip away the natural oils your hair produces to keep itself supple.
- When your hair is stripped of its natural oils, it amps up the oil production to overcompensate for that loss. That results in oilier hair in a matter of days. In my case, it’s the next morning.
- That extra production of oil will cause you to, you guessed it, shampoo again. The shampoo industry knows this. Ever heard of Lather. Rinse. Repeat?
The only thing I worried about was the transition period. Since your hair has been overcompensating for the loss of natural oils for so long, you’re basically shocking it into adjusting the oil production. That will result in a wacky transition period (see also: oily hair). I figured, my hair is oily every morning. Why not?
So, after reading about her experience and her FAQs on No-Poo, I took the plunge. I already had all the materials I needed since I constantly use baking soda to remove set-in oil stains.
Preparation
I prepared the baking soda/shampooing solution (2 tbsp baking soda to 1 cup of water) and poured it into an empty ketchup squeeze bottle. I prepared the vinegar/conditioning solution (2 tbsp to 1/4 cup of water).
My Experience
As I squeezed the baking soda and water mixture on my hair, it just felt wet. The lack of lather is a weird feeling. I let it sit on my scalp for one minute and massaged it in.
The slippery feeling I read about didn’t kick in until I stood directly under the showerhead. Then something strange happened. My hair felt clean in a way I never have felt before. SQUEAKY clean. Like it literally squeaked like a car wiper against a dry windshield. My scalp felt great. My scalp goes through cycles of feeling itchy until I switch to a different shampoo. After a while it gets used to the new shampoo and I have to switch again. The baking soda was soothing and took the itch away.
Then it came time to “condition” with the vinegar rinse. The vinegar didn’t smell bad at all. I could hardly smell it. (I used white distilled vinegar). As soon as I dried my hair, there was no residual vinegar smell. Then, I dried my hair.
My Thoughts After No-Pooing
This was a little weird. My hair didn’t smell like shampoo but it was SUPER clean. I’ve heard you can use essential oils for fragrance, but I was just trying this out and I didn’t have any at home.
My scalp was SO clean. Best of all, while I normally have gobs of hair come out in the shower, I saw a reduction of 70% of hair loss in the shower. I was lucky to see more than 10 strands.
I had lots of volume, as you can see from that picture above. However, the second day with no-poo was rough. My hair didn’t smell bad, but it was definitely producing a lot of natural oil as it was used to. I’ve read that you have to try to go as long as possible between the no-poo hair washing. As a person who shampoos on the daily, I couldn’t wait 3 days. On day 3 I used the no-poo baking soda solution again. Again, nice and clean, but my ends felt like straw.
Conclusion
On day 4 I knew it wasn’t for me. What I was experiencing (dry ends, oily hair) were all NORMAL EXPERIENCES during the no-poo transition. Personally, I just couldn’t continue with it. I’m impatient. Really impatient. So I went back to my regular shampoo and conditioner.
However, since baking soda removes build-up, going back to my normal routine was like trying out a new shampoo. My hair continued having lots more volume!
So, will I return to no-poo? It’s too soon to say. However, I will most definitely use no-poo as a CHEAP alternative to clarifying shampoo. And, if I find myself in Amanda’s situation overseas where shampoo is $14 a bottle, you betcha I’ll make the switch. Until then, I’ll continue the age old mantra. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Tami says
HAHA you sold me with the title of this post. I’ve always been too scared to try at-home hair remedy stuff, but I already have baking soda and vinegar in the house so maybe I’ll have to give it a try.
Lisette says
:) hehe. Definitely give it a try, even if it is just to use a natural clarifying shampoo substitute. This was the cleanest my hair ever felt!
Suzanne @ Just Another Girl says
I’ve bought all the ingredients since I first saw it posted on Living In Another Language… all I have to do is try it out. (Too scared to right now though… lol) I’m glad to hear that it’s not too awful the first time or so. :)
calicodaisy says
I used baking soda WITH my shampoo for years, which helps cut through any residue left by the shampoo or detergent. Put shampoo in your hand, and then sprinkle the baking soda lightly on top, and then carry on.
However, about three years ago, I picked up a goat’s milk shampoo bar at the local city farmer’s market, and I ADORE it. Along with the sprinkling of baking soda, as we have a well and water softener, my hair feels gorgeous and cleaner longer. Three years on about $20 worth of goat’s milk shampoo bars. Facial bar is fantastic, too.
I know it all works because I haven’t been able to pick up the shampoo bar in ages, and I’ve been using shampoo again, and my hair feels heavy and needs more washing again. There is a good lesson here … and I need to go early to the city market on Saturday or just order from the link – http://backcountryskincare.com/. — michele
Lisette says
That’s good to know! I’ll keep that in mind!
The Whimsical Peacock says
Awesome post! I was a stylist for 15 years, when clients came in who have used shampoos (mostly from the category I call the three P’s, PANTENE PERT OR PRELL) after doing what I did for so long I could automatically fell the waxy build up, and we would do a “special” shampoo on them…..yep you guessed it! Tablespoon of baking soda with our shampoo, (low ph is key) and scrub the scalp and gently through ends, yes you do get that “straw like” effect, but, argan oil or Framesi argan oil worked in from end up to root(in that order) and let air dry, then just style (blowdry)when it’s almost dry, that’s kind of meeting your idea halfway, and maybe you’ll be able to do that once a week! Hope that helps;) so loved your post!
Lisette says
Wow. Thank you for that little pearl of wisdom! I just saw that Suave came out with argan/Moroccan oil leave in treatments. I will definitely look into that for y hair. Any low-pH shampoos you recommend?
Emily @ Sassy in Sequins says
I wash my hair 2x a week and that’s low poo enough for me. Dry shampoo or baby powder on the days I don’t wash work. I’m not a no poo girl
Breenah says
I’m having the itchy scalp thing right now and I know it’s because of my shampoo. I think I might try this!
Jasmine Nelson says
I have been living the “less-poo” lifestyle for about 5 years. I do exactly what The Whimsical Peacock suggested. Wash with the baking soda/shampoo mix every 5 days (I’ve gone up to 7) and then put argan oil on the ends. My hair is so much healthier and doesn’t produce oil like crazy. It only took me like 3 times for my hair to get used to this, but I had normal/dry hair to begin with.
Tatiana says
hmmm, interesting! honestly, I probably wouldn’t try it just because my hair is already pretty dry- I feel like putting vinegar on it wouldn’t be good!
Nikki Coglio says
I’m surprised that vinegar is used to condition. I’ve used vinegar to remove the green tint that chlorine leaves in my blonde hair after too much time in the pool. It worked like a charm, but I’m afraid something that strips my hair so well would leave it straw-like. I will definitely be trying the baking soda though, it sounds like a great alternative to clarifying shampoo, and I need all the volume I can get!
Lisette says
It can take a little while for you to find the right balance of vinegar to water. I think I applied the baking soda ALL OVER my hair the second time I used it. That’s why my hair was so dry.
Bekah @ re•solve says
I’ve been meaning to try it forever. I just need to get the bottles to do ahead of time in the shower.
Lisette says
Reuse what you have. I cleaned out our old Heinz ketchup squeeze bottle and it worked perfectly. I also had a small 2oz. travel spritzer from the Walmart dollar bins. I purchased a couple a few years back so that when I traveled on airlines I wouldn’t have to go without my favorite hair products just to satisfy TSA requirements.
Erin @ The Grass Skirt Blog says
You totally had me with the title. I thought that you were crossing into some new bloggy territory! LOL. I’ve considered giving this a try, but I haven’t even found a natural store bought shampoo that I like yet, so I am a bit scared.
The Grass Skirt
Lisette says
Don’t be scared. I’m sure that if I had given it a few more days I would have been ok. But I’m impatient. It’s a personal flaw :) Other comments have indicated that they’ve added baking soda to their shampoo right before lathering. Give that a try!
Lauren says
Seriously, I thought you were actually going to write a post about not pooping. LOL
Lisette says
haha! that would be a stretch….kinda. I already have one post about poop!
Natalie Hinkley says
Interesting! I might give it a try, though my hair is super dry, so I don’t know how well that will work out!
Because Shanna Said So says
My no-poo-poo alternative is “Not Your Mother” dry shampoo. I swear by it and can go a few days without actually washing. It’s the best and adds volume and takes away allllllll the grease!!
Lisette says
WHAT?! Crap. I was just at the store and was deliberating on whether or not to buy that. I even had it in my hands. I’m going to buy it now.
Amanda Flowers says
I wasn’t even going to read this post (I’ve read soooo many reviews on no-poo and I know it’s not for me) but I did and you may have actually changed my mind! I’m thinking I might try it just once for that clean feeling. I wouldn’t continue- the straw feeling would kill me. There’s definitely no transition in my future but maybe my hair would enjoy a 1 day break from shampoo!
Amanda @ Cats, Cuddling, & Carrot Cake
Andrea McCann says
I’ve been tempting to try the no-poo for a while. I just colored my hair and I’m a little afraid of trying it now!
Lisette says
I understand what you mean. @becauseshannasaidso:disqus recommends Not Your Mother’s dry shampoo as an alternative. However, I found that if used only once, your hair won’t dry out. It’s a little funny feeling but I LOVED my hair on that first wash!
Amanda says
@andreamccann:disqus, I’m part of a no-poo support group on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/nopoo/) with over 1,100 members. I have yet to hear of an issue with colored hair. I lighten mine, and I have absolutely zero negative effects. If anything, it may prolong your color? There are lots of girls that have made the switch over to henna dye, and they’re still no-pooing. Color stays!
Ashley says
Love the title….I’ve gone 11 days with no poo and had great results but had to wash after going to beach. Its defiantly not for all hair types and its easier to do in the Winter.
B Dav says
You could try cowashing (washing with conditioner instead of shampoo) for a less drying alternative to shampoo, and save the shampoo washing for once a month or so. That may help!
Britt @ one&20
Ashli Hall says
i had no idea! i have oily hair so this scares me a little lol
aimymichelle says
i had thought of doing that. but i just got natural shampoo from trader joes instead.
sarah goodman says
amaze. i DEFINITELY have to try this! my hair is the oiliest of oily. yuck.
Lauren @Boston Sweet Tea Party says
I’m glad to see that you tried this. I first heard about it in Jessica Alba’s book Honest Living and was under the impression that you were just supposed to use water. The addition of baking soda and vinegar makes way more sense. I’ll have to try it out!
Kimberly E says
I’ve always wanted to try alternatives to shampoo just because my hair gets so oily. Loved this post and I would definitely like to try it. Thanks for sharing!
BlushandBarbells says
I wash my hair every day with conditioner, maybe using shampoo once every two weeks or so.
Bonnie Rose says
I do it. I so far don’t want to go back. the transitional period kinda sucked…but now that its over I’m glad to have switched. I like being able to wash my hair way less.
Amanda says
Whoo hoo! Bonnie, I haven’t heard of you progress… That’s great!
Bonnie Rose says
My only struggle is I am experiencing a lot of dandruff. Finally my scalp doesnt look oily and I can go 6 days without needing to wash it. But trying to use aloe vera on my scalp in hopes it will make the flakes go away. If you know something else I could do for that let me know. I didnt have that before with shampoo.
Lisette says
Have you tried tea tree oil?
Bonnie Rose says
I haven’t but I have it. (have been sneaking it into my kids hair for lice prevention). Will try that this week and see if that fixes it.
Elora says
I tried this once, and liked how supple and healthy my hair was feeling, but mom didn’t like how oily it looked. So I’m back on shampoo. (I just use much less….) ;D
Amanda says
Dear Lisette,
I think you’re awesome. That is all.
-Your biggest fan.
Lisette says
It’s mutual, my love <3
Chelsee says
Haha I about died when I read the title of this..I was wondering what in the world you were talking about. Yea I think this isn’t for me..
Amber Thomas says
I can’t commit to no poo. But, and it’s a big BUT, I have mastered the dry-shampoo technique for up to four days of no wash… Yeah, the fourth day is a bit questionable, but isn’t that what baseball caps are for? And I’m a runner on the daily so there’s always the sweat to contend with… Shower cap, blow dry, and give it the dry shampoo… Pull it into a pony, braid, or bun and boom good to go!
I really thought my hair dresser was full of it when she told me that longer spaces between hair washings drops oil production… but honestly, I believe it. And my hair feels so healthy and beautiful!
Beka says
I just tried the no-poo and I switched back to shampoo after a week and a half. It was interesting to read your take on it!
Kristin Thompson says
I recently started doing this, & LOVE it, and I figured out that I’m probably allergic to something in the shampoos I’ve been using. I did a post on this as well on my blog, crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com, it’s a new blog & I would love if you could check it out. Thank you!
Kristin
crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com
Trish Miller says
I quit using shampoo about 3 years ago. the first year I just used conditioner then I found Wen . 3 years without detergents on my hair! its awesome!
Nancy says
I have never tried the no poo but have been using Wen for a couple years now. It takes a while to get used to having no lather but I love it now. I can also go 4 days without cleansing and I used to be an every day shampoo-er. I can see how the baking soda can work and have been told by hairdresser to use it to remove product build up. Thanks to Wen, I have no buildups!
Nikky says
I’ve been washing my hair without Shampoo for 10 days now. I’m wholly committed. I haven’t cheated at all…no shampoo, no conditioner, no styling products. Just baking soda for shampoo, apple cider vinegar & lemon juice for conditioner (because lemon juice will interact with the sun and also lighten your hair color).
One of the things I did read is that 1) it’s important to use a boar bristle brush in between “washings” and 2) it’s important to understand the first 2 weeks are going to suck while you figure the whole thing out. Adjusting the baking soda ratio has been my hardest challenge, but I think I have it figured out. :)
Kelly says
Have you tried the backwards wash? I’ve been doing it for two weeks and I love it! You condition and THEN shampoo. Least amount of oil reaction I have ever had. (I no-poo’ed and coudn’t hang, this way works nad no oily slick on day 2.)
Peggy says
I have been using baking soda as a dry shampoo for years to give volume to my baby fine hair and absorb extra oil. I just sprinkle a little on before styling. It helps that I have light colored hair but rubbing it into the scalp makes any appearance of white go away. When I do shampoo after a few days, the baking soda helps to clean my scalp. I’m excited to try it alone and condition with the vinegar.