As some of you might know, I recently decided to put the "no poo" method to the test. For those of you who just did a double take of the screen because you have no idea what the "no poo" method is, let me explain.
This is a cute play on words (no shamPOO) that represents a method of DIY hair care that implements the use of natural products over traditional shampoo to clean your hair.
This is a cute play on words (no shamPOO) that represents a method of DIY hair care that implements the use of natural products over traditional shampoo to clean your hair.
Now why in the heck might someone "rock the boat" and mess with a system that your average bear sees no apparent problems with?
Well, if you pick up a bottle of shampoo and take a look at that rather long list of ingredients on the back of the bottle, you might start to understand where I am coming from. You also might be surprised to learn that many of those ingredients that have been linked to all sorts of bad jou-jou for your scalp AND the environment. Hence, my reasoning for stepping out of the traditional hair care regimen, and trying something new.
And guess what? I have had great success with it! I feel good about helping the environment, saving a few extra dollars, AND how my hair has responded. I noticed that my hair is less oily, has more volume, grows faster, and smells delicious (thanks to argan oil and cocoa powder)
Now I can't take all the credit here – I did research from several websites to create my own "blend"
My "recipie"
Before you start –
I would suggest a natural clarifying shampoo for an initial "prewash" to create an easier transition into using the No Poo method (this will help strip your hair of some of the excess "buildup" from traditional shampoos). There are many options on the market, I used Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo.
For your shampoo;
I have found that I only need to "wash" my hair every third day or so now--which is infinitely better than the daily regime I was rocking with traditional shampoo.
On my "off "days, I use a natural dry shampoo. For this, I apply a dusting of cocoa powder to my fingertips and massage it into my roots to absorb any extra oil. Yep, my hair smells like chocolate--and who doesn't love chocolate? I use cocoa powder since I am a brunette, but I have heard that blondes tend to have great results with using cornstarch in the same manner.
I can't say that this technique would work for every hairstyle/texture – but it worked for me! For more information, Why don't you check out the experiences these ladies had:.
Namaste,
Christy
Well, if you pick up a bottle of shampoo and take a look at that rather long list of ingredients on the back of the bottle, you might start to understand where I am coming from. You also might be surprised to learn that many of those ingredients that have been linked to all sorts of bad jou-jou for your scalp AND the environment. Hence, my reasoning for stepping out of the traditional hair care regimen, and trying something new.
And guess what? I have had great success with it! I feel good about helping the environment, saving a few extra dollars, AND how my hair has responded. I noticed that my hair is less oily, has more volume, grows faster, and smells delicious (thanks to argan oil and cocoa powder)
Now I can't take all the credit here – I did research from several websites to create my own "blend"
My "recipie"
Before you start –
I would suggest a natural clarifying shampoo for an initial "prewash" to create an easier transition into using the No Poo method (this will help strip your hair of some of the excess "buildup" from traditional shampoos). There are many options on the market, I used Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo.
For your shampoo;
- Baking soda – Mix with water to form a paste. My hair is rather long, and I have found that I use approximately one to two tablespoons of the paste per wash. For easy application in the shower, I would suggest making a big "batch" that you can store in a squeeze bottle (you don't need anything fancy--an empty mustard container works great!). Apply the paste like "normal" shampoo (without the lather), RINSE and repeat as necessary.
- Apple cider vinegar -I have found that a 50% apple cider vinegar, and 50% water blend in a spray bottle seems to do the trick for me! Spray this mix into the bulk of your hair (not on your scalp) and let it do it's magic for a few minutes while you wash the rest of your body. After giving it a few minutes to sit, rinse THOROUGHLY.
- Pat your hair dry with a towel, and then apply argan oil. After towel drying my hair and skin, I apply one large drop to serve as a natural facial moisturizer, and then add an additional dollop to my hair to serve as a leave-in conditioner
I have found that I only need to "wash" my hair every third day or so now--which is infinitely better than the daily regime I was rocking with traditional shampoo.
On my "off "days, I use a natural dry shampoo. For this, I apply a dusting of cocoa powder to my fingertips and massage it into my roots to absorb any extra oil. Yep, my hair smells like chocolate--and who doesn't love chocolate? I use cocoa powder since I am a brunette, but I have heard that blondes tend to have great results with using cornstarch in the same manner.
I can't say that this technique would work for every hairstyle/texture – but it worked for me! For more information, Why don't you check out the experiences these ladies had:.
- http://www.love-yourself-naturally.com/2013/04/welcome-to-no-poo-hair-care/
- http://thecrunchymoose.com/2014/03/one-year-without-shampoo.html
Namaste,
Christy