Tired of washing your hair? I’m trying the no poo experiment which is a no shampoo hair routine. Wanna join?
Alright y’all. I’ve gone and lost my mind. I’ve decided to throw away the shampoo bottles and use simple ingredients around my kitchen to cleanse and condition my hair, ingredients I’m sure you have in your kitchen right now.
I’ve been thinking about going “no poo” for a while now and after doing a good amount of research, I feel educated enough to make the change. My hair has always been oily so I’ve always had to wash it every single day. The more I washed, the more oily it became. It was a viscous cycle and I simply had to find a way to eliminate the need for daily washings.
My hair is really long, past the middle of my back. It’s straight, thick and pretty much maintenance free except for the fact I have to wash AND dry it every day. This process, depending on how dry I actually dry my hair, can take up to 90 minutes, each day. An hour and a half of my day, completely wasted.
So in desperation, I’ve started this No Poo Experiment. I know several women who are currently doing the no shampoo hair routine and have had great results. One hasn’t used any shampoo in two years and she says her hair has never been healthier than it is right now. I hope that in two years, I can say the same thing.
Only four days in to this experiment, I’m optimistic about the future of my hair. I hope that by making this change, I reduce the amount of toxins being introduced to my body and in turn just being more healthy overall. While I haven’t started this with my children yet, I do plan on implementing it with them if it works well for me.
Here are my updates in photos. The first photo is day two, then day three and finally day four.
So, what exactly am I using?
It’s simple! I have a squeezable plastic condiment bottle that I use for my wash and a plastic spray bottle that I use for the rinse. You can pick both of these up for next to nothing at your local dollar store. I’m thinking about purchasing glass bottles, but I’m going to make sure this will be a lifestyle change before making that purchase since it is more of an investment.
Baking Soda Hair Wash
- 1 TBSP baking soda
- 1 cup water (You can use distilled water, but I haven’t yet. Because we have hard water, I’ve read that by using distilled water, it can help even more!)
Simply place baking soda in bottle, add water and shake to combine.
This can be stored in your shower. This exact mixture only lasts me two washes. Like I mentioned, my hair is thick. I like to really massage my scalp with it. I may be using too much simply because it doesn’t lather, but I’ll adjust this as I go, if needed. Rinse out with warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
- 2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 cup water (As with the wash, feel free to use distilled water if you’d like.)
- Essential oils (optional)
Simply place Apple Cider Vinegar in bottle, add water and shake to combine. If you are using essential oils, add a couple of drops to the mixture. After washing my hair with the no shampoo wash, I spray the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse on my hair very generously. Leave in your hair while you are washing the rest of your body and at the very end of your shower, rinse hair in cold water. I know, it’s not very pleasant, but it’s better to rinse in cold, rather than warm.
As with the Baking Soda hair wash mixture, this too can be stored in the shower. This has lasted me longer than the no shampoo wash did. I figure I’ll get three to four uses out of the vinegar rinse before having to make another batch.
So far, at four days in, I really have no complaints. I made a short little video about this No Poo Experiment and my thoughts so far. You can also see my updates on Facebook and Twitter!
Have you gone no poo? Thinking about it? I’d love to know more about your experiences or thoughts on the process!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
After reading this, you make me wonder what kind of poo I’m putting in my hair. Good luck on the experiment. I don’t think you’re crazy, I may just do the same!
Stefanie says
I have no desire to go no poo, but I use shampoo without sulfates/all natural and occasionally Dr. Bronner’s. I can’t wait to see how it works for you over time.
Shell Feis says
I’ve been wanting to try it for the opposite reason- my hair is really dry {naturally, plus then I flat iron it daily} so I’m interested to see how it works for you!
Shell Feis says
I’ve been wanting to try it for the opposite reason- my hair is really dry {naturally, plus then I flat iron it daily} so I’m interested to see how it works for you!
Mellisa says
I have really thick dark hair and I can’t go more than 2 days without washing or you can tell. I’m really curious to try this out for myself though.
Marcie W. says
I’m really curious to see if this would work for me. I have short, thin hair but am all for an all natural approach. I think I’ll give it a shot once the kids are back in school and we have our daily routine down.
HilLesha says
I know a lot of people who have done this and had fantastic results (they say the first month is the hardest, though). I’ve tried it, but I couldn’t go through it at the time. I currently shampoo my hair 1-2x a week since shampoo strips the hair of its natural oils every time one does this. Since I have a mixed grade of hair that has a tendency to be on the dry side, it’s not recommended that I shampoo it everyday. Otherwise, I’d have crazy Diana Ross-esque hair. 🙂
Leilani says
My friend does this. She was having problems with really greasy hair and she tried the baking soda and loves it.
Mary Beth Elderton says
I am following closely! I had thought about this for myself but hadn’t taken the step. Then I saw your FB post a few days ago and found the courage to just take the plunge. My hair is very fine and oily. As I am getting older (cough) my hair is getting more fragile, so I am wanting to get away from anything too harsh. I am on my 3rd day. So far, I am a little amazed! I had heard that the first few weeks would be horrible….but it is not so far. My hair is not as…fluffy?…but it is okay. I plan to stick it out. Like you, I may add an essential oil for fragrance.
Crystal says
Today is day 7 for me and well, my hair has seen better days! I think I’ve finally hit that awkward period where my scalp is trying to figure out what is happening. I did add Lavender and I LOVE it.
Janet F says
You have gorgeous long and thick hair!
I remember when I was a kid my mom used to always rinse my hair with vinegar and it left my hair shiny, not greasy just shiny.
Crystal says
Thank you, Janet!
So she would wash with regular shampoo and then rinse with the vinegar?
Jenn says
I did the no shampoo method for 6 months while I was pregnant. It worked great! After Gus was born my hormones went whack-a-doo and it started getting so greasy I had to start shampooing again. However, I only shampoo maybe twice per week now instead of every day. The rest of the time I just wet it and use conditioner on the ends.
Great idea about the essential oils. I need to get back on the no ‘poo wagon. Looking forward to your updates!
Jenn- The Rebel Chick says
I’ve been curious about the whole no poo process but I’ve never actually tried it. I will be following along as you post updates about it.
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
I’ve done this! It was AWFUL for me! Then someone told me this is actually for curly haired people, and for some reason straight haired people started to do it…curly haired people who use shampoo tend to dry out their curls so they become frizzy balls and unmanageable, and the hair becomes knotty, and traditional shampoo is like detergent, too harsh, so the no poo method was designed for them. And for straight haired people, I was told to just wash every two to three days with a clarifying shampoo.
I did it for almost three weeks before I gave up 🙂 My hair was OILY! And the apple cider vinegar made it smell really bad, ack! lol remembering is making me LAUGH at myself 🙂
Surprisingly, despite being a straight haired gal, your hair still looks great! So I have a feeling it’s not a plunk for all straight haired gals, and maybe I just did it wrong? I’m a stay at home mom, I could try again?
Crystal says
I don’t even smell the apple cider vinegar after my hair dries. And now that I’ve added the lavender essential oil to the mixture, it actually smells nice. I’m only on day 7 but my hair is starting to freak out. I’m going to keep going and see how it works for me.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I’ve never heard of this but it looks interesting! I wash my hair every other day (can’t do it daily) and I co-wash in between washes and so far that has worked for me. I’ve heard of people adding baking soda to their poo, but I never know you can use it alone. I’m always looking to try new things and I may give this a try for a few days to see how it goes. It definitely looks cheaper than buying shampoo, which is expensive.
Crystal says
What is “co-wash?”
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Co-washing means conditioner only washing. Basically, you’ll cleanse your hair with conditioner rather than shampoo, it’s a more gentler way to wash your hair, especially if you’re trying to stay clear of sulfates and other harsh irritants. I’ve been doing it for two year and I LOVE it! I’ still however wash my hair with shampoo but not as often as I use to. It’s not a complete substitute for shampoo but it works. But, I really want to try the no-poo as my hair is very thin and I don’t want to further damage my delicate little strands.
Crystal says
Oh okay, that makes sense! I can’t use conditioner near my scalp because of how oily my hair is so I don’t think this would be on option for me. Thank you for explaining 🙂
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I’m interested to see your continued results.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
First of a lll.. ever since this because popular a few years ago, I have CRINGED every time I hear or see the phrase “no poo.” I don’t know why but it just grosses me out, lol.
BUT, I haven’t tried it myself. My sister did it for awhile (we are curly headed girls) and she had mixed results. I’m to set in my ways to give it a go.
For the record? Your hair seems to be enjoying it!
Crystal says
Yah, I don’t really like the “no poo” terminology, but that’s what it’s called LOL! And thanks! Today is day 6 and my hair is revolting against me. I’ll post a picture on Facebook tomorrow.
Tricia @ Night owl mama says
interesting hair experiment. I’d be interested to see how it works for you after another week. I was kinds wondering about the smell of the cider vinegar was working for you
Jennifer @ MySweetSanity says
I have been wanting to try this. I told my husband after the current bottle of shampoo is finished that I am going no poo.
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
I have never tried this and I’m glad it’s working for you so far! Your hair is really gorgeous by the way!
Crystal says
Awwww, thanks Theresa!
Kathleen says
I have thought about this in the past. Luckily, my hair is so dry, that I only have to wash it about once a week unless I do a ton of sweating. If I do it anymore than that, It is super brittle and frizzy.
Crystal says
I’m slightly jealous you only have to wash your hair once a week 😉
courtney says
I’ve seriously wanted to try doing this especially since my hair can get greasy quickly. I hate having to put so much product in it too .. please keep us updated long term too!
Crystal says
I plan on doing periodical updates. Make sure you are a fan on Facebook because I do more updates there 🙂
Angela says
I have a friend who does the apple cider vinegar rinse and she swears by it. I have fairly short hair, so a change like this would probably work well for. I am curious to see how it works out for you long term.
Amber K says
I’ve been wanting to try this – my hair is past the point of fixing 🙁
Lolo says
With my crazy allergies, I really need to wash my hair daily to get the allergens out.
Lisa says
Keep us informed. I’m really interested to see how this turns out.
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I’ve been thinking of doing this to see if my natural curl will look nicer…
Nichol says
I’m actually reading about this right now. The problem with my scalp is it is very dry and I’ve always wondered if it is from the junk I’m washing with. Can’t wait to see your results
Donna says
I have long hair that is damaged from color-treating it for years, so it’s very dry. I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week now. If my scalp seems a bit oily, I’ll use baby powder on my scalp/roots. I will definitely try this!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I’m impressed that you’re giving it a go. You’ll have to bring your baking soda solution to the hairdresser when you get a trim.
I hope the essential oils make a nice difference for you too!
Tammy says
I don’t think I’d be brave enough to try this. I have super hick hair too, but since it’s short washing and drying it takes no time at all. I used to have super long hair though too (back in my younger days, LOL), so I totally know what you are talking about with the time it takes. 90 extra minutes everyday is a lot!
Jen says
GIRL you are brave!!! I have read a lot about this, but I swear on day 2 of dirty hair my head ICHES! I know your hair is thick like mine (and much longer), so I am super curious to follow your experiment. I can’t imagine how you are going to keep your scalp clean. I used to rinse my hair with ACV every shampoo, but I just don’t know if I could do without the poo.
I want to come touch your hair in a couple of weeks!!! LOL