I Tried the “No Poo” Shampoo Method

My sister decided to start washing her hair with the “no poo” method about two years ago – she swears by it. If you’re not familiar, “no pooing” utilizes a solution of baking soda and water to wash the scalp and another mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to condition the hair. Previously, I subscribed to this method as an occasional clarifying shampoo, but a few months ago, I decided to go all in. My hair was getting dull from a lesser-quality shampoo and I once read that “no pooing” eventually leads to lightened hair color. Inexpensive household “products” and bonus highlights? A no brainer really.

I lasted two days.

 

You see, I’m a head sweater (sexy, I know) and I exercise regularly. Since the “no poo” method doesn’t allow for more than two to three washes per week, I already have a problem. One Sunday morning yoga class, I broke a sweat. Not a normal person’s sweat, but an intense head sweat. Something else you might not know about me? I have an incredible sense of smell. It’s a gift and a curse really.

I started to sweat and then I started to smell something: apple cider vinegar. That can’t be me, I thought. Sorry to my surrounding yogis, ’twas I who wreaked. Just know you only had to suffer once!

That very day, my no-poo journey ended. It just wasn’t in the books for me, and going back to drugstore shampoo wasn’t either. I ran across the street to Whole Foods, fortunate I know, and visited the shampoo aisle. I picked up a few of my old favorites, Aubrey Organics, John Masters Organics, Giovanni, etc., surveyed scents, claims, and ingredients and ultimately purchased the luxurious John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo and Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler.

My hair and scalp immediately let out a sigh of relief. I could feel the rich, organic ingredients cleanse and infuse every strand of hair with moisture. I love a sweet, clean aroma and John Masters doesn’t upset. Upon washing, don’t expect a lather from the shampoo. Since this a natural product, it lacks the typical ingredient, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), that creates suds. And the conditioner? Although John Masters calls this a detangler, it can be used as a wash-out conditioner or a leave-in product, if you prefer. Note that a little goes a long way, no need to use more than a quarter-size.

After using both products for a few months, I’ve noticed the more I shampoo, the more I increase scalp dryness. I try to limit washes, but it’s not always possible to hold off. (Remember I’m a head sweater?) However, this is a minor trade off and something that can be easily remedied with a coconut hair mask. More on that later.

3 Comments

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    I’ve been wanting to try this, but have been nervous because I have very fine hair. May not be the best option for me either!!

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