Haven't Washed My Hair For Three Years



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No, really. I'm serious. I haven't washed my hair for three years. Almost four now. 

Why? Take a look at this ingredient list:


Would you drink that? 

Hopefully not. Most likely if you found this blog you don't use that kind of shampoo though anyways.  (Because, of course, you know it contains paraben, phthalates, petroleum byproducts, and other dangerous toxic chemicals.) You probably go for something more natural. But even "natural" shampoos don't look appetizing to drink, do they?

But you'll put it on your body?

Hopefully not. (At this point you should hear Gob Bluth saying this in your head....) 

Whatever you put on your body goes into your body, right? (I hope you know that.) If you wouldn't be comfortable drinking it, why would you be comfortable slathering it all over your head and then rinsing it down your body?

I first started to think about this when I got into more "natural" food and body products about seven years ago. Rather than spend two dollars on a seriously cheap (in all senses of the word) bottle of shampoo I opted for the more expensive, more "organic", more "natural" shampoos for ten to fifteen dollars. 

It seemed like a lot to spend on shampoo but it was worth it because it was better for me. Right? At least it wasn't Suave. But really, folks? Turn over that bottle of 'natural' shampoo. The ingredient list is at least close to as long the generic shampoos. Can you pronounce half of those ingredients? (If you can, props to you. You are probably a chemistry major.) Do you even know what a third of those ingredients are? (If you do, that's also awesome. You must be a science geek).

I'm not a chemistry major. Or a science geek. And I'm also lazy. And cheap. So rather than either A) looking up all those ingredients to find out what they are or B) spending a ton of money continuing to buy expensive, organic, unpronounceable-ingredient-filled "natural" shampoo, I wanted to find a less complicated, less expensive, more truly natural way of cleansing my hair. What did I land on?


Baking soda and apple cider vinegar

Surprise. Or not. I'm guessing you have probably heard of this. Most likely you even know someone who does this. (At least you would if it were common among your community to talk about personal hygiene choices....) It has become more popular to use a bit of baking soda as 'shampoo' and then apple cider vinegar as 'conditioner'. (If you want more info on how exactly to do this check out this fabulous mommy-blogger.) 

So what's the problem with those things? Nothing in particular. It mostly worked fine. My hair is auburn so the baking soda did turn it a little more red than normal. My hair (used) to be greasy - the baking soda would dry it up a little more and crack it a little more than I would have liked. The vinegar? Just made my hair greasy. 

So, really, I guess it didn't work. 

I tried different ratios of baking soda to water or vinegar to water, tried doing the vinegar rinse just once a week, or month, tried only 'washing' my hair once a week. Blah, blah, blah. And so on. It was better than shampoo, but I still wasn't really happy. 

Drum roll please. 

I'm here to reveal to you something wonderful. You can skip it altogether. I haven't used baking soda or vinegar regularly on my hair for close to a year now. (I got really freaked out of the "organic" ingredient list when I was pregnant... I didn't want that getting to my baby). So what do I do now instead? Nothing. That's right. 

I do nothing with my hair. 


Well, not nothing. I probably rinse it around twice a week in the shower. And occasionally if I am feeling very fancy, I revert to using the baking soda or vinegar rinse. Oh, and I comb my hair every once in awhile. And about once a year I go to an Aveda salon to have my hair trimmed. (Note: my stylist always comments on how healthy my hair looks!) 

But that's pretty close to doing nothing, right? 

But that's it. And my hair is fine. It took a few months for it to adjust to not being 'washed', but now it's great. In fact, it's super healthy. It's the healthiest it's been in a long time. It doesn't vacillate any more from super greasy to cracked and dry. (Granted, with a four-month old who is wanting to grab and put everything in her mouth you probably wouldn't know this if you saw me because my hair has adopted the elegant 'hey-everyone-I'm-a-mom-I-wear-a-per-ma-bun'-style.)

Give it a try. Allow your hair a few months to adjust (Note: if that seems long... think about how long you've forced your hair to "adjust" to all those chemicals in your shampoo. Think about it.) If you give it a try, let me know what you think. It doesn't get much easier than this. 

(p.s. Oh, and just in case you ever stay over at my house I have to warn you... There is no shampoo in the shower. My husband doesn't use it either.)

1/15 UPDATE #1: A Few Photos. 

I have had people ask to show more photos of my hair. This is in response to that request. Keep in mind these are completely candid photos, no airbrushing, no touch ups, nothing. Just point and shoot with digital or phone cameras, etc. :)

The "Before": when I was using conventional shampoo. I think I also might have been dying my hair at this time... can't remember for sure. 

The "in between" when I was using apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Notice how it changed the color of my hair and dried it out. This is also a particularly unflattering photo taken on a hike... ;)


A few "after photos" to give you an idea of what my hair is like now. Again, keep in mind these are very candid shots taken while hanging out with family and friends, not professional photos that have been touched-up or edited. In the last one, I hadn't even brushed my hair... we were camping with friends. 




Photo by my friend Diana of The Kitchen Rag

1/20 UPDATE #2: Do I smell?

For reasons that are still unclear to me, this article has been picked up by numerous news sources. Since then various people who have never met me have made numerous assumptions regarding my hygiene, parenting skills, and even my mental-health. (Ah, the lovely internet...One common assumption by these anonymous commenters is that my hair must smell awful. You can read my response to that accusation in this post: "WHAT's that SMELL?!"

1/21 UPDATE #3: What else don't you wash?!

Apparently when you come out and say you don't use shampoo on your hair, people assume you don't wash anything else.... Just to clarify, I do. 

I wash my body.

Yes, I use soap to wash my body. Granted, I think that we use soap too much, but that doesn't mean I don't wash my hands or cleanse the areas of my body that naturally tend to exude odors.... So, yes, I use soap. This is the soap I have by my sink and in my shower. It has three ingredients.  I have made my own soap in the past, and plan to again, but this is a nice convenience to have right now. 

I brush my teeth. 



I have friends who make their own toothpaste, which I think is awesome. However, I have never found a recipe that works perfectly for me so I use this toothpaste instead. And I love it. It leaves my teeth feeling incredibly clean and my mouth feeling refreshed. 

I wash my clothes. 
See my recipe. 

Yes, I wash my clothes. Again, just like our bodies, I think we wash our clothes too much. But, I do wash my clothes. I make my own laundry soap using very minimal ingredients. It cleans the clothes very well, doesn't gunk up my washing machine, and saves me a LOT of money. 





What are your thoughts? Do you use shampoo, a natural alternative, or nothing at all?


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421 comments:

  1. Thanks for the link! And, doing nothing is basically what I do now because I was running low on baking soda and needed it more for house cleaning than hair cleaning. I am loving it! Sometimes I do a coconut oil hair "mask" and then that is like SUPER luxury!

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    1. You bet! I LOVE coconut oil. I'll have to try that. How do you do it exactly?

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    2. You can slather on the coconut oil, slightly warmed, cover with a plastic shower cap and leave on for an hour or even over night. Then generally you would wash it out, but I supposed you might try to rinse it out:)

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    3. Unfortunately, my hair is very thin and I have to use hairspray if I want some type of hairstyle. I also weave my hair (natural brown turning gray...weave with blonde highlights). Water alone will not remove the hairspray. Also, even if I use hair rinse my hair is so tangled and rips out when I try to comb or brush out. I know you are probably scold me for using color/bleach on my hair, but I have/want to. ;-)

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    4. When you go "poo" free your hair actually become thicker and healthier. Not super thick, but thicker than it was before. Bouncier, with more body. It become happy hair!

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    5. Might want to try Jamaican Black Castor Oil on the aging hair, I've heard AMAZING things! Search it on Amazon and read the reviews!

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  2. My hair turns a completely different color when not washed for more than 2 days. And it ain't pretty. Count yourself lucky! (And if you are a very natural blond like me, you may want to steer clear.)

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    1. Crazy, Tanya. I've never heard of that. Do you have any idea why it would turn colors? I've heard of hair turning colors when product is used but without doesn't make sense to me. Crazy. I guess that's why it's good to know our own bodies, right? Thanks for posting so others can know, too!

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    2. That's most likely from your scalp producing extra oils that cover the hair and dull its shine. Nothing can actually change the color - just the way we perceive the color, like light does.

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    3. when blondes don't wash their hair, their hair turns brassy. It actually does change, it's not just light.

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    4. I am a natural blonde and i noticed that my hair dulls and even looks darker after 2 days of not washing! I thought it was just me! lol

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    5. My sister in law doesn't wash her hair she just uses conditioner on it but she is half Irish and half Samoan so she has really long and curly hair. Her hair looks beautiful and nice. You are the second person I have heard of bow that never washes her hair. However my sister in law does use coconut in her hair, it isn't a oil it comes in a fairly large white bottle and you can cook with it and use it as lotion or on your hair. I was in shock when we were having family lunch on Sunday and they were all getting this bottle of coconut out of the kitchen and using it as lotion, on there faces and putting it in there hair. I don't think that would work for me because I have baby fine hair and use products so I would need the shampoo to wash them out. But your hair looks nice and healthy and that is awesome.

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    6. That is coconut oil. It gets thick/white if its under a certain temp. It is used for cooking and can be rubbed on like lotion. Its actually better that it stay in a thick form, rather than oil.

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    7. yeah, as a blonde as well, I'd have to say it doesn't work for me to not wash my hair, if I want the natural color to not be masked by dirt or oil. And I love my natural color :)

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    8. And what do you do about the nasty smell that begins within a couple of days of not washing your hair. 'Cuz water doesn't do anything to get rid of that awful smell that just intensifies as time goes by...

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    9. One thing you all are not considering, though, is that your hair is SO used to being shampooed...it is probable that after a couple of months it would adjust to the new routine and look perfectly fin for a few days. The reason why our hair looks so oily after a day or two is because chemical shampoos strip natural oils from our hair and dry it out, so our sebaceous glands over-produce oil to compensate. I would say to everyone, just give it a try for a couple months. Take advantage of the ponytail if necessary for a while...and just see what happens.

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    10. That is because your shampoo is stripping natural oils from your hair causing it to be dry, which is causing your sebaceous glands in your scalp to over produce oil to compensate. Maybe just start by only washing with shampoo twice a week and just water the rest of the week and just whittle it down to less and less as your body adjusts.

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  3. If you have curly hair then you have to moisturize your hair, and it's even more important that you don't use shampoo. Even if you use gel in your hair. :)

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    1. Good to know. My hair is wavy, but definitely not curly. What do you use for moisturizer? Any tips for those who might want them?

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    2. Almond or coconut oil!

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    3. I agree with this. My curly hair (like my skin) gets super dry and needs moisturizer. I try really hard to not use soap or shampoo unless absolutely necessary. There is a great book called "Curly Girl" which is highly natural and a definite must-read for anyone with curly hair. Right now, I use a natural conditioner on my hair (not my scalp) and occasionally run drops of coconut oil (or the awesome tropical traditions hair oil) through my hair. http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/organic-coconut-oil-hair-oils.htm
      It's definitely a balance between dry and oily, but usually when I wash it after applying oil, it looks healthiest.

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    4. I have curly hair and for a long time it was losing it's natural bounce... going more lazy wavy and wasn't as pretty as it used to be. I stopped coloring my hair (to save money) and also started using the Curly Girl suggestion of the "no poo" shampoo and the same brand conditioner. My hair is SO much healthier. Another thing I've tried as a sub for shampoo is African Black Soap recommended by a travel site as an all in one shampoo, face & body wash - I think it works fab! I just carry a tiny travel conditioner. The black soap, if true african black soap, should only list 4 all natural ingredients. Whole Food carries and amazon.com. My sister-in-law has been using the baking soda & apple cider combo for a while now and loves it, so it's worth a try! She doesn't have curly hair, but I still need to give it a try.

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  4. I can't believe it! I would love to try it but my hair looks greasy at the end of the day everyday. When I have a whole month off I will give it a try. Stopping by from Crystal and Comp. Hope to see you at True Aim!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know you were here! Checked out TrueAim. Looks great. Definitely will be stopping by more as my LO gets older. :) Lots of great ideas.

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  5. I have been trying various "no-poo" methods for nearly a year now, and honestly, not having great luck. But I have still been conditioning with a botanical conditioner. So anyway, I am going to give this "nothing" thing a shot :) about how long did it take for you to adjust?

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    1. You should! Let me know if you do and if you like it. It's hard to remember exactly how long... I'm guessing a good month at least. But I went back and forth from the bs/acv to nothing for a while before I realized I didn't need to use anything.

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  6. Woot! Thank you so much for linking this up last week in The Mommy Club. Your post was one of my most clicked.

    Thanks for sharing and stop in and see your feature.

    Crystal
    http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2012/10/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-64/

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    1. Thank YOU! Much appreciate the feature. The Mommy Club is fabulous. Love all the great ideas on there.

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  7. Now that is interesting..... I love natural and healthy approaches to life...
    A couple of months to adjust.... Wow
    You are a brave soul....

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    1. Or just lazy... and happened to land on something good. :)

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  8. I've been reading a great deal about this...I think I saw something similiar on Crunch Betty in the summer.

    It does interest me, greatly. I eat tons of coconut oil and pastured butter, and I've noticed I never moisturize anymore.

    With the the right marketing, we'd put all those fancy cancer-causing businesses, well out of business...

    I'll be featuring your post on my site next week, as well, as Pinterest, Facebook, etc. Hope some curious minds, stop by...

    Take care and thanks for linking at Creative Juice,
    Nicolette

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping in and letting me know! I LOVE coconut oil and pastured butter. Part of the whole WAPF outlook :) It does wonders for skin, hair, body--inside and outside. (p.s. love the name of your blog!)

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  9. Well, good for you. You are not only brave enough to go that route of not shampooing your hair every day but also sharing it with the world. I think that's great. Right now I'm in the vacillating between greasy and dry stage. best wishes, Linda

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  10. Wow, you are lucky! My hair is so dry, I try to oil it once a week to keep it healthy. It's a very difficult choice to go with a no shampoo rinse for your hair but you did it! (Y) How amazing! Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us!

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    1. Thanks, Hani. Fun to know people find it valuable!

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  11. I agree the shampoos are full of awful stuff. I have been a slave to them for ever and yep I color my hair too. I am totally intrigued by this and will do more research. I totally applaud people who take steps to be healthier for themselves and the kids. Thanks for coming by 504 Main!

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  12. I have hormonal issues due to an autoimmune disease and go through periods where I lose a lot of hair. I've been using one of the "no-poo" cleansers (kinda like co-washing)for just over a year and it's helped quite a bit, so I think I'll stick with it for now. But if I ever get to a point where it's not doing what I need it to, I've got something else to try. Thanks! ~Mary

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    1. So sorry to hear that. Autoimmune diseases are creeping into everyone's lives these days. What is co-washing? I am not familiar with that term. Have you looked into eating a WAFP-style diet at all for aid? Check it out and let me know what you think

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  13. My head gets very itchy after a few days of not washing it. Plus my hair will be very oily. What a combination! I may try it with just wetting my hair and rubbing my scalp like a regular shampoo, then putting it up into a bun. If I don't, it becomes a flyaway afro:) Did yours get flyaway bad? If so, for how long? New follower from the DO linkup. You can find me at http://icreatepurtythangs.blogspot.com.

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    1. My hair use to be similar to the way you describe back when I was using generic shampoos. Not sure, but could the fly-aways perhaps be from having split ends? or hair that gets cut by a tight rubber band? Just a thought. Not sure. p.s. love the name of your blog.

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  14. Ok I'm going to be brave and just try rinsing my hair. I'll let you know how it goes.

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    1. Awesome! Please do. I would love to know how it goes. Keep in mind that it could take a while to adjust.

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    2. I'm on day 3 of no shampoo and only water. No one has said anything about my hair and I haven't told anyone what I'm doing. I don't want there opinions tainted by hearing what I'm trying. This may be totally in my head, no pun intended, but I feel like I'm feeling better it's like my body is cleaning itself on the inside.

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  15. I have been thinking about doing this for a long time. But always chicken out. My hair is a real pain in my side. I have hormonal issues and my hair starts to fall out and get really oily and I end up with a really itchy scalp.

    I think I might have to investigate it further though as it is something that I really want to do.

    Thanks for linking up to Totally Pinworthy!

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  16. This is really interesting. I know that once I started going from washing my hair daily to every other day, it adjusted, and I've heard it will adjust over time to even less frequent washing. My question is about smell. With long hair, it seems to soak up smells. Every time I visit my parents' house in the winter, I leave smelling like their fireplace. The same is true when I return from ballgames only the smell is different obviously. Do you not have this problem?

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    1. Interesting question. I don't feel like my hair is any better or worse with no-poo method as far as absorbing smells... Maybe you have a better sense of smell than I do! ;) Let me know if you try no-poo and notice a difference. Got me curious now.

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    2. i was wondering about smell too. but i have the auto-immune disorder for my hair as well and i'm getting worried now that my bald spot is growing. do you do anything about the smell of your hair?

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  17. I've heard about doing this and thought about it, but I'm scared! Lol My hair also gets oily either at the end of the day or the next morning, and my scalp gets dry. But, I'm definitely willing to try this no wash method. :) I have another question kind of along the same lines... what about body wash, lotion, etc? I use body wash minimally, you know- primarily in the areas that need it most- but I'd like to not use it at all. Or something that's "free" of all the nasties. I looooove lotion because I love smooth skin, but I'd also like to start trying the coconut oil route. Any thoughts on if my little skin bumps (like on the back of the arms and outter thighs) will go away if I minimize junk further?

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    1. Hey Jennifer!

      (Disclaimer: I am no dermatologist so take what I say with a grain of salt as I am simply speaking from personal experience!)

      As far as body wash goes I simply use natural bar soap that I either make myself or purchase at market.(Check back--I'll post a super easy DIY guide sometime soon.)

      I use coconut oil for shaving cream and/or lotion. Like my hair, it took a bit for my skin to adjust but now it's great. My skin stays smooth without all those products. I use to have bumps on my arms/legs like you described but not any more since I started doing this!

      If you decide to go the minimalist route let me know how it goes!

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    2. Thanks for the quick reply! I'm going to give it a shot. I'm really excited about NOT having to buy all kinds of junk at the store anymore :)

      I've been working towards minimizing everything around the house as well, so it gets me looking at all the things that make daily life work.

      I'm wondering with the coconut oil for shaving and lotion; do you pour it right out of the glass jar? Do you move it into a pump container? How does that work? I'm just picturing a huge mess, but I want to use it. We already get it for cooking and I'd love to have more around for all of us to use.

      Looking forward to the DIY post about soap!

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    3. That's another awesome things about DIY hair/body/cleaning products... you save SO much money.

      I live in the PNW so my coconut oil turning liquid is pretty much a non-issue (aka it only get hot enough maybe two days out of the year).

      Here is what I do: (and you might have to adjust accordingly if you live in a warmer climate) I buy a gallon of coconut oil at a time (bulk is cheaper in the long run) than I put a bit in a small (1/2 cup--the smallest size mason jar you can buy) glass jar in the bathroom. I dip my fingers in and rub a bit on my legs before I shave in the shower and than after for lotion. I just refill it from the gallon container as necessary.

      Hope this helps! <3

      Let me know if you have any more questions!

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    4. I forget that people in other parts of the country are blessed with beautiful weather ALL the time! :) I'm in AZ so our coconut oil is always liquid unless refrigerated. I'll have to get creative here, maybe use a pump of some kind, with the mason jar. Hmmmm...
      Anywho, also wanted to let you know that I'm on day 4 of no washing and I even got my husband on board! My hair feels weird, but not necessarily gross. But it does feel as if there's still "crap" in it. Ew! I guess that is kind of gross, eh?

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    5. I've heard it's a bad idea to pour coconut oil down the drain, as it can solidify and clog things up... not an issue for you, using this for shaving? (I'm in the South, and always spit my oil into a paper cup after oil pulling.)

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    6. Good to know! Thanks! I usually put it on myself first before I step into the shower so it hasn't been an issue but I am thinking about starting oil pulling... and that would have been an issue. Thanks!

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    7. Jennifer,

      I am no dermatologist either but when I stopped consuming large amounts of dairy the bumps on my arms went away. Also, consuming cod liver or flax seed oil in twice the daily dose works wonders for moisturizing from the inside out. I have not used lotion or soap in years. (No one has noticed that I do not use soap) Oh, of course you must stay hydrated properly for your body to stay moisturized as well.

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    8. I guess you haven't posted anything about your DIY natural bar soap guide. I am really waiting it so I can try this for may hair-skin chemical free combo. Thank you.

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  18. I'm no day 4 and so far so good. I do have a question though...how has your hair growth been. I'm trying to grow my hair out and wondered if this changed how much your hair grew.

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    1. Hmmm... I don't feel like it made a difference for me. I still have my hair trimmed about once every six months(ish)to get rid of split ends and help with healthy growth. My hair grows relatively fast, though... Do you feel like it is different for you?

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    2. I shaved my head back in January. (support for a relative with cancer) I basically rinse my 'hair' for months. Then as it started growing out, I went the BS route. When I finally went in for a shape up trim. My hairdresser was amazed at how much my hair had grown and how healthy it was. She commented that I must have needed to shave my head and let healthy hair grow back. I never told her what I am doing...I love it. Jonni in AZ

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    3. Thanks Jonni that's good to know.

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    4. Way to be supportive for your relative, Jonni. That's wonderful. Hats off to you!

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  19. My sister is down to washing her hair once a week and I thought that was amazing :) Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout! Hope to see you back this week!
    -Trish

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    1. Thanks, Trish! Love Mom On Timeout. (Such a great name for it!)

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  20. Wow, you are so brave! I really am nervous to try something like this although I've been thinking about it for a long time. I'm curious as to what it was like having your skin "adjust" to coconut oil. A friend has been recommending that to me for some time. Thanks for linking up at Thrifty Thursday!

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    1. Thanks for stopping in, Jenn. I don't know about brave... how about cheap? ;)

      Everyone's skin is different, of course, so understand this is just what worked for me. I don't tend to have issues with my skin being either really dry or really oily in the first place... but I felt like it adjusted just fine to coconut oil instead of lotion. And pretty quickly, too.

      Hope this helps! Let me know if you have anymore questions.

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  21. This is great, I stopped washing my hair in January, and I thought I was doing well to make it this long, so I'm pleased to read your experience and if its worked for you for 3 years, I don't expect any problems for myself. I had the same concerns about chemicals shampoo, and then in organic shampoo, and then wondered why I was bothering to wash it at all. I don't use any hair products or colour my hair, but I do have it tied back most of the time for work and at home when I'm on the farm anyway, so it doesn't really matter what it looks like, but I don't think it looks any different to before. You blog looks interesting, I'll have a read now and see what other crazy ideas we have in common! Cheers, Liz

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    1. Thanks, Liz! Glad you stopped by. Crazy-idea-holders unite! ;)

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  22. Yesterday was day 13 of no shampoo. I do rinse with warm water in the shower. I was so excited that yesterday someone told me my hair looked cute. So I guess the experiment is going well.

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  23. I would love to go the natural route without needed to wash my hair...but I have dandruff and my head gets really itchy and flakes show in my hair if I go more than 2 days without washing it. Are there any natural remedies for that?

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    1. Hey Lauralyn!

      So sorry it took me so long to get back to you!

      The answer is... YES! The method I described. At least, my husband (who used to have really bad dandruff) switched to this "no poo" method and he no longer has dandruff.

      Hope this helps!

      Jackie

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    2. I'm reading through all the comments trying to find an answer to this as well. My husband and I, and our 9 year old daughter, all have dandruff. My husband hasn't used shampoo for years and still has it, along with an itchy scalp. I have tried the bs and acv combo and my hair stunk so I stopped :( I use Alba shampoo and conditioner and have for about a year now and the dandruff is better but still there, and I wash my hair twice a week. My daughter washes her hair twice a week too, and her dandruff is pretty bad, as well as an oily scalp (at 9?!). Her hair is very thick and curly too, so it has to be wet to comb through, and I can't leave it for even one day without combing or it's a rat's nest. Has anyone else had the issue with dandruff and found it was not relieved with the no-poo or bs and acv methods? Any suggestions for my daughter's hair? I would really appreciate it!

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  24. This makes me think of the lip balm theory. It goes something like this. Smearing your lips with balm makes them get use to it and as such you have to keep it up. They get lazy and don't produce some or other thing themselves.

    When I met my husband I was a huge user of lip balm, he told me this and said he didn't want to kiss the balm.. lol

    It took a few months for my lips to adjust and now they are free of balm and healthy. ;)

    I am seriously thinking of giving up shampoo.

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    1. Interesting... never heard of the "lip balm theory" makes perfect sense though!

      If you decide to give up shampoo... let me know how it goes.

      <3 Jackie

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    2. Using lip balm also increase the intensity of the sun's rays and has been causing skin cancer in some cases. They recommend that we only use lip conditioners if we have to, like to fix chapped lips, rather than to slather it on all the time. They can actually dry out your lips, resulting in a 'balm addiction'

      Delete
  25. I have tried to no poo but I have super greasy hair. Maybe I'll try it again with the baking soda and vinegar method. on the other hand i have twins who are mixed i'm white dad is black and i only wash their hair once a month or so. but i regularly put jojoba and coconut and shea butter on their hair it is so dry and i can pour olive oil on their head in the morning and by night it looks dry again....But I'd like to try the nopoo again. just to see. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Everyone's skin is so different so it makes sense to me that there is no "one fits all" solution.

      If you try it again, let me know how it goes! I certainly like the nopoo method. :)

      Delete
  26. Hi,

    I'm very curious about this, however, I work out a TON! As in, run for hours, sometimes get muddy etc. Plus, I have a lot of hair, and I like to keep it long. I have a hard time believing my head won't stink. I've friends who have dreadlocks and only rinse their hair, and let me tell you, their heads STINK. Thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm... dreadlocks can be stinky for sure. I think that's an issue of moisture building up.... almost mildewy smell. Yuck. Gross. Gag.

      Nope. Never had an issue with that. I don't let a wet mop sit on my head though... ;)

      Delete
    2. I have been reading some of the comments and that I have at one point considered not washing my hair. I don't have a big issue with not washing my hair. My only concern is that I have naturally curly hair but I never wear my hair curly. I blow dry my hair once a week. So if I don't wash my hair and I blow it, how would that work?

      Delete
  27. Why not just mix a cup of apple cider vinegar and a cup of water, stick it in the microwave for 11 minutes. Use that all over your hair and rinse out. If it works on cleaning out the microwave and the stove looking like a new stove top, cutting through grease better than Mr. Clean, i'd imagine it would clean hair pretty well. I might even try it. If you don't like that, how about just regular bar soap like Dove, Ivory or Baby Shampoo? xoxo Scarlett :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DId you try it? How did it work?

      I personally tend to avoid soaps like Dove and Ivory because I can't stand the smell... but that's me. I have however used bar soap (a three ingredient, no scent one...) on occasion in place of shampoo. Same idea, just different soap. ;)

      Delete
  28. I am just about to try water only, and wondered, what is your water quality like, and do you think it would make a difference? I'm in an area with pretty hard water, and my hair has felt super sticky before when I've tried rinsing. Maybe when my oil production slows it wouldn't be an issue anymore. Thanks for posting this-the more info I find on people loving their water only hair the more confidence I have to try it. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe my water supply is somewhere in the middle. I have heard it can make a difference... don't have personal experience with it myself. Is it working for you? You could also try getting a shower filter. That can make a big difference, too.

      Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I wash my hair every 10 -14 days....and it's long and blonde and gorgeous. Of course I do mostly up-dos after the first week but my hair loves the chance to get fully slathered in my natural oils before I wash them away and go another round. In fact it's never been healthier or happier. I used to think I had super dry hair but it was all the washing I was doing....every 1-2 days. Only I know it's not washed for so long....no one else would guess it in a million years. I rub jasmine oil into my scalp for odor, and it gives my hair this gorgeous scent that people comment on even into week two! I've used 100% pure sweet orange and vanilla oil too. They're amazing for keeping stink away and adding fragrances that people will be commenting on. You won't believe how wonderful they are and they enable you to stop washing your hair so often. Using a 100% boar bristle brush is an excellent way to bring your natural oils down through your lengths. I brush with one every night before sleep. People think my hair belongs in hair commercials. If they only knew my secret is not washing it for 10-14 days. I use a shower cap daily to keep it from getting wet while I shower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some awesome tips in here! Thanks so much for sharing!! I am super curious now about jasmine oil and boar bristle brushes.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

      Jackie

      Delete
  31. I ve been no pooing for over a year now. It was super hard in the beginning (about 4 months) but eventually it started working. Now I notice the longer I go without washing my hair the better and better it looks. Most times when I go to wash it I wonder why I am even doing it.

    If no pooing isnt working another option is to wash your hair with eggs. Just take one or two depending on how much hair you have and whip them up with a fork. Then wash your hair with them. Make sure you rinse with cool water or you might have scrambled eggs in your hair. But its a real nice treat for your head ever once in a while.

    I am probably more on my way to not pooing at all just like you. I love to hear your success!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm! Interesting. I am curious to try the egg idea now!

      "Make sure you rinse with cool water or you might have scrambled eggs in your hair." Haha! That's super funny. Did that happen to you ever?

      Thanks for sharing your experience, too!

      Jackie

      Delete
    2. I stopped using shampoo almost a year ago, but I'm still trying to find something that works really well for me. I have pretty hard water, which seems to make it more difficult. I tried the baking soda and ACV, but my hair always felt worse and even dirtier afterwards. I've had pretty good success with eggs - and they got me through five weeks of travel this summer - but it's not the amazing hair everyone seems to have when they talk about giving up shampoo, and it's not very cost effective. I've tried water only, water with honey, and lemon juice and cucumber, but again, I think it comes to the water quality. I've started to make my own products - lotions, lip balm, deodorant, toothpaste - and have had great success with all of it. It's just the hair that foils me. But reading your post and some of the comments, I am going to try again with water only to see how it goes this time. With an occasional egg in for fun. And yes, I have had it scramble in my hair. I only use the yolks, to minimize this, but there is still some white and even when I turn it cooler, there is still some scrambled egg in my hair when I'm done. But it's kind of funny anyway. Thanks again for the inspiration.

      Delete
    3. I use an egg shampoo, it is fantastic.
      Couple of tips: take one yolk, put it on a paper towel and brake it with a fork, let the content flow in a recipient. If you do that, you get rid of the yolk skin that causes the trouble when you rinse.
      Then in that recipient put a shot of alcohol, anything you got (brandy smells fantastic, also works with vodka, whiskey or rum). I usually bought a cheap one for this. You can make the quantity of alcohol to match your hair type, dry hair needs less than oily hair.

      Delete
  32. I just had to read all your comments :) My hair is the longest it's ever been, I quit coloring it about 3 years ago (largely due to the fact that an aunt and uncle both died of brain tumors). After the birth of my youngest daughter, 15 years ago, my hair went from wavy and healthy to CURLY and dry. It's not uncommon for me to go 2 weeks without shampooing my hair because it's soooo hard to get it all out and I hate how dry it feels so I started using conditioner in my hair about every 8 days or so when I rinse my hair in the shower and although I research all the ingredients there's always something I don't want that's in there. I read where essential oil has been used between washings by The Hollyberry Lady, I'd like to find something I can use on a regular basis to "feed" my hair and give up the poo all together. I'm thinking about trying avocado oil every 8 days or so... has anyone had good results using other oils? .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping in and commenting! I love hearing others thoughts/experiences. Every one has such different hair so it really is interesting.

      I haven't used oil on my hair so I can't really provide any help there. Please stop back in and let me know if you try it and share your thoughts. I am thinking of trying The Hollyberry Lady's suggestion for jasmine oil because the thought of smelling nice for two weeks sounds great! :)

      Jackie

      Delete
  33. Ok, I think you are awesome for doing this but I am crazy skeptical. I just don't see how my hair wouldn't look greasy and smell.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have super curly hair and always use shampoo and conditioner plus gel to help my curls not look crazy. If I don't use conditioner it is super hard to brush out because its has so many tangles. How do you deal with that? Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  35. How does your hair stand up to styling? I like to style my hair almost every day- a lot of the time with a curling iron. Because of this, and fixing it throughout the day, I touch my hair a lot and it gets oily and greasy. I would imagine that the next day it would be limp, dull, and lifeless and impossible to style. Have you experienced this? As a mom of two, the idea of not having to spend time washing my hair sounds intriguing! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  36. I've been considering trying this for a while. Also, for those that do need to moisturize their hair; a tiny amount of olive oil, or coconut oil does the trick for me. I put about a pea sized drop in my hands and mostly rub it into my hands, and what's left over I run though towel dried hair. I have very thin hair and this doesn't weigh it down, or cause it to be too oily either. Lets me kill two birds with one stone; moisturize my hands, and condition my hair with the little bit that's left over.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Has anyone ever tried "Honey Shampoo"? It's just honey and water.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried it but didn't like the way my hair felt. But I only washed my hair twice with it before it go moldy and I had to throw it out. Maybe I should have boiled the water first?

      Delete
  38. What about the smell? I've never tried this at all but when I don't wash my hair after a few days it starts smelling funny so, does plain water do the job?

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am growing out my hair right now, and I think when I get it long enough so I can pull it back, I'm going to stop using shampoo. I would like to be able to pull it back to deal with the greasy days until everything gets balanced. A lot of people don't realize that a lot of the problems they have where they think they "need" shampoo is actually caused by using those products. Letting the natural oils from the scalp do their thing is the best thing for our hair! And a lot of people have really bad build up from products that makes the hair dry, split, break, and frizz badly.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I use Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree soap for "shampoo", which I do twice a day, and I started using unrefined coconut oil as a deep conditioner. I have type 2B hair, and I need the moisture. I feel like conventional shampoos have been drying my hair. This hasn't been drying my hair.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I wash my hair with Himalaya Shampoo, but only once a month, other than that I *may* rinse it out once a week. I use coconut oil as conditioner or if my hair gets dry, thats approx once a week too. I love it. My hair is so low maintenance and healthy now. I would like to eventually either get away from shampoo or make my own. Thanks for this amazing post! ( I have naturally curly hair)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I started with baking soda/acv and it was okay at first. My hair is wavy close to curly. My hair got very crunchy. I only used bs/acv a few times a week. In January I started using just water. I love it. I have had split ends forever and I hardly have any now if any. I do just water about twice a week. I don't brush or comb my hair everyday because it would just be a big fuzzy mess because of the curl. Right before I am going to "wash" it I use a stiff boar's hair brush and brush it a lot. Then I get in the shower and brush it under the water also. This gets dirt and excess oil out of it. After my shower I comb it out and put a very small dab of argan oil mainly on the ends. That's it. I have made hair gel out of flax seed but I don't really need it.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I use USANA Health Sciences products. They are all paraben free. The is shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and facial skin care. Their skin care is an amazing new technology that not only stabilizes the product but allows it to deliver nutrients to the skin. It was designed by Dr. Myron Wentz, a micro-biologist and cell culturist. I know this just sounds like an ad, but these products are the only thing I have ever been able to use on my skin without having some kind of reaction. And I don't have to worry about what my body is absorbing from them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful! So glad you found something that works for you and is not full of junk!

      Delete
  44. I should probably try this out, though my hair gets so limp and greasy when I just rinse it. I mostly use an argan oil shampoo by Pro naturals that's chemical free...of course it's pricey but it beats dealing with itchy, greasy and limp hair all the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have heard people talk about argan oil a little bit recently, but I am not very familiar with it. What is it exactly?

      Glad you found something that works for you! <3

      Delete
  45. I am so glad to have run across this! I didn't know that anyone else was doing this, except my NA, who washes her hair about every 2 weeks (I don't know what she uses). A couple of years ago I stopped washing my hair all together. It was easy to do because I work in a deli so have a hat on at work. I started pulling back my hair in a pony tail and making a little bun. I have always been the low maintenance type. I started wearing hats. (I have grown quite fond of hats. They keep my head warm in winter and make great fashion statements the rest of the year.) To my surprise, I heard no complaints from family. I thought, surely, my hair would smell weird and they would notice. I think it took about 9 months before my husband even noticed and he didn't notice the state of my hair as much as that he didn't ever see me washing it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome! I love that your hubby didn't notice. Totally something mine would do, too. Ha. At least they notice the important things, right? :)

      Delete
  46. Hello, I have been trying this for a month or so but my hair smells...It also still gets really greasy so every week I do have to wash it. Do you have any advice?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You could try mixing a bit of baking soda in water and using that instead of shampoo. And then you can cut down on the baking soda eventually. If my hair gets pretty greasy I will use baking soda to get it back on track. Hope this helps! <3

      Delete
  47. Hi, I use this method and it works, but did you do anything to your hair to make it look less greasy during the super-greasy stage?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I recommend dry shampoo. Especially if you are a blonde. It may be counterproductive with all the chemicals, but they do sell paraben free ones. At least for a little while until it gets out of the greasy stage.

      Delete
  48. Hi, can you post some pictures of how your hair looks with just washing with water? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I want to try more natural methods, but my hair gets oily and has this flaky build-up. Plus I'm worried about how I'll get dead skin off my scalp.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I just started the BS/ACV routine and it seems fine so far, just using a very dilute ratio of about 1 Tbsp BS to one cup water, and about 1/4 cup AVC to one pint water. I do rub/brush in a small amount of Jojoba oil with rosemary oil after my bi-weekly wash, and also massage in, and then brush out some cornstarch/baking soda/cocoa powder in between as needed, with very good results so far...

    ReplyDelete
  51. I use baking soda about once a week and shampoo/conditioner once a week. I the bottom 12 inches of my hair (it comes down to my butt) pink for the Susan G Komen race for the cure. I dye it once or twice a year depending on how the color lasts, currently hitting the 5mth mark and no need to redye because I wash it less. People are always commenting on how soft my hair is, and how surprised they are that the dyed part doesnt feel or look like straw like everyone else who dyes bright colors. When I tell them it is because I only wash it once a week, they are shocked! My hair is soft and bouncy all the time. I use a curling iron to put big "barrel curls" in my hair because it is so long and straight, it gives it a little wave/bounce as well. But seriously people are always touching it to see if it is REAL hair because they think it is fake because of the bright pink color and the soft shine it always has!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Great info! I did the 'no poo' thing (BS & ACV) for about 4 years and like you said, I think it dried my hair out. I ended up going back to conventional shampoo for a while. My hair is so frizzy and I just wanted it silky smooth. But I do want to get away from chemicals, so a few months ago I started (again) making a homemade shampoo bar. It only has three ingredients--castor oil, olive oil, and coconut oil. I love it. I do a citric acid rinse and I think that could dry out hair, too, but I've learned to just rinse with it and then quickly rinse it out. I used to let it sit for a while, as I did with vinegar in the past.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I know you have explained, probably very clearly, but I am still confused on whether or not you ever rinse your hair with water in the shower? Or do you put a shower cap on and not rinse it at all, ever?

    ReplyDelete
  54. I am sorry but I am confused on whether or not you wet your hair. Do you ever rinse it or do you put it in a shower cap every time? What about swimming? ~ This may be personal but how often do you shower? Also I like the idea about your deodorant, how do you make it and how do you use it? I am trying really hard to go with only natural products. I did find coconut soap on the internet, Azure, so my husband uses it to wash his hair and I use it on my body. They have goat's milk soap also. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  55. Never mind answering my questions. I re-read your blog and it answered my questions.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi! I am really interested in this and wonder if you have hard or soft water in your shower? I was trying to read through the comments to see if anyone else asked about that, so forgive me if I missed mention of this already. I just know that when I go to my parents' home in Madison, Wisconsin, they have soft water, and I notice the differences from my own hard water shower in Chicago. So now I'm curious about whether just rinsing has better success in certain locations... Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi! Forgive me if I missed mention of this already in the comments, but does having hard or soft water in your shower make a difference with the just rinsing? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have curly hair & use nothing for two days - just water - then I have to (I think - or maybe I don't!) use a natural shampoo (very very little) & conditioner to get rid of my "scalp smell." I use coconut oil & a little gel to style (trying to get rid of the gel - who knows - maybe if I go no poo for a while, I won't need it!). Thanks for the tip on the baking soda for the smell issue - I'll be trying that out. I will try this around my sister as she is the only one who will tell me if my hair stinks or not! :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. I can only go about 15 days without washing my hair with shampoo. It gets so greasy and stringy that rinsing it with just water does nothing, it has to be shampooed. It also gets darker and darker every day until it's washed. I gave up conditioner years ago, but I have to use shampoo twice a month minimum.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi,

    What an inspiring post. I am glad I read this post just when I think I could never find a shampoo that fits my hair.

    I guess I am the oily type, if I don't wash my hair in 2 two days, it will start to get oily and smelly. I really wanna try not to use a shampoo but I don't even know if I could last a week without it.

    Maybe I just rinse it to see what happens.

    I am glad it worked for you. I am sort of a non-conformist, I am skeptical of almost everything we're supposed to need in this society. If you could get by without shampoo, GOOD for you!

    Baby Buddha

    ReplyDelete
  61. BTW, maybe Dr Bonner is the answer?

    http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bronners-Magic-Soaps-Pure-Castile/dp/B001ET72C0/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1389638261&sr=1-3&keywords=dr+bonner

    Baby Buddha

    ReplyDelete
  62. Do you use anything as a detangler? I have fine, naturally blonde hair that I rinse out in the shower every day using a small bit of conditioner to help me comb it out. But, because the conditioner is thick and heavy I need to wash my hair after a while because it gets "gunky". But then when I actually shampoo it, it is SO dry. I'm ready to stop shampooing altogether, but I need a light detangler to help me be able to comb it out after a shower. Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hi!

    I actually just read your interview on Huffington Post and was delighted to see someone else who had been doing this for so long! I only recently stopped using shampoo- about 3 months now. My gf has been going without shampoo since early last summer and was trying to convince me for months, but I worried about my hair, since it is longer, being/looking greasy. It started for me when I was dyeing my hair in October, and I made a mistake during the process. I decided to dye it again the next day after noticing the section I missed... This was a TERRIBLE idea because 1) I still had a section of color missing in my hair after the second round of dye, 2) I had just added more chemicals to my already newly colored hair, and 3) my head literally hurt and my hair was falling out like crazy. I decided at that moment to not do anything else to my hair for fear that it would all be in the bottom of my tub by the end of my next shower. I don't think the water ran clear for at LEAST two months from the amount of color that had been added! I haven't dyed it since and am looking into other options if I want to continue putting any color into my hair.

    My process is similar to how I used to shower though- usually every other day, sometimes 2 days, I wet my hair in the same way, and with just the water, I "lather" my hair like you would with shampoo, just to agitate and stimulate the scalp. When people used to clean their clothes, it was the agitation that really "cleaned" them. Soap is just an easier method because it entraps dirt molecules within itself. So that is my process- I feel my hair is back to how it should be, and in fact, it actually feels thicker now.

    Thank you for sharing your process- its good to know other people out there do the same thing! =)

    ~B

    ReplyDelete
  64. My 2 year daughter still has cradle cap. Is no shampoo something I should maybe try on her? She hates having her hair washed anyway

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Jennifer!

      That's a great question. My 20 month old has never had her hair washed with shampoo. I only use water on her. She had cradle cap for a short bit of time about year ago and I discovered that if I dried her hair REALLY well right after the bath that took care of the problem.

      All that to say, I don't know if it will take away the cradle cap but it doesn't hurt to try. Thanks for stopping by. <3

      Would love to know if it helps at all. Keep me updated if you think of it. <3

      Delete
    2. My mother and sisters use sweet almond or apricot oil on their baby's heads and brush it really gently with a soft baby brush. Works every time for cradle cap!! The skin needs the stimulation for new growth, but the oil and brushing will gently remove the dead skin cells.

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  65. Honest question - this may come across rude, but that is not my intention. Unwashed hair has a pretty pungent odor. I understand it is natural, still it is extremely unpleasant. How are you able to go without washing but smell decent?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honest answer. Unwashed hair doesn't always have a pungent odor. What kind of pungent odor are you talking about? Hair sometimes picks up odors from outside sources such as smoke or odors from animals, etc. Is that what you mean. Most hair doesn't naturally have a pungent odor.

      Delete
    2. I think the smell really depends on the individual person. You know how different people smell differently? Well, if the oils released in your skin are released in your scalp then your hair may pick up on the smell, but if you're rinsing your hair with hot/warm water, that smell should be taken care of. In my experience most people I meet who are no poo-ers only smell if they don't cleanse their skin too, or if they have dreds.

      Delete
  66. My sons & I use Andalou Naturals Brilliant Shine Shampoo. It works great, smells great & makes your hair look & feel amazing...

    Andalou Naturals Brilliant Shine Shampoo
    Sunflower & Citrus

    Made naturally without sulfates, GMO, petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, colours or preservatives
    pH Balanced
    Hypo-Allergenic
    Vegetarian
    Cruelty Free
    100% Sulfate Free
    Colour Safe

    Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Aqua, Sodium Lauryl Glucosides Hydroxypropyl Sulfonate, Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Taurate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) and Linum Usitatissimum (Flax) Oils* Vegetable Glycerin, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Oil, Cyamopsis Tetragonolobus (Guar) Gum*, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract*, Pyrus Cydonia (Quince) Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple), Solar Vitis (Grape) and Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Stem Cell Cultures and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) and Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Extracts*†, Allantoin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) and Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oils*.

    *Organic
    † Fair Trade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sulfonate and Taurate are both a modified sulfate - if you are like me who react to them - I will still react to this shampoo. Don't believe what is written on the container - there is a well known (whose name escapes me) No soap wash recommended for problem dermatitis, the 2nd ingredient (after water) is sodium laureth sulfate - a soap.

      Delete
    2. It's rated 2 on the EWG's Skin Deep Database, which is really good for a shampoo...

      http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/541945/Andalou_Naturals_Sunflower_%26_Citrus_Brilliant_Shine_Shampoo/

      And the conditioner is rated 2 as well, which is excellent for a conditioner...

      http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/541949/Andalou_Naturals_Sunflower_%26_Citrus_Brilliant_Shine_Conditioner/

      And the best & healthiest soap ever is Consonant Body Organic Olive Oil Soap. My family & I have been using it for a few years now & won't use anything else. It's rated zero on the EWG's Skin Deep Database, the healthiest rating a product can get...

      http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/508421/Consonant_Body_Organic_Skincare_Organic_Olive_Oil_Soap/

      Delete
  67. Ok, so....question....may be a silly one or may even sound judgemental, but it isn't, not in the least. I have never, and I mean never read a blog, previous to this, and most certainly never commented on one so my etiquette may leave something to be desired, so please bear with me. Anyway, my question is; after your hair finally adjusted to not being soaked in oils and chemicals, what does it smell like.? I'm sure we all have smelled the three days of camping without washing it smell, on our partner or our children...does that go away as well? And from the photos, it doesn't appear to be greasy, but does it have any oily appearance at all? Is it light and flowing in the wind like freshly washed hair or does it have a bit of weight to it from our own natural body oils that also seep through our scalp folicles(sp?)? I only wash mine every few days for the same reason but due to appearance and fear of theoily smell never let it go any longer, so I am super curious about this. Also, how did you conceal it while it was still adjusting and oily when you had to go out of the house?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been not washing my hair for years (10+) - I have waist length, fine hair strands, but alot so my hair is very thick in total.
      It doesn't smell as long as you wash it (with water and hands) reasonably often (at least once a week).
      It took my hair about a month to stop looking crap - I just wore my hair tied back all the time - in summer you have an excuse of being hot and needing the hair off your face - you could use scarves or hats too!
      My hair doesn't appear greasy or oily - if anything I have people comment that I must have just washed it....

      Delete
  68. I frankly think it's gross, but not washing your hair on a regular basis would keep lice away with all the grease that's build up on and in it, but that's just my personal opinion and I'm entitled to it before all you start going ballistic about your personal hygiene

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's gross as well. Just because they say that there isn't an odor does not mean I can't smell it. Just because nobody said anything doesn't mean you don't look gross... it looks unwashed.

      Delete
    2. Well Jacque, what are you going to do? You have your well-researched, educated decision based on your desire to have a healthy body on the one hand, and a few anonymous commenters who think it's "gross" on the other. Which one are you going to choose???

      I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation.

      Delete
    3. "Just because they say that there isn't an odor does not mean I can't smell it."

      are you sneaking up and smelling this woman? That might be a problem, do you feel the need to sniff everyone, or just specific people? Maybe you should consult a mental health professional for your people sniffing issues.
      Or... maybe if you have no interest in the subject of a site and no wish to try anything from the topics in a certain site, you should not comment on said site. but then again maybe you were just bored I bet if you put some effort into it you can wander around making rude, inconsequential comments to people on different sites all day.

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    4. It seems really strange at first but MANY people are going the "no poo" way with cleaning their hair/scalp. Rinsing your hair (or any body part, really) with just water will still wash away dirt, debris, germs, dead skin cells, etc. If she had posted these pictures without the article, no one would have looked at them and thought "Looks like she doesn't wash her hair!" and I doubt anyone would think that in public either. lol and I'm sure her husband would have told her ages ago if she smelled bad.

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    5. It always amazing me when people think it's OK to leave disparaging remarks on someone else's blog. If you don't like or agree with her process, don't do it and don't worry about it. Yes, you're entitled to your opinion. You also have the right to keep your opinion to yourself, share it with your friends, or be completely rude and belittle an absolute stranger.
      Personally, I don't think this young lady looks or unwashed.

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    6. Conventional shampoo isn't the only way to get grease off you hair. And she certainly does not look gross.

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  69. Do you (or anyone) have suggestions for someone who suffers from dandruff? I have tried apple cider vinegar with no luck.

    Thanks

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    1. I've read (organic virgin unrefined) coconut oil works really well for getting rid of dandruff.

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  70. I would love to try this. However I have very long (down to my waist ) and very thin.. how would a person get the rats out without conditioner?

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    1. Use Jojoba oil (pure) - after washing your hair, towel dry it, spray/pour the oil on your hands and run your hands through your hair - be sparingly, it goes a long way.
      I have waist length hair that gets tangled when braided (no idea how) when I don't do this - when I do it - no problems and it makes my hair nice and shiny. Commercial conditioners and detanglers never really worked on my hair unless I used mammoth amounts of them and then my hair was greasy as hell....

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  71. I think the purpose of washing your hair is to cleanse your head. You sweat from your head. It gets In your hair and smells to those around you. This natural stuff is going to far. I am an older woman, and been using products for years and always complemented on my scents and the way I take care of myself. Quit using crap from China on your face and skin and in your foods and on your kids and you will be much better off. There are good healthy products out there that will keep you clean and healthy without doing "nothing".

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    Replies
    1. I think her goal is to be as natural, healthy, and chemical free as possible all while saving money. Natural products can be really expensive and often (unfortunately) aren't any better than conventional products. She said she still rinses her hair and occasionally uses the ACV/baking soda stuff so she's still caring for her hair. Rinsing with water still removes dirt, debris, germs, oils, etc. without using harmful chemicals.

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  72. I stopped using commercial shampoo due to allergies to sulfate/sulfite components of pretty much all liquid shampoos (makes me itch like a lunatic). I wash my waist length hair maybe once every 3 months roughly with a shampoo that has no sulfite/sulfate component (which only difference is it doesn't foam up much). The only time I change this is if my hair smells like smoke (am a volunteer firefighter) so have to use a soap to deal with it. Everytime I go to the hairdressers to get a trim they ask what I use and how often I wash - they are always shocked that my hair looks so good.

    A natural (and awesome) hair moisturiser and detangler is pure Jojoba oil - doesn't leave hair oily and detangle my incredibly fine (but lots of) hair beautifully.

    Incidently - don't use commerical toothpastes either - sodium laureth sulfate is one of the main ingredients. Bicarb soda on you toothbrush and a salt water gargle is WAY better (oh and cheaper!) :-)

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    Replies
    1. Just be very careful brushing your teeth with baking soda as it can cause permanent damage to the enamel. Ask a dentist.

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  73. I am with you on this one. In the past six years, I have only washed my hair with shampoo and conditioner literally six times. So basically, I have only washed my hair once a year. These occasions were only because I had got sand in my hair at the beach or a tick on my scalp from my cat or something similar. The shampoo and conditioner I used on these occasions was manufactured but very natural, avoiding all the nasties you listed. Or it was homemade using herbs. In general, I just rinse my hair once a week or fortnightly (depending on the season) with plain water. Occasionally I will use an apple cider vinegar rinse, as I find it adds an extra shine. The first three months of not washing back in 2008 did feel a bit odd but my hair soon settled down and I have never really looked back. I save a fortune on hair care products but my hair has never looked better. It is soft, shiny and in great condition. Plus of course I am doing my bit for the environment by not washing toxic chemicals down the drain. Cheers. Mary in Australia.

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  74. I think that my head would itch from not being washed. However I gotta try something because I have lost alot of my hair from having gastric bypass surgery. So I will try anything once.

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    1. When I went on a liquid diet years ago I started losing hair like that. My doctor told me it was a sign of malnutrition and I needed to change the diet formulation. I have heard that you can develop malnutrition after gastric bypass surgery if you are not getting enough protein and essential nutrients. If you are losing a lot of your hair you should consult your doctor.

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  75. Hi there, this sounds great, but I use copious amounts of hair spray on my frizzy fine hair.. How can I clean my hair naturally without shampoos? I read the bottles and know that I am using carcinogens to wash my hair, and it scares me. But I have to wash my hair also to get the hair spraiy etc out. Any advice please. Katrina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My first reaction is don't use hair spray. That is probably doing more damage to your hair than shampoo. You are probably so used to using hair spray that you can't imagine your hair would look good without it. I am sure it would look great but you just don't know it. My stylist sometimes used to use hair spray and I thought it looked nice but it turned my hair to straw and absolutely needed to be washed out the next day or my hair would be a crazy mess. Not to mention it lost all it softness and it attracted dirt and other smells. I eventually found a cut that didn't need hair spray and I am infinitely happier with my hair.

      Delete
    2. You need to let your hair drink! I also (used to) have VERY frizzy hair and stopped using mousse/gel/hairspray all together. I use Apple cider vinegar in the shower to comb through with my fingers, and/or coconut oil as it is drying afterwards to style. After a couple weeks, hardly anymore frizz! And it smells MUCH nicer than hairspray... my work wouldnt allow strong scents but this one is just fine.
      I even carry a small jar of coconut oil in my purse for touch ups...!

      Delete
  76. Interesting article, best regard from Belgium

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  77. I guess you're famous now :) Just read the online news paper with an article about you. I think I'm going to give it a try but I have a few concerns.

    My hair is very curly and without any conditionar it get's really painful to take out the clits in my hair. WITH conditionar it takes me already about 15 to 20 minutes. I NEVER brush my hair because this damages it only so I stoped brushing with a normal comb when I was 21. (Now I'm 29) I just do the brushing with my fingers under the shower together with conditioner. I'm from Holland but live in Turkey and have a dive center. So all summer long I'm outside in the sun or in salt water and this isn't good already. Therefor I really have to find other ways to protect my hair. Any suggestions are more than welcome!!

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  78. Thank you for sharing. really appreciate that.

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  79. I am gonna try it too, greetz from the netherlands

    Xx u look amazing

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  80. So what do you do during you transition period? My hair is super greasy within 12 hours of washing. Help.

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  81. Hey what would anybody recommend going thru this "no-poo" regiment if I spend all day sweating and in an environment of oil and dirt?

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  82. How about using a natural bar of soap to wash hair? For those with long hair--melt the soap then pour it into a mason jar. Any recommendations on ALL NATIRAL bar soaps?

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  83. You hair is so beautiful! It seems your hair is so long now! Do you think it has grown longer now that you dont shampoo? Also, do you ever style your hair and if so, does that have an effect on the no shampoo regime? Thanks!

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  84. Love this blog because of so many varied opinions. I wash my hair as little as possible because I found that the less I wash it, the longer it goes before it needs to be washed again, and the better condition it is in. I am in my 50's and since I stopped washing it daily, the quality of my hair has returned to what it was in my 20s. It has stopped thinning and is in great condition without any frizz or split ends. I get compliments on my hair frequently. I do wash it, but no more than once a week. When I was washing my hair every day, it would need to washed every day in that it would get oily the next day yet still be dry. But if you give it a little time, your hair adjusts to the less frequent washing and eventually it takes longer and longer before it becomes oily enough to need washing, and it stays in beautiful condition. It is well worth it. Oh, and the other thing I found was a really good boars hair brush distributes the oils and also helps make hair appear to be in good condition and cleaner longer. Just remember, this does take time to adjust, don't worry about your hair so much it is a little oily at first. Start small, you don't have to go cold turkey. Start by washing every other day. Then once your hair adjusts to that go to every three days, etc. It is definitely worth a try.

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  85. If I don't wash my hair at least every other day my head begins to itch. I'm interested in trying this, but don't know if I would be able to. Did you have any issues with itchiness? My hair also gets very greasy when not washed, so I don't think that it is because it's dry!?!?

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  86. I'm interested in this, but I have very oily hair and if I don't wash it after a few days my scalp becomes very itchy. Did you notice anything like this when you quit using shampoo? Maybe it would go away after some time?!?! Maybe it is from chemical withdraws, lol.

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  87. Definitely going to try this. I work out (and shampoo) daily. I'm thinking ii'm going to wean myself off of shampoo, switch to baking soda, and then go rinse only. My only concern is that my hair will dry out from needing to rinse daily (from working out). Let's hope oil works for that. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, I have stopped using shampoo. I workout also. Just rinsing my hair with water daily works just fine and scrubbing my scalp with my fingertips. I do use conditioner still, though. I have very dried out hair from working at an aquatic facility for many years and the chlorine has made a mess. My hair has improved amazingly in just the 7 weeks.

      Delete
  88. Gross.. with all the pollution you get in contact with and germs on a daily basis, not good hygiene

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? Putting carcinogenic chemicals on your hair and scalp is considered good hygiene. I thought it was cultural bias.

      Delete
  89. All the way from Belgium some tips about DIY hairmasks.
    You can make one yourself with a squashed banana, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of olive oil, mix it al together and put it in your hair and especially the dry ends! But try to avoid the scalp. Just leave it in for about a half hour and rinse it well after! You can also use some avocado and yoghurt with the squashed banana.

    You can also make a mask with squashed banana for your skin, for example for greasy skin with a theaspoon of honey and e few drops of lime.
    Or for dry skin squashed banana with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of yoghurt.

    Make sure the banana is completely squashed, otherwise you end up with peaces of banana in your hair!
    (like the first time I tried it!! :D)
    I hope you find it usefull!!!

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  90. Its an interesting idea, but for me the issue would be the smell. My hair smells bad after a couple days, and I know other people who've gone the no shampoo route, but they kind of have this lingering smell about them. Not sure I'm up for that. But its sounds really healthy! Interesting idea!

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  91. I don't wash my hair either. But, I just started doing this a month or two ago. I was starting to have a receding line and I was trying anything for it to stop. And I only go to a hair stylist every other month. I think it has worked so far.

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  92. I would so love to try this but I'm not sure how it would work on my hair, its fine and curly/coily hair. have you heard anything about women of color trying this?

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  93. dont actually know if i could go totally without shampooing, but on the flip token, our mini farm does not yet have indoor pluming of either sort, and frequently i go 3 or more days between full "true" shower /hair washes (all water is hauled from spigot outside) , and i do feel like my hair gets to feeling greasy by the 3/4 day. but i have super xtra kinky curly when i brush it dry it fluffs out 4 or 5 inches so i use conditioner on the ends never the scalp gets greasy real fast. I believe this summer i am going to try no poo, water is easier to haul and wont matter no one but the stock to see if it takes a while to adjust.

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  94. I do wash my hair however since becoming a SAHM I don't wash it near as often AND I've noticed that my "oily" hair isn't as oily when I don't want it every day. It took a week or so of not washing every day to notice the change but now I can go 2 or 3 days without washing it and it looks decent. (Not the best, but decent.)

    Your brave for sharing!!

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  95. I've gone poo free for almost 3 months and today, I broke down and shampooed, after noticing that my hair was greasy and my scalp was dried out and flaking. The only thing I can think is that I was putting Avocado oil in my hair and then rinsing alone wasn't getting it out. I tried just vinegar rinsing wasn't enough. I'm going to start over, this time trying to control the amount of oil I add to my hair, but I also do flat iron my hair and feel like I have to have some oil in there to protect it. I also have naturally curly hair that is now wavy courtesy of crazy hormones. Any tips? I just feel like I had to finally give in and I hated shampooing but my hair is finally at a normal moisture level.

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  96. I just wanted to say that any science major would know that water is a cleanser all by itself and so if one is rinsing their hair twice a week, that is all that they need to rid it of smells. My father never used shampoo and his hair did not smell.

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  97. I just want to say "Good For You". I stopped using shampoo about 15 years or more ago. I am a 62 yr old lady with the best hair you've ever seen, very thick and almost to my my knees. It is as thick at the bottom as it is at the top. Nobody ever complements on my smile or eyes or anything else but they all say something about the hair and some beg to touch it. I do look for conditioners that have the least & safest of ingredients that I use, but when it comes to my hair, Less Is Better. Keep it healthy.

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  98. I gave up shampoo and conditioner as well because of all the toxins in it. I still wash my hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar because that works for me. It used to get greasy but I learned to not use the ACV on my scalp, just the roots, and now it never gets greasy. I used baking soda every 4 days and ACV every 8 days.

    Haters are going to hate. Just know that you are doing what is right for your own health and the environment.

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  99. I stopped using shampoo and conditioner too. Too many toxic chemicals! I use baking soda every 4 days and apple cider vinegar every 8 days. The trick I have found to keep the ACV from making it greasy is to only use it on the ends - never on the scalp.

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  100. How rude. I am most certainly NOT batshit crazy! And NOR is my hair dirty or smelly. I wash it with water and that cleans it just as well. As I previously said, my hair has never looked better. It is soft, shiny and in great condition. My own hairdresser who has years of experience says my hair is in fantastic condition, despite not using shampoo and conditioner. I also avoid gels and hairspray.......Mary.

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  101. Wow! I am so impressed and intrigued! I've been doing the baking soda/ACV thing for almost a year and for the most part I really like it. Regular shampoos really irritate my scalp and I don't notice that now. But I like the idea of not using anything at all. I'm definitely giving this a try!

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  102. I would love to to do this, as I only wash my hair 2 times a week now. but about the 3rd or 4th day my dandruff is so bad I am itching like I have bugs in my hair. lol Any suggestions? Thank Karen

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  103. I'm a swimmer-three days a week up to an hour each session in an indoor pool with chlorine. Any ideas about what to use? I condition a lot!

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  104. Hi, I have a big question, I wanted to get away from shampoos, so bought Wen dont know if you heard of it? It is expensive but seems very natural from the ingredients , it does not lather at all creamy, you wash once and comb through while in the shower leave on 5 minutes rinse then repeat. my hair is colored so my ends get dry but oily regrowth in one day, but with this only wash and repeat 2 or 3 times a week is recomended. Here is the web site www.chazdean.com. Please let me know your thoughts on this. you could even message me on fb Sherry Swartz in Reading Pa, thx

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  105. I'm so glad this is getting media coverage! Maybe more people will realize how many products are not necessary. I also do not use soap or shaving cream. My skin is MUCH less dry-only my hands get dry because I wash my hands before cooking, in the mornings, and obviously after using the restroom. With shaving cream, I get just as good of a shave. There are no bad odors after a couple of weeks of adjustment! I have told trusted friends that I changed to a homemade laundry detergent and asked if they thought I smelled different or bad, and everyone says I smell fine.

    I was washing my hair with water daily, now sometimes I skip a day. I've been doing this for 2 years, and the no soap for 1 year.

    Re: the dandruff question. It will resolve in time. Since winter is dry season, perhaps you want to use a humidifier.

    Re: swimming, you won't need conditioner if you aren't using shampoo. Shampoo is stripping your hair, and conditioner attempts to add back the moisture.

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