I came across a very interesting post a few months ago and decided to give it a go. Giving up shampoo. Your first thought might be, "Ewwww!" but you should still read on. :)
If you would like to read the post that I did, click here. I'm all for making things myself rather than buying them. Even though I can get many things for practically free with coupons, I would rather make something (cheaply) and know that everything in it I am putting on or in my body is free from many harmful chemicals.
The way that shampoo works is that it strips your hair of it’s natural oils. So your body reacts from it’s oil shortage by making more. Then you wash it the next day and strip the oils again, which means that once again your body produces more oil, you see how the cycle works. But by not using shampoo you let the hair oil factory regulate it’s oil production levels to create a healthy balance.
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So, I decided to try out using baking soda instead of shampoo. It was a pretty risky venture since I tried in out on a Saturday night before Sunday church. :) I don't know what I was thinking! BUT, I was pleasantly surprised with the fabulous hair day that I had! My hair felt totally light and soft and bouncy and it straightened and/or curled just the way I wanted it to!
Do you want to try it out now? Here's the recipe I used--
1 cup water
1 Tblsp. baking soda
Mix and put in some kind of bottle with a squirty top.
And that's it! I had a larger bottle that fit about 4 cups of water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda so it is still sitting in my shower and I use it every 2 to 3 days. An old shampoo bottle would work great. I squirt some on top, around and underneath to cover all my hair and scrub it around like shampoo. Now, it doesn't make a lovely lather of scented bubbles, so if that is what you love, you might not like this, but I think the end result is worth it. I do still use conditioner on my hair after I use the baking soda mixture. I haven't explored the options when it comes to conditioner yet, so we'll see.
So, just another wonderful use of this amazing stuff!
I like that idea - I love the theme of your blog - I am following you because I want to learn more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post!
Apple cider vinegar is a great conditioner. You just put it in a spray bottle, spray the ends of your hair, work it in, let it sit a minute, and then rinse. And I know what you are thinking, you will not smell like vinegar when you get out of the shower.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, thank you for sharing. I think it's a great idea to cut out some of the chemical-filled products we use every day.
ReplyDeleteKim, I have heard about using vinegar, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to try it. Maybe by the time my bottle of conditioner runs out I will. :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI tried it, it didn't work for me, but I think that might be a combo of the climate that I'm in plus the changing hormones of just having had a baby plus my psoriasis. I gave it a few weeks but I just looked gross and was super itchy! sigh...
ReplyDeleteLaura, I feel so bad that it did not work for you! I have loved it and haven't used shampoo since.
ReplyDeleteA dab of coconut oil works wonders. You can also scent the baking soda mixture with essential oils. I started mixing Tea Tree oil with the Coconut oil works great :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, thanks, Amanda. Coconut oil seems to be good for everything, too. :) Tea tree oil has been on my list for awhile, I think I will go get some.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I'm so happy to find you. You are speaking my language! I hate to pay for a lot of expensive ingredients that I can't pronounce and don't trust. I will be getting to know you better, for sure! Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bettsi!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you could put in some essential oils to make it smell good? Havent tried this yet, but it was a thought!
ReplyDeleteI was just glancing through the other comments on this post and saw that Amanda said that you could use essential oils in the shampoo mixture. I haven't tried it yet. I did start using apple cider vinegar for conditioner, though. I think I am fortunate because my nose doesn't work very well, so I usually can't smell it. I have asked people (hubby, sister, etc) if my hair smells like vinegar after my shower and they said no. I love it.
DeleteJamie, Listen to Kim about using apple cider vinegar rinse following your "No-poo" wash! (1-2 TB per cup of warm water)I don't know how but my hair smells fresher and cleaner with this method of wash and rinse than all the products I have ever used. I simply pour it over my head (Keep your eyes closed!) after I wash. Sometimes I wait 30-60 seconds before rinsing but haven't noticed any difference with waiting or rinsing right away. I decided to try the baking soda wash after reading an article on "No-Pooers", was very sceptical but even my 17 Y/O beauty product queen daughter says she likes how my hair looks and is going to try it! The vinegar gets rid of tangles magically and makes my hair so soft. I can comb through my long hair without a wince! I also love avocado on my hair - leave it in for 20 minutes or so. I usually blend it with about 1 Tb olive oil and 1 tsp. raw honey, sometimes maybe some yogurt if I have it and have even tossed in an egg (only use the yolk if your hair is dry). But the avocado is the STAR of hair treatments and just it and olive oil are great for giving you shiny, soft tresses. I would love to hear from you after you try this!
ReplyDeleteHi Janie, I did start using apple cider vinegar on my hair and I do like it a lot. I haven't tried your avocado recipe yet. It looks great! Do you put it on wet hair and then rinse? Thanks!
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