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I haven’t washed my hair with Shampoo in about 1 year! So how do I wash my hair without shampoo?
We’ll it’s really quite simple all you need is baking soda!
Many refer to this as the “no poo method”. When I first heard about no poo, I originally was a little hesitant to try it as many who have, say that for the first few weeks your hair is greasy and unmanageable. Not that I was too concerned about how my hair looked for a few weeks, I was more concerned that all of the extra oils from my hair may cause acne. I was previously using an all natural shampoo, however, it still contained ingredients that I did not feel comfortable rubbing into my skin! To me if it is not edible then I do not want it absorbing through my skin.
SO….. I decided to try using no poo! And to my surprise my hair never went through the period of feeling greasy or dirty. The baking soda removes the oils from hair and my hair looked the same as it did after washing with shampoo (even during the first few weeks of using it).
However, some do experience the greasy period which can range from 1 week to several weeks until your hair adjusts. (I probably use more baking soda than most so that may be why I didn’t go through that phase.)Now, after washing my hair for about a year without shampoo, my hair is stronger, thicker, does not get oily after 1 day of not washing, and even looks shinier!
Why you should wash your hair without shampoo:
-Shampoo contains toxic chemicals such as; Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Chloride, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, fragrance, Propylene Glycol – just to name a few.
-Shampoo removes your hairs natural oils.
Steps of How to Wash Your Hair without Shampoo – no poo method
- Take about 5 tablespoons of baking soda and put in a cup or bottle
- Fill the cup/bottle with water (about 8oz )
- Shake well or mix well
- Rub into scalp and through hair thoroughly
- Rinse out with water
- Optional: Condition with apple cider vinegar (mix a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 1/2 cup water)
OR
Second Way of Using Baking Soda to Wash Your Hair
- Apply baking soda to your hair when dry, rub into scalp (basically use as dry shampoo)
- Rinse with water while continuing to rub the baking soda in your hair
- Rinse baking soda completely out
- Optional: Condition with apple cider vinegar (mix a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 1/2 cup water)
I typically use the second method because my hair is very long and I find it easier to rub the baking soda in while dry. It also saves a little time as I don’t have to make the mixture in a separate bottle.
Does anyone else use the no poo method or have you considered trying it?
Michael
What about just using plain bar soap?
Lori, Health Extremist
I’ve never tried bar soap, but have come across quite a few natural recipes for it! Would love to hear how it works if you give it a try!
Saw
Hey Lori, why did you remove my post?
Lori, Health Extremist
That’s strange, I didn’t remove any posts, please feel free to post again, was it on this page?
John
Alright so i get the whole toxic chemicals part, but I don’t see how shampoo dries out hair any more than baking soda, which is pretty harsh. Even if the chemicals aren’t as toxic, if the baking soda dries out the hair as much as shampoo does, then doesn’t it have the same effect on the oil glands in your skin? If I didn’t care about the chemicals, wouldn’t it be just as effective to ween off of shampoo by just using shampoo less and less often?
John
Just to add to this, i use an all natural shampoo with no sulfates.
Lori, Health Extremist
Baking soda doesn’t seem to be as harsh nor remove as much oil from the scalp as typical shampoos, which is why many go through a phase of oily hair. I remember even after the first time I washed my hair with baking soda it still looked oily. That would make for an interesting experiment! Let us know if you give it a try, we would love to hear your results.
Kyle
I have thin, straight hair that gets greasy when I don’t wash it everyday, and I have slight hair loss. The bs/acv, or honey/acv as another posted, seems promising after reading most of the comments.
However, I have an additional issue… Dandruff. I just found a once a week about as all-natural as you can get anti-dandruff shampoo and was wondering if you think that would hinder or stop the positive affects of the bs/acv regiment? The only inorganic ingredients are substances that are required in order to neutralize dandruff. It’s SLS free.
Name of Shampoo:
Davines Natural Tech Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
List of Ingredients:
Dandelion phytoceutical, rich in polyphenols and sugars with an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ower, lavender, myrrh and sage essential oils, selenium disulphide (antibacterial) and piroctoneolamine (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial)
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Kyle, I don’t think it would affect the results, a lot of people use a mixture of both. I have actually been experiencing some dandruff myself recently, and have found using extra coconut oil and an avocado as a conditioner to really help. The only harmful ingredients in the shampoo you mentioned are the selenium disulphide (rated an 8 in the red danger zone on ewg) and the piroctoneolamine, but as you mentioned those are the ingredients used to “help” the dandruff.
Carol Ann
Brewers yeast is great for dandruff, mix into food, or in smoothies. When I had my eldest daughter back in the 70’s she had cradle cap, so I looked into natural cures. I tried the brewers yeast mixed into food when, I fed her she got the benefit and her cradle cap was gone in no time, so was my dandruff.
Carol Ann
1 tablespoon to start out with then work gradually up to 1/4 cup.
The amounts are what the mother eats I don’t know if you could give brewers yeast in bottle milk for cradle cap.
Sarah
Hey! I’ve been using baking soda and apple cider vinegar method for just over two weeks and it has worked great! Seems like my scalp is a little dryer as I am getting a bit of dandruff but it’s so minor I don’t care. I never had a greasy hair stage and it’s cheap and effective. Thanks!
Lori, Health Extremist
That’s great! Thanks for sharing your results. So glad you like it so far.
Katie
I was wondering if you have any tips for children with patches of gray hair. Thanks
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Katie,
Are you looking for natural hair dyes?
I did a post on the options for natural hair dyes and have tried most of myself with very good results!
https://www.treasuredtips.com/natural-hair-dye-methods-how-to-dye-your-hair-all-naturally/
Jenny
Hi!
I have a question, I’m at day 8 of no shampoo, and my hair feels and looks awesome, BUT it’s suuuuuuper static!
Is this a fase that most will go through, or should I add something to my BS/ACV?
It’s really annoying…
Jenny
Sarah
When my hair has static I take an unused dryer sheet and run it over my hair. It’s made to take out the static from clothing and it smells nice. Sometimes if it’s a bad day of static I tuck one into my purse, I find it works well. 🙂
Julia
Thinking about trying this! But I style my hair with a curling iron. Would No Poo help with heat damage?
Lori, Health Extremist
The no poo method is much gentler on hair. Commercial shampoos contain harsh ingredients that actually can cause damage, such as those with sodium laureth sulfate. Ever since I switched I have noticed that my hair is a lot strong and there’s less breakage, so it may help.
Sanna
Hey, I’ve been using baking soda + ACV successfully for about 6 months. I really like the results but I now have problems with flaking & itchy scalp. The itchy scalp can of course be due to too much bs, I’m gonna try less (& the dry version, really liked that idea!), but any tips about the flakes? It’s not from the dry scalp, instead I think it’s the bs that doesn’t dissolve properly as I rinse it. Really appreciate anything that could help!
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Sanna, I do a weekly conditioning treatment with coconut oil to help with any dryness. Also, a mixture of avocado and coconut milk makes a great conditioner too. Great idea to try using less baking soda too!
Ylva
Can I just ask what the difference between baking soda and baking powder is? Can you only use baking soda when washing your hair, or can both be used with the same result?
Mrhycannon
Ylva, baking powder is not pure baking soda.. I’ve no idea what the other part would do.. If you try it let me know how it works.. Ilove being able to exchange ideas this way..
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Ylva
You see, I live in Norway and can’t find a clear translation and/or explanation anywhere of which is which compared to what we have here. I think baking soda is the same as something called natron, and baking powder is bakepulver, which I think contains natron along with some other stuff.
Because of the lack of shampoo and money, I’ve tried bakepulver twice now, and I feel like it really works. I only googled it because I didn’t have more shampoo left, but now (after reading here and having found other interesting articles on the subject) I think I might continue with it. I have dry, curly hair, so I never had problems with it being greasy. Still, it feels healthier and clean. This is without the apple cider vinager, because I didn’t have that in my cupboard 🙂 but still works. I’m thinking I should try the natron as well though, just to see if there is a difference. But I have a feeling that since it’s more concentrated, it might not be as good.
I realize that you probably won’t be able to help me with this, just thought I could ask anyways 🙂
Jenny
Ylva, har ni bikarbonat i Norge? Är det det som är Natron?
För det är det baking soda är i Sverige 🙂
Finns att köpa bland kryddor eller ingredienser till bakning i våra vanliga mataffärer 🙂
Jenny
Jessie - Rabid Little Hippy
Baking powder is made from rice flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. I wouldn’t use it in my hair as I have no idea what cream of tartar would do and I reckon rice flour would go all gluggy and yuk.
Ylva
Ok, thanks! I’m not sure whether it’s like that in Norway though (probably should have let you know I live here). Because that’s what I struggle with, which is which and whether I could use both or not. Read my reply the comment over this one 🙂 thanks!
Mrhycannon
We learn so much throught the internet.. Until now I had only heard of natron as an aid to mummification in Egypt.. What I found is natron is a naturally occuring form of soda (has impurities) while baking soda is a refined form.. Baking powder here consists of baking soda, cornstarch and alum.. Corn starch is anti caking.. Alum makes your mouth pucker.. It looks to me like baking soda and natron will be equally effective, as long as you aren’t allergic to any of the trace minerals in nitron..
Sanna
Hey Ylva,
Sweden calling & here it’s called bikarbonat, maybe something similar in Norway? Bakpulver is something else, don’t use that!
JP
Actually I’ve been using baking powder as a dry shampoo for years! It works wonders, especially if you’re blonde and have a bit of dark roots showing – it lightens it up just a bit. I’ve found it added a lot of volume and texture to dirty hair too. Baby powder is another common dry shampoo, but I like the texture and hold baking powder gives.
After reading this post and all the wonderful comments, I’m interested in giving baking soda a shot as a no ‘poo method as well!
Lori, Health Extremist
Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate and baking powder contains other agents. I don’t think it would have the same affect, although, I have never tried it.
Lisa
Thanks! I am willing to give it another go. BTW, I am *right now* eating a hunk of almond flour paleo bread with a schmear of cream cheese on it. I think that a little bit of strawberry jam on top will make this a perfect breakfast. 🙂
Lori, Health Extremist
That is awesome Lisa and sounds delicious! 🙂
Linda
I am learn English. What does “schmear” mean and is black dialect talk?
Carol Ann
Schmear means small amount and I always thought it was from German as I’m from an area that was largely German speaking back in the 50’s when I was a child. It was a very common word
Lisa
“Shampoo removes your hairs natural oils.”
“The baking soda removes the oils from hair…”
If one of the the goals of either method of cleaning hair is to remove excess oil, maybe instead of saying that shampoo is bad because it strips your hair of oils, we should concentrate more upon the harsh and often toxic chemicals that are in shampoo.
I tried “no poo” for 2 weeks, only using hot water and a lot of thorough rubbing. With that method, you do have to keep up with it every day so your hair doesn’t smell or look oily. I did not like the way my hair felt, though. It felt… grippy. Coarse. Unpleasant to touch. It was totally manageable though. Probably due to the aforementioned grippiness. I should probably mention that I color my hair. I used some conditioner once or twice, only on the lower parts of my hair, to see if it would feel any better. Couldn’t really tell the difference.
I felt pretty disgusting after 2 weeks, so I showered and used some ‘poo. My hair felt soft again and pleasant to touch. Totally unmanageable though. Had to use much more styling products. I would consider trying the baking soda / vinegar option, but am not immediately comfortable with adding an alkaline powder then an acidic rinse to colored hair without first doing more research.
Thanks for the informative blog!
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Lisa, good eye! Thanks for pointing that out, I should have clarified that! Shampoo typically removes more oils than the no poo method. Which is why many go through a phase of greasier hair for the first few weeks and once your hair adjusts, less oil will be produced, as it is not being stripped as much.
Sorry to hear the no poo method didn’t work out well for you! The apple cider vinegar is a great conditioner to use after, however, sometimes I need a more moisturizing one and will use either avocado mixed with coconut milk or coconut oil. I had to wash my hair every day for the first week or two and then after that my hair slowly became less oily.
Another great natural shampoo option is using clay, maybe this would work out better: http://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-wash-your-hair-with-clay/
Tanner
Does this method help with making my hair grow??? I am trying to grow my hair out, but it doesn’t grow very fast….
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Tanner, I’m not familiar with it stimulating hair growth. However, it does help prevent hair loss and hair damage, as most commercial shampoos and conditioners contain toxic chemicals, such as sodium laureth sulfate. One thing that has really helped me increase hair growth is gentle daily scalp massages. Check out this article on it from natural news: http://www.naturalnews.com/029667_scalp_massage.html
Tameria
protein helps hair grow stronger and faster.
Julia
I finally took the plunge and went no-poo last week. Despite everything I’d read about ditching shampoo, I wasn’t convinced it would work for my straight, fine, and oily hair.
After four days without shampoo, I tried using a “cleansing conditioner”, but that left both my head and my face feeling disgustingly oily despite having bathed the previous evening. Last night I washed with two tablespoons of baking soda diluted in a cup of water (followed by a vinegar rinse) and today my hair is gorgeous: the grease is gone and it looks thicker and has more volume. My scalp feels a little tender from the baking soda — next time I’ll use one tablespoon and leave it on for one minute instead of three — but overall I’m delighted.
My biggest fear about this process was the transition period. I’d heard that it could last weeks, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to stick it out that long. But now that I have lovely clean hair after less than a week without shampoo, I’m sold.
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Julia, I’m so glad the no-poo method is working for you. I was hesitant at first too about trying it, but now, I can’t believe how much healthier my hair is.
Kayla
If I was my hair with baking soda is it okay to use normal conditioner?
Also 5 tbsp. seems like a lot if my hair is “fine” can I use like 3-4? would it make a difference
Mrhycannon
I tbs of soda in 8 oz of water works well for me.. My hair was Waist length when I started and thinning.. I doubt you can use too much soda, just rinse well with water.. Use apple cider vinegar as the final rinse to restore ph balance.. After reading Lori’s posts last summer I tried this method, loved it and threw away all of my chemicals.. I’m waiting for the chemical dye to grow out and I have about 4 in of my natural color now.. All of my hair is softer now but the natural is in better shape than at any time of my life (68 yrs old)..
Mrhycannon
Lori, I’m sorry if I’m taking too much of your space..You’ve got me on a roll and I find it very difficult to keep my mouth shut.. Over the years I’v tried so many commercial ‘stuff’ that I can’t..I’ve always been an advocate of natural/herbal methods of everything..Your ideas woke me up.. I very much love to see you younger”going back to nature” ..You are helping women of all ages, keep up the good work………………….Thank you
Lori, Health Extremist
Thank you so much for the nice comment! You could never take up too much space, love your comments!
Midori
Hi Lori!
Thanks for this great article.
I wanted to know, does Baking Soda or ACV lighten/change natural hair color? I have black hair and I don’t want to lose my coloring? Thanks !:D
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi, ACV should not lighten hair color at all. I’ve heard of baking soda being used to lighten hair in combination with hydrogen peroxide, however, it seems that most of the reviews show it is not very effective. So far, it has not changed my hair color at all. Hopefully others that have tried no poo, will be able to comment on this, if it has changed their hair color 🙂
Lauren
If you are worried about color, you can use coffee grounds to wash as well, I use them and it actually boosts my brunette color. 😀 Plus, it has a nice smell afterwards.
Antonia
I’ve been using baking soda w/ACV rises for about 6 months now. I absolutely love how it works! But, I have found that it has lightened my hair tremendously.
I have naturally dark brown hair that I had been dying dark burgundy red before I started using BS, then tried to dye back to my normal dark brown hair. I’m not sure if it’s lightened up so much due to the red dyes or if it’s my natural brown that’s lightening up. I have a short pixie cut and my hair grows pretty fast and I’ve had it cut a few times since using BS, but it still keeps lightening. I’m finding myself very reluctant to cover the grays again because the dye just doesn’t last as long any more.
I did just buy some black tea and sage and will be trying that to darken and cover grays. We’ll see how it works!
Lori, Health Extremist
That is amazing! I’m so glad you like the no poo method! 🙂
Anonymous
Hi, I’m so glad to have come across this amazing method 🙂
I want to know, does baking soda or ACV lighten natural hair color? I have black hair and I really don’t want to lose the color. Thanks so much! 😀
Jessica
Hi Lori, wanted to know if it helps in the control of hairfall
And are you really sure that it won’t encourage the hair growth or something called side effects?? 🙂
Lori
Do you mean the baking soda?
crystal
i had a stroke july 2013. my system went waco including my hair. i am 52 and after the stroke let my hair get away from the color- my hair went from a dirty blond to a salt and pepper- pepper being black. after the shock, i began researching gray hair. im weaning myself from shampoo, beginning with virgin hair. last november (2014) i cut my hair back to 1/2″. expecting the worse, i just have only had to worry about my patience. my hair has become soft and wavy, about 3″ longer in January 2015, yep i’m shocked! so we are talking VIRGIN hair! going no-poo seemed right and healthy! I still use the shampoo for gray hair once a month and Dove shampoo once a week, no plans to buy more when this finally runs out! still adjusting so to speak, but i’m adjusting to much now a days! I think “healthy” is so foreign today- going shampoo-less only seems dirty. thinking it through it only makes seems!
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Kayla, you can definitely use a normal conditioner. If would like an all natural alternative you could try using apple cider vinegar, or coconut oil or avocado mixed with coconut milk. You can use less baking soda, it really depends on how much hair you have and your hair type. After you try it a time or two, it is much easier to figure out how much to use. Hope this helps!
Vishalriaz
Does this method control on hairfall??
I had one more question abt de scnd method you rub 5 tablespoon of baking soda onto ur scalp or more ?? Plzz reply soon
Lori, Health Extremist
The no poo method is much healthy for your hair than using commercial shampoos. Many store bought shampoos and conditioners contain toxic and harmful ingredients that have been connected to hair loss. Even many natural shampoos still contain some not so great ingredients. I have noticed a huge change in my hair from doing no poo. My hair is definitely much thicker and I don’t have to wash it as often as it doesn’t get as greasy. You can use baking soda as a dry shampoo and just rub it on your hair, then rinse it out. You don’t have to use exactly 5 tablespoons, it really depends on how much hair you have.
Vishalriaz
Thankyou
Mrhycannon
Try the honey and vinegar I mentioned above.. It only takes a few drops for your scalp.. If you want to do your hair too just use more.. Any excess that drips down my neck or face becomes a facial.. Works well there too.. Vinegar cuts through grease.. Honey and vinegar are both antibacterial..
Mrhycannon
Always use apple cider vinegar.. It has nutrients that are removed by distilling..That’s why other vinegars are clear.
Jessie - Rabid Little Hippy
Hi, another no-pooer here. It’s probably nearly 2 years now since I stopped using shampoo and no regrets. I use the bicarb wash every couple of months as the oils will naturally regulate and clear out any dirt and like you, my hair is healthy and shiny and I love it. If it’s getting a little unmanageable I just rinse it with water and we’re good to go again.
I use maybe 2 tbsp of bicarb and my hair is shoulder length. I condition with 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water and that’s all I need. My hair is really super fine too but it knots heaps less and is so much easier to manage too.
Kat
I have been poo free for 6 months now and I am extremely happy with the results. I have fine hair so there was really no oily adjustment period for me but I would encourage anyone who reads this post to give this a try, no chemicals, dyes, perfumes and little money should be an inspiration to at least try this.
Robin
I do the same thing but found that I had some dandruff and itchiness especially on the back of my head. I started using some tea tree oil only in that area and most of that is gone! I love how simple it all is!
Jenny Joseph
I’ve tried the baking Soda wash and it does feel clean. But it left my hair a little dry so I also tried conditioning with apple cider viniger,it didn’t smell too good..But I rinsce with a good smelling conditioner and that worked out well. I have been sLs free for about five month now wit little hair breakage..
Lori, Health Extremist
Sometimes I use coconut oil to condition also. I usually do it once a week for more of a deep conditioning.
Jessie - Rabid Little Hippy
I found that the acv smell dissipated once dry and within a few hours.
Kat
Hi, I have very greasy hair and I’m 57 years old. It has never been not greasy except when I colored my hair or did a perm which I do neither anymore. Since I’ve moved to CA from PA I’ve noticed my hair is dryer at the ends but still greasy at my head. I’m going to try the no poo too. I think anything that is natural has to be better for me anyway. Thanks for this post. Kat
Zoe @ecothrifty
I’ve been ‘no poo’ for around 3 months now, but I have been suffering from greasy hair the whole way through. I haven’t been using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar though, although I did at the beginning for a bit. I have tried using cornflour, aloe vera, water only… Not sure whether to try more things or to just leave it alone for a while completely (i.e. just use water) and see what happens!
Lori, Health Extremist
Hi Zoe, when I use the baking soda it removes most of the oils from my hair, and after using it my hair looks similarly “clean” (not greasy) as it did when I used normal shampoo.
Jenna
Zoe, I use the baking soda mixture and then rinse with white vinegar, before I started this method my hair was always greasy. One of the websites I read said to use apple cider vinegar for dry to normal hair, and white vinegar for greasy hair. I have not had a problem since switching to the no poo method. You might want to try white vinegar.
calmyogi
Have you tried using a boar bristle brush. It helps work the oil through your hair and clean it.
Jill Sanders
I’m excited about trying this out. I have a minor allergy to most commercial shampoos. I can’t buy the same brand twice in a row or my scalps gets red, itchy, and flaky. So it is hard when I find a brand I like. I have to find at least 3 brands I like to rotate them out. And I can’t use cheap stuff either, no Suave or VO5, after one wash my scalp is irritated by the next day. Keeping my fingers crossed that this works! : )
Gina
What would be the effect of using baking soda on color treated hair?
Lori
Hi Gina, many use baking soda on color treated hair. A few in my family have color treated hair and they love the no poo method. However, due to the hair color it may make hair a little dryer then someone using it on non color treated hair. So may want to do the baking soda less often and also use a great conditioner, either the ACV or coconut oil or both, they work great as conditioners!
Jason
Baking soda will remove some of the color in your hair. I would avoid it for color treated hair. One method that is practiced by hairdressers to help remove color from color treated hair is to use baking soda.
Lori, Health Extremist
Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous
Hey. Can you leave the baking soda in your hair as a dry shampoo without rinsing? Also do you girls style your hair with a blow dryer or straightener?
Lori
I tried it as dry shampoo once, but it didn’t work too well for me because my hair is dark and it showed. I let my hair air dry and blow dry it only on special occasions.
Courtney @ The Polivka Family
I’ve been doing this for around three months now, and I love it! My hair is lighter, (both in weight and by bringing out my natural red highlights) and I can go an extra day in between washes. I used to wash every 3 days. Now, it’s every 4. I also was able to stop using so much product/mousse afterward. Now, I’m just *barely* slicking my fingertips with aloe vera gel and running it through my hair while it’s still wet. Works like a charm! 🙂
Peggy
I am on day 2 without shampoo, but I didn’t use any of the ingredients above and I use water only instead, but I am going to try out your method today, just want to ask if the vinegar is to apply on scalp or length of hair only?
By the way, I am just 19 and I have been experiencing severe hair loss for 2 years, my hair was originally thick and strong, but now my hair is so thin, dull and damaged. I really hope No Poo Method can help me get through this 🙁
Lori
Hi Peggy, the apple cider vinegar is really just used to act as a conditioner after the baking soda. I apply it to my whole head but you don’t have to rub it into your scalp, it works by just pouring it on. The no poo method is great because there are no chemicals! Even in some all natural shampoos there are some ingredients I don’t feel comfortable rubbing into my scalp daily. My hair is definitely stronger after switching to no poo, my hair doesn’t break off as easily. It also looks fuller, my hair is naturally thin and I use to try to make it look thicker, but now I don’t even fuss with it, it looks thicker just from the no poo. Hope it works for you! 🙂 When I first started it, it took a few times to determine the exact amount of baking soda to use (some say use one tablespoon per cup and others say a couple tablespoons per cup).
Peggy
Thanks for your reply! Can I ask how often I should use this method as a beginner? I am afraid that the baking soda would make my scalp dry. Oh and, should I wash my hair everyday? Or wash with plain water on the days without BS and ACV?
Lori
During the first week or 2 I used it every other day, and now I only do it 2 to 3 times a week. (after using it my hair isn’t as oily as it use to be, with regular shampoo I had to wash it every day otherwise it would look dirty). You could rinse with water or water and ACV on days you don’t use the baking soda, but don’t have to. I occasionally do that if I have somewhere to be and want it to look more styled. It shouldn’t make your scalp dry, but if you find you want more of a deep conditioning you could use coconut oil. I apply coconut oil once a week to my hair, it’s very moisturizing. After you try baking soda the first day, you can look at your hair the second day and see if you feel you need to wash it again or can wait another day or even two. After the first few weeks (the transition period) you will probably find you don’t need to wash it as often.
Anonymous
Thanks for your help Lori! Can’t wait to try this out! 🙂
Tammy
My hair is very dry would this also work for me?
Lori, Health Extremist
You can definitely give the no poo method a try, you may want to start out with less baking soda and use a conditioner or apple cider vinegar after. My hair is pretty dry, especially the ends and my hair has actually improved a lot since starting no poo. My hair use to get frizzy and be a tangled dry mess.
Carmen Cabrera
God bless you, although I sing up to weekly newsletters I copy some natural skin alternatives to junk products. You become a wonderful help to me, I’m a 31 years cancer survivor. (Acute Linfoblastic Leukemia) and as a treatment I received radiotherapy and as second effect of them I developed brain tumors (meningiomas) and the anticonvulsives I have to use has caused Dishidrosis and although I’m treating it with natural remedies, the only “shampoo” and conditioner I can use is Burt’s bees, they don’t activates the dishidrosis on my hands. But its been more than a month that the CVS on my town haven’t bring it. Now I’ll use your no poo. Blessings for you and your family.
Lori
Hope you find the no poo helpful. I also like to use castile soap for shampoo because it’s very gentle too. Blessings to you and your family as well! 🙂
aarthi
Hey Lori, how about people who oil their hair once in every two days. will this method work for them? I am using the coconut and castor oil and cant find the right shampoo to take the oil off although it is mild.
Lori
Yes, baking soda works perfect for that!
Mrhycannon
Try my honey and apple cider vinegar.. As bad as your hair loss is you should leave it on fifteen-twenty minutes the first few times.. My hair loss was not that drastic but I did notice a difference the first time I used this tonic.. Once your hair is washed dried you will no longer smell like a salad.. Once your hair dries there is no vinegar smell.. It is always good to do a final rinse with vinegar..
Anonymous
I take kelp caps for that. You should get your thyroid checked
Anonymous
You also need to look at your diet as well, this can have a major impact 🙂
Rachel
Check out the first method. It’s said that this will help with hair growth. Maybe give it a shot?
I hope it helps! 🙂
Rachel
If it didn’t show up in the other comment, this is the site I was referring to:
http://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Your-Hair-Using-Only-Natural-Ingredients
Tameria
Teatree oil is great for hair loss problems. You can get it at walmart in the vitamin dept. just add a few drops to your no poo or shampoo each time you wash your hair.
Shelley
Peggy, Have you seen a doctor for your hair loss ? You are so young to be having this problem. It could be something so simple as a vitamin deficiency. Is your diet good, do you eat enough ? Please see a doctor, just to be on the safe side. I would tell my own daughter this.
Anonymous
Hello peggy,
I know that it’s been over a year but I am just now seeing this post and your comment about yourself your hair loss. I don’t know if you’re still having hair loss but I would say that it may be related to a more underlying health problem. Please email me [email protected], if you get this and still need help and have questions. there are a few main problems that cause hair loss, thyroid, hormone imbalance, and vitamin deficiency,
Laura
I see this was over a year ago, but your hair loss sounds hormonal. Possibly a Thyroid problem. You need to see an endocrinologist and have blood work done. Left untreated will cause many more problems. I hope you are better.
Figen
My hair loss was so extreme that I was thinking that I might be seriously ill. I tried several things (vitamins and so on).
At the end I found out that my hair dye from the health store! was the cause.
No more hair loss since I stopped using it.
Lauren
Hi Peggy,
Water alone is really damaging to hair and skin, especially hot water… so, I would definitely go with the baking soda/vinegar if nothing else. I usually wash my hair then rinse with warm water, condition my hair then rinse with cold water. It has become much happier, and my skin looks better too. If you are a brunette, like me, you can also try to shampoo with coffee grinds, and they leave your hair smelling really good as well! 😀
Anonymous
Hey Lauren, you should try JCrows iodine. Iodine deficiency can cause hair loss. Definitely look into getting healthier. I use plexus products and they work great to get you healthier. My hair was really thick, then got really thin too. Its much better now. Let me know if you want to talk more. I’m on face book! Or text me at 580-669-0756. Don’t worry, I’m not a freak and wont try to meet you. 🙂 just hate that you are having this problem. 🙁
Vivien
I tried the baking soda but the best kind of healthy shampoo I used was pro naturals argan oil shampoo, it’s sulfate and silicone free so it works just as well, even better actually.
Melody
I ditched my shampoo this weekend and started trying this for the first time. I’m on day 3 now. I’m mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water and putting that into a squirt bottle. I’m conditioning the ends of my hair with diluted apple cider vinegar. My hair is very easy to brush (no tangles) but it’s still a bit greasy. That said, it’s not nearly as greasy as it would normally get after not shampooing for 3 days. I’m going to try rice flour as a dry shampoo because I read on another blog that its not as gummy as using a commercial dry shampoo.
Jenn
I saw your apple cider vinegar/water mixture for a conditioner, but do you have any other suggestions that help to condition and detangle, especially for kids?
Lori
Coconut Oil is also a great conditioner! It is very moisturizing. Once a week I apply the coconut oil and then rinse it out with water or with the apple cider vinegar mixture. Coconut milk can also be used as a conditioner, you can make it fresh or buy it (without any added ingredients). Another option is to make a mixture of avocado and coconut milk. (I take 1/2 of an avocado and combine with coconut milk until it is a consistency similar to a conditioner). Some use a mashed banana as conditioner, but I haven’t tried it yet 🙂
Mrhycannon
I have a problem with hair loss.. My cure is honey and apple cider vinegar, half and half (tonic).. I massage it gently into my hair for about five minutes, or just let it rest for that long.. I’ve always stepped into the tub to apply the hair tonic, then I would and shampoo as usual.. Now I put the soda mixture right onto the tonic and massage them together.. At this point I turn on the shower (saves water too)and rinse thoroughly.. Always rinse soda with vinegar to restore the PH balance.. Here comes good part.. I use a large bowl, outside if possible.. I put my dye in a squeeze-top honey bottle that holds three cups of liquid.. This I dribble onto my hair as I work it through.. I collect it in the bowl that my hair is already hanging in.. As the dye drains from my hair I use a small Styrofoam cup and pour it over and over my hair for another five minutes.. Be sure to pour on a different part of scalp each time or it will color unevenly.. I do not rinse after applying dye.. I’ve just recently begun this routine so I’m looking forward to see the results over the long run..
Anonymous
Why are you using styrofoam? Why not use a glass that you can re-use vote and over again?
Anonymous
Hi Lori, what do you suggest for the hair smelling pretty?
Lori, Health Extremist
I haven’t tried anything myself, but you could try adding a drop of essential oil.
vaishnavi
Hello. I have frizzy curly hair which is tricky to manage and maintain. I am also having terrible hair loss and itchy scalp. I am used to oiling my hair ( mix of coconut oil almond oil castor oil) at least once a weak and using homemade hair masks (like coconut milk mask curd mask etc) frequently to retain the moisture levels in my hair. I have now decided to ditch the shampoo conditioner routine to be more safe and natural. What seems to be bothering here is that, when I oil my hair or use a heavy hair pack, the baking soda mixture doesn’t seem to be enough to rinse the oil (or whatever) from my hair out. As a result I end up with oily hair. It doesn’t feel clean either. Pls tell me how I can deal with this.
Lori
That happens too me too when I do a coconut oil hair mask. I usually wash twice with baking soda, then wash with castile soap, and apple ACV to get the oil oil. It takes all the oil out for me if I rub well.
Dianne
How do you use castile soap? You don’t use it straight, do you?
Lori
I dilute the castile soap with water.
Mrhycannon
Comb hair before washing.. run fingers through hair as you wash and rinse.. Just squeeze water from your hair.. Blot with towel for a few minutes then allow hair to air dry.. When hair is half dry, gently run you fingers through hair to help it seperate,dry and retain it’s natural curl (I learned this from my granddaughter!).. When hair is completely dry you can use a comb to style..
Hope
Ok! its gud
Lindsey Gremont
This is exactly what I do! Love it! My head doesn’t itch anymore!