Simply put, I don’t think my family or your family should be exposed to unnecessary chemicals and toxins. And because of this passion, I try to inform you, dear reader, about healthier alternatives. But I have to tell you – I might not always tell you about some alternatives out there. To me, they seem a little … extreme.
For the next two weeks, I’ll highlight a few of these “extreme” alternatives. I’m calling these posts “I may be green, but I’m not THAT green.” In fairness, I think you should be aware of what some people are trying. But I want to be perfectly clear that I have NOT tried any of these options, nor do I plan to try them anytime soon.
Just as a warning: Some of these subjects may be – really – gross.
No shampoo?
Some may try it to avoid the hazardous chemicals in shampoos. Others may want to reduce the amount of plastic used in shampoo bottles or save a few dollars each month. And yet others swear by healthier looking hair once the shampoo-free practice is in full swing.
If you’re interested in trying a no shampoo challenge, I urge you to check out the blogs No Shampoo and The Hairpin. Both discuss natural cleaning methods like baking soda and apple cider vinegar. And both talk about a nasty, greasy week or two that takes place before the healthy looking hair happens. (Some commenters note that in their experiences, healthy looking hair never happened.)
As for me, I’m pleased with my shampoos that are fairly free from toxins. If I didn’t have any safe shampoo alternatives, I might consider this method for a millisecond. But since I can buy safe shampoo, I don’t live in the year 1711, and I’m not stranded in a remote location, I’m just not so green that I’ll give up shampoo.
Talk back
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The first I ever heard of the “no poo” trend was from a friend who was doing it because she discovered she actually had curly hair that way. But her routine was so involved, I didn’t have any interest in even looking into it.
I can’t imagine not washing my hair! I mean, I can go a day or two without it sometimes, but then it starts screaming at me that it needs a good shampoo. :)
Tried it…my hair is fine, and it never started feeling nice, even after weeks. I’m stubborn, but not that stubborn. I finally gave up and went back to shampoo….although I do use a vinegar rinse here and there :).
How synchronous. I had this very conversation with myself today. I & me decided we are keeping our shampoo. Can’t give it up.
However, inspired by the confab, today I bought my first bottle of castile soap; made the deodorant, toothpaste & castile hand soap recipes; cleaned my bathroom & kitchen with castile, baking soda & vinegar; used castile as body wash. I’m psyched!
I went without shampoo for over a year. No one knew but the people I told. I still don’t use shampoo, but I wash my hair with conditioner only. I use avalon(?) organics lavender scented and it works great. I wash my hair about once or twice a week.
i have a feeling that constant using over the year may affect the skin pores and problems starts, then it will be too late–better be safe than sorry- i chicken out first :)
curious Devona as to why you wash with conditioner only? I shampoo & condition almost every day (with those fantastic EO products I’m addicted to) but both of my grandmothers swore that daily brushing of their long hair was what made it beautiful, not over shampooing! My 5 yr old granddaughter has only had three haircuts and has the most gorgeous hair and I think she gets more brushing than shampooing…and it always looks and smells clean and shiny. humm…
I always though I had dandruff problems, but 8 months ago I found out that I was sensible to some of the ingredients in regular shampoos (always scratching my head and I had some red sores here and there). After some research, I decided to go no-shampoo and see what happened.
Since then, I feel my hair is much healthier, it´s super shiny and soft.
I´ve been using the classic baking soda and apple cider vinegar recipe.
And each day I can choose a different essencial oil to add to vinegar – fragrance and therapeutic effects.
I’m glad it’s working for you, Paula! I’ve heard such mixed results from people who have tried it, but I’m glad when someone’s happy with going no poo! (For some reason, it just seems so brave to me. ;)
Shampoo leaves residue in my hair, meaning I constantly have to clean my comb. I’m working on finding a simple regimen that will clean my hair with no residue. I’ve tried several options, and I haven’t completely decided yet, but so far I all of them work at least as well as shampoo, and I have found options that leave my comb completely clean. That alone should save me loads of time.