The No-Shampoo Plan

“No-Poo” really stands for “no shampoo” and is a bandwagon that many folks have jumped on lately.  I typically wash my hair every three days or so, and use natural products that contain NO sulfates or harmful chemicals.  I decided to give the No-poo routine a chance to see if simply washing with baking soda and rinsing with apple cider vinegar would be worthy.  I have to say that No-Poo purists simply wash their hair with warm water only and have reported that after a few weeks their sebum production slowed down and their hair became shiny, healthy and manageable.  

I created the following formulas that have worked really well for my hair in the past few weeks.  My hair does not feel “gross” or greasy or unclean at all.  In truth, my mane is bouncy and incredibly healthy.  My positive results may have been somewhat due to my existing schedule of only washing my hair every three days with natural products prior to starting the No-Poo plan.  I also avoid using any styling products on my locks, so I do not get build-up from gel or hairspray. From what I have read on internet message boards, those that stick with the No-Poo program for several weeks begin to see incredible improvements in their hair texture and scalp condition.  Patience is a virtue!

Here is what I have been doing……… 

Every third day, I brew a really robust chamomile infusion with 3 cups of boiling water and 1 cup of dried chamomile flowers. I give it about an hour to infuse and then strain off the spent flowers.  I chose chamomile since I have light hair.  If you have dark hair you can make a sage, lavender, or hibiscus flower infusion.  

Of course I get my Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria recutita) from Mountain Rose Herbs. Photo from Mountain Rose Herbs.

I add 1 cup of the chamomile infused water to 1/4 cup of baking soda.  I rinse my hair with warm water first, and gently ring out as much as possible.  I massage the baking soda mixture into my hair and focus on  massaging my scalp to remove as much sebum accumulation as possible.  I let the mixture sit on my hair and scalp for about 1 minute or so, and then rinse very well with warm water.  Avoid getting the baking soda in your eyes since as it does sting a bit.  

The Baking Soda from Mountain Rose Herbs is OMRI listed for organic food and is manufactured to USP and NSF standards. Three sizes to choose from. Click HERE.*Photo from Mountain Rose Herbs.

For the rinse, I use 2 cups of my chamomile infusion along with 1/2 cup of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil (use your favorite!).  I pour a little at a time over my scalp and massage it into my ends. DO NOT RINSE.  I have noticed that once my hair dries there is no vinegar odor at all.  

Look at the locks on this lovely lady!!!

I have really enjoyed this No-Poo program and believe I might just stick with it for a while.  I will be concocting various baking soda and vinegar based formulas and will share those with you. I encourage you to post your thoughts and experiences here too.