The No ‘Poo Method Update!
February 25, 2010 by La Mama Naturale'
Filed under Simple & Green Living, Uncategorized
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Hey guys & gals!
I promised you an update on this crazy no ‘poo journey of mine… and so far it’s been 3 months without using any shampoo. Wow! I seriously can’t believe it. Honestly, nothing feels better than being liberated of having to spend the crazy amount of cashola on a bottle of shampoo goo!
I’ve been playing with the conditioning part of the recipe by allowing fresh herbs and essential oils I have on hand. So far I’ve done peppermint, mint and rosemary. In fact, I just made the rosemary version last night and haven’t cracked the jar open yet. I’m excited. I’ll give it a few more days to infuse. So far the peppermint wins over the mint… and I love mint! Mint alone isn’t strong enough for apple cider vinegar (ACV).
The no ‘poo method doesn’t mean you have to be a dirty hippie type just because you aren’t producing any suds upon washing. I still “wash” my hair. I still work the no ‘poo solutions into my my scalp as I would with “normal” shampoo. I’m not shy about letting my hair go a few days before washing it out with baking soda and vinegar just to experiment and see what state my hair is in. So far, nothing funky has occurred. Phew! My hair and face have always been a bit on the oily side so it’s hard to say whether the no ‘poo has really affected the oily factor.
When I say oily… I don’t mean greasy or matty (my hair is really fine). It just has a bit more shine to it. When I run my fingers through my hair it actually feels great. Going a few days without any routine either shampoo or no ‘poo it usually proves I do need to cleanse my hair unless I plan to dread it….which has actually crossed my mind.
In all actuality, most of my life I grew up with short hair. Just after I gave birth to the eco tot I chopped it off. Lately, I’ve been feeling the need for some change and have thought about hacking it off again.
But, I digress.
I still feel like I’m in the “transition” period. It’s only been 3 months… so maybe some of the oily business will let up… OR NOT! Either way, I’m on this journey for good!
The Routine
When I first started (original post here), I would fill up my pint mason glass with the baking soda and do the same with the ACV in a reused peri bottle. It was a bit of a time killer at first but now it’s part of the routine as with anything else when first learned. I’m still working on figuring out a way of having pre-made solutions without spoiling. I’m waiting on an agave nectar bottle for the baking soda rinse to switch out having glass in the tub. Then I will have two squeezie tops which makes applying both solutions much easier.
A few months back, I cleaned out our cupboards and saved two Malt O Meal boxes for reuse. I remembered them last week and immediately filled up an empty box with baking soda for the ‘pooing part. Prior to the Malt O Meal box, I was scooping out the baking soda from a plastic bag… gross! At least this way the baking soda is contained and makes for easy storage and pouring ability.
Next, I take the ACV infusion and dump some of it into the peri bottle with water. I like adding in peppermint essential oil too. BUT, not too much or your head will tingle. ALL. DAY. lol! I learned this the hard way. One or two drops is plenty. Believe. I’ll let you know how it goes with the rosemary infusion. I’m hoping it’s heavenly… I think I may just do a rosemary mint combo too!
All in all, a few extra steps hasn’t made this a make or break deal. I still feel like I’m in the “transition” period. It’s only been THREE months…so maybe some of the oily business will let up at six. OR NOT!
Either way, I’m on this journey for good.
How about you?
Do you no ‘poo?
Tara on Fri, 26th Feb 2010 4:25 am
Wow! Look at you – what a great idea!
I’ve been reading up on different “home spa” treatments using natural products. But I’m definitely going to have to check up on home-made ‘poos.
My hair is very dry/brittle at times, so I’ve had to resort to certain types/qualities of shampoos. But I’d be more than happy to not have to pay the expense.
Thanks for the idea!
uberVU - social comments on Fri, 26th Feb 2010 7:52 am
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mudnessa on Fri, 26th Feb 2010 9:43 am
I was no ‘poo for about a year but went back to a bottled shampoo about a month or so ago. Not at any fault of the routine but because of the quality of water I am dealing with. I needed something with more cleaner in it. My water is EXTREMELY hard and soap scum with the baking soda was becoming a real issue. I did find a great little shampoo with really simple ingredients.
alysha on Fri, 26th Feb 2010 11:03 am
Wow, you get really into it. I just rinse my hair out and wash it every three weeks with organic natures gate shampoo…BUT now I am going to try this stuff. So you just fill up the mason jar with acv, essential oil, herbs, and baking soda? very interesting. i’ve noticed since i’ve stopped using conditioner, shampoo, and hair products not only have a saved money, but my hair is wayyy curlier and easier to deal with. Go no-poo!
La Mama Naturale' on Sat, 27th Feb 2010 7:28 am
Hi there,
I totally hear ya on the water issue! Your “lo ‘poo” routine sounds great. I’m impressed you troubleshooted for so long. Good for you. No ‘poo may not work for everyone especially when dealing with issues beyond your control. You’re doing your what makes you happy and that’s all that matters. Keep it up! Thanks for sharing!
Alysha,
Yes! I noticed the same thing… I have a natural wave but my hair seems to have more curl to it now! Definite plus. I started out lo pooing like you did and making the switch got rid of all the gunk the transition phase built up. I no’poo every other day -2 days. I edited the post noting where the recipe can be found but … basically it’s two solutions…
Shampoo:
1tbsp of B/S to 8 oz of H20
Conditioner:
same recipe for ACV. I just added in fresh herbs and essential oils for fun! I’m trying to figure out a way to have a mixture available so that I don’t have to redo it each AM. I’ll be happy even if that’s not possible. and as you said, GO no’poo!
Have a great weekend ladies.
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Kirsten on Fri, 12th Mar 2010 2:55 pm
I also went ‘no poo about six months ago and I love it!
http://greenfornothing.blogspot.com/2009/11/i-quit-shampooing-my-hair-update.html
I reuse my old plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles to mix up the vinegar mixture and a glass lotion container to mix the baking soda and water to wash my hair. I tried to get around conditioner, but, it’s not working. But, now I only need to condition once per week instead of every day.
Amber on Fri, 12th Mar 2010 4:54 pm
I just started no ‘poo 2 1/2 weeks ago. So far, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic. I wouldn’t say my hair is better than ever, but it’s fine. I’m coming out the other side of the adjustment period, and things are leveling out, so I’m curious to see what happens in the weeks ahead.
I like the infusion idea a lot. I have peppermint in my garden and it grows like a weed. Lavender and some other herbs, too. I think I’ll give that a try.
Sara @ Mums-Diaries on Tue, 16th Mar 2010 8:12 am
I’ve been doing the no poo for a week and have been very impressed with the results. My hair used to be very dry. Now, I cannot imagine going back to shampoo. I cannot stop touching my hair.
Mary K on Thu, 22nd Apr 2010 8:30 am
This is my first visit to your blog, got here from Fake Plastic Fish. Anyhow, I’ve been no ‘poo for 6 months, and I’ve tried lots of different things. The best resource I’ve found (and you may already use this) is the LiveJournal No Poo Forum. Those folks have helped me so much.
Anyhow, the BS and ACV was working fine at cleaning my hair, but I was having a reaction to the BS. It left red splotches and hives on my upper torso, and my scalp was an angry, flaky mess. But, the BS cleaned my hair so well, I didn’t know what to do. So I kept researching alternative washes. Tried salt, applesauce, and yogurt, and none worked.
But now I just tried shikakai, and Indian herb (ayurvedic herb). OMG. Heaven. I went to a local Indian store and bought a few different ayurvedic hair herbs, and can’t wait to try the others. BS is not for everyone, so anyone who is struggling shouldn’t give up… just keep experimenting until you get it.
And it took me about 4 months to get out of the transition stage. I just forced myself to go longer and longer between washes (partly because I dreaded using the BS) and started wearing ponytails more when my hair was icky. Finally I’ve noticed my hair stays nice for way longer. I can sometimes go a week without washing.
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