Bubble trouble
HAIR GLARE: Turns out that not washing with shampoo can create shinier, healthier hair. (Photo: *Zara/Flickr) 
Every day I faced off against lackluster tresses, while two friends of mine couldn’t stop raving about their own glossy, sexy hair. They had recently stopped shampooing — just went cold turkey — and the results were marvelous. Both are decidedly un-crunchy, so I knew they weren’t making some hippieish statement about evil soap conglomerates or shampoo pollution in our waterways; this no-suds policy, I reasoned, must actually be good for hair.
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Comments(46)
Posted By Roach - Fri, Sep 18 2009 at 1:37 PM ESTVanity just anoyher Gimmick
Very nice article. It is nice to see more natural ideas taking place. People steping out of the shopping mentality and more conscious about earth. Lets not forget about our spirits.
Posted By Karen - Fri, Sep 04 2009 at 10:29 PM ESTReal Liquid Soap
Have you considered using liquid soap made with out the drying ingredients. I make a liquid shampoo that is superfatted and it makes my have feel as if I had just conditioned it. I have mostly straight hair so it doesn't look as nice as if it were curly.
Karen
blueyondersoapscom
Posted By Erin - Sun, Jul 26 2009 at 5:41 PM ESTShampoo and Deodorant
This all sounds very interesting. I've been using Burt's Bee's, and washing only about 3 times a week and I love it. I've been considering going shampoo-free, but I've had some hangups about it. I think I'll give it a shot now, especially since my last bottle of BB is all out.
But regarding the commenter above who wrote about not using deodorant, I've stopped too! I kind of just hated it, and so I just stopped when I spent a winter/spring semester in England. There was no need for it.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Sun, Jul 12 2009 at 12:14 AM ESTWhat about the itch?
I've got thick, curly hair that comes past my shoulders. I try to go a couple days between washes because it's just so much trouble to wash. If I go too long, though, my hair will begin to dread naturally and itches. Does yours not?
Posted By Anonymous - Sat, Jul 11 2009 at 9:24 PM ESTAbout Mayonnaise...
From what I've read from a book recently, you're really supposed to shampoo your hair if you're using mayonnaise to condition it. Book also says putting a generous amount of mayo on your hair and leaving it overnight is a good treatment for hair lice.
Posted By My - Wed, Jul 08 2009 at 5:42 AM ESTCurious
I've come across quite a few sites advocating a shampoo-free existence. I admit that I'm skeptical, but I was wondering what people have to say about black hair. My hair has been chemically straightened. I straighten it almost daily. I need to wash it almost daily from working out. Furthermore, I blow dry it quite often.
I'm curious to try the no poo options, but am hesitant because of all of the aforementioned issues. I understand that people say it works better on curly hair, but not.... More
Posted By Lee Beckman LEED AP - Fri, Jun 19 2009 at 4:17 PM ESTGreen Hair Tactics
By not washing your hair I'm sure you saved so much money, and if the water in your area is good then it should do the trick, to a certain extent. Their are always greener ways to cleanse.
for green building education and consulting services: http://www.cleanedison.com
Posted By Chays - Thu, Jun 18 2009 at 1:47 PM ESTGreat Healthy Hair :)
I have incredibly thick and slightly wavy hair that I color
quite often && flat iron every day.
Many people believe (thorough misinformation) that dying your hair
too much will make it fall out. This is terribly untrue. However, if you
bleach your hair as I do from time to time it removes moisture and
nutrients from the hair.
Shampooing does the same thing to a much smaller degree.
Majority of people shampoo their hair until they feel that.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Wed, Jun 17 2009 at 12:52 PM ESTTrying it....
Ok, so I have a thick mane that with an oily, flaky scalp. The idea of going without shampoo totally shook me. But then, I figured, what have I got to lose? So, I began the grand experiment about a week ago. I used a baking soda mix (used 1 tablespoon for a 1.5 cup water mix) and it degreased my scalp (so "Smelly Scalps" can just be quiet) without drying out my hair too much. I used conditioner only the next couple times I showered and coupled that with a good brushing with a boar bristle.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Mon, Jun 08 2009 at 2:16 PM ESTBiodegradable washing up liquid
Its not just the engine de-greaser - google the ingredients on a popular shampoo for industrial health warnings and handling instructions.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is natural but harmful to water courses and end up in the food chain. The synthetic laureth sulfate worse still. Neither are biodegradable.
A few companies (UK) sell biodegradable detergents - Ecover is the leading brand.
Compare the ingredients of the £2/L washing up liquid and the £6/L shampoo and liquid.... More
Posted By Nicole - Mon, Jun 01 2009 at 5:42 PM ESTcan i do this?
I'm kind of confused stilll.... do you just not put anything in your hair at all? just rinse it with water? literally nothing else in your hair? also, I have medium length hair that is fine, but pretty wavy. definitely not curly, but wavy. will this work for my hair, even if it is fine?
Posted By Anonymous - Fri, Jul 03 2009 at 8:54 PM ESTcondition
i just use conditioner, and only every couple of days. i use conditioner pretty much the same way i did shampoo. massage it into my scalp, then run my fingers through to the ends of my hair. my hair is getting healthier and prettier every day!
Posted By cocoagee - Fri, Jun 05 2009 at 4:29 PM ESTwash your hair, just not as often
If you don't want to just throw away your shampoo, add water to the bottle and use less than you normally do. When it's gone, try something like Ojon, wen by Chaz Dean, or go to a health food, beauty supply store or Whole Foods and buy some Dr. Bonner's Hemp Oil Castile soap (it comes in a whole lot of scents like lavender, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, citrus, or unscented if you prefer to add your own), and dilute it with distilled water. The idea is not necessarily to stop using shampoo,.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Sat, May 23 2009 at 11:36 PM ESTsmelly scalps
I get the trendiness of this idea here, and I understand the need when you're young to have a hipness badge to hang around your neck. I stink, but I'm cool?....something like that? Honestly when I'm standing next to someone in the subway, the stench that permeates from an unwashed scalp is just revolting. If you stink it just ruins any kind of effect you were going for. So keep that in mind if you do decide to do this, just recognize that you are gonna stink for a while and people will think.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Wed, Jun 17 2009 at 12:59 PM ESTYou think you know....
But more people than you think don't use regular shampoo. And I bet you you don't even know it. In fact, most of my girlfriends lie about what they "use" when asked because of the social stigma attached to it. And they have fantastic "make-me-jealous" hair. Given your response, I can totally understand why they keep mum.
If someone smells, it means they haven't found the proper regimen for their hair. It doesn't mean they need shampoo. They do need to find an alternative means to keep.... More
Posted By cocoagee - Fri, Jun 05 2009 at 4:22 PM ESTno smelly scalps!
I want to immediately reply that this is not a trend. There are some parts the author neglected to add. If a person wants to gradually stop using commercial shampoos, but wants to use the stuff already bought, simply water down the shampoo with distilled or boiled and cooled water, and don't be concerned with not having suds. Or if regular shampoos want to be ditched(it's not shampooing, it's sodium laurel/laureth sulfate in the shampoo) try castille soap (like Dr. Bronner's brand), which is.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Fri, Jul 10 2009 at 3:42 PM ESTThat didn't work, sorry
I tried washing my hair with apple cider and it smelled better initially but then felt sticky and smelled bad.
Posted By Anonymous - Mon, May 25 2009 at 1:14 AM ESTDoesn't Stink
You can wash your hair just not with shampoo, so therefore you do not stink. it is the sodium laurel sulfate that should be avoided, not the washing.
Posted By EZ - Fri, May 15 2009 at 6:08 PM ESTColor?
How does this no 'pooing work for folks with colored hair (especially crazy colors!)? Good idea, bad idea? Tips? Tricks?
Posted By Anonymous - Fri, Jul 10 2009 at 3:51 PM ESTColour and No poo
It is sad to say that if you colour your hair it strips your hair of alot of stuff and you need to use a colour conditioner to put the stuff they strip away back in your hair. Ive been no shampoo for, about 4 years now, and it is awsome, but my partner has colour hair and it just didnt work at all. You basically have to make a choice, awsome and easy to manage normal hair, or hard to manage coloured hair. If you want to go no-poo I would say grow your colour out, when that is done, then try.... More
Posted By Laddiebug - Sun, Jun 07 2009 at 8:42 PM ESTno 'poo on colored hair
I dye my hair crazy colors too and not using shampoo and condition has actually helped the color to stay bright much longer plus the added benefit of healthier hair. I say go for it sugar!
Posted By Anonymous - Sun, May 10 2009 at 10:09 PM ESTi'll try this out!
i just took a shower and only used conditioner. NO SHAMPOO! my hair is really dry so i think it will be ok.. i usually only wash my hair once or twice a week and i think i will use conditioner once a week. hopefully this works!
Posted By Anonymous - Sat, May 09 2009 at 11:03 PM ESTFrizzy Curls?
Hi, I have super curly, easily frizzy hair. I've tried everything to try to help the frizz! As soon as it tries, my hair starts to eat me...yeah its pretty bad. Leave in conditioner is my savioir, or at least, it helps a lot better than nothing. Has anyone with very easily frizzed curly hair tried the no 'poo technique? I just want my hair to be all icky and gross....but i'm wiling to try it. thanks.
Posted By Superfriz - Tue, May 12 2009 at 1:05 PM ESTRe: Frizzy curls
It sounds like your hair is the ideal type for no 'poo. Check out the site naturalcurl.com, they explain the no shampoo idea, and there's (apparenty) an excellent book called "Curly Girl" that's for curly heads. I'm only on day 2, so I'll see what happens!
Posted By fin - Sat, May 09 2009 at 7:42 PM ESTps. no more product
if you have light short hair, ditch product, and let your natural oils allow your hair to take a thicker, more tame form - that is strong enough to hold a faux hawk or whatever your deal is.
Posted By fin - Sat, May 09 2009 at 7:36 PM ESTStraight hair a go
I read about this about 4 months ago, ive tried numerous things including baking soda and vinegar, and found that overall, the best method is to rinse, and comb in the shower. I agree that ocasional shampooing just irritates everything, if it gets too greasy, conditioner, and a soap-free baby wash i found from aveeno.
Posted By hipmonkey - Sat, May 09 2009 at 6:24 PM ESTsham poo
So there really is real poo as opposed to sham poo. Interesting. :D
Posted By Anonymous - Sat, May 09 2009 at 12:44 PM ESTThis works!
Over a year ago, I stopped using shampoo and other styling products ('cept conditioner). My hair was kinda funky for a couple weeks, but ever since, my curly hair has never given me any frizz problems. I would recommend a conditioner-only regimen to anyone with curls.
Posted By vexvelour - Fri, May 08 2009 at 10:19 PM ESTawesome
Thanks for writing this article and getting the word out there. Shampoos and conditioners (as well as some soaps and body washes!) all have SLS in them...a terrible skin irritant. I have been using Dr. Bronners for a while now, and after a "detox" period of about a week, my hair is awesome. I always love my hair the nnext day after washing, but Dr. Bronners gives it to me right away. Also, to the gal who mentioned deodoant, just make your own! 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 tsp.... More
Posted By Mackenzie - Fri, May 08 2009 at 5:26 PM ESTPowder
I find that if you do not want that look of greasy-ness baby powder or even dusting powder from LUSH is great for your hair.
Posted By Stellaria - Fri, May 08 2009 at 3:09 PM ESTDevaCurl products
I checked the DevaCurl products on their website. It's a good idea, but I won't buy products with DMDM hydantoin (breaks down to formaldehyde) or any parabens in them. And one or the other is in all the products I looked at.
Posted By Anonymous - Fri, May 08 2009 at 10:00 AM ESTI wish I could...
I want to but I'm scared: what will my family say if it just looks plain greasy? and what if it looks just plain greasy? I have curly hair...Any tips?
Posted By Mackenzie - Sat, May 09 2009 at 11:01 AM ESTabsorb the grease
Sprinkle some baby powder or dusting powder from LUSH onto your head. Make sure to sort of rub it into your scalp until you can't see it anymore. That should do the trick to get rid of that greasy look.
Posted By Charlotte - Fri, May 08 2009 at 4:33 AM ESTScarred in my youth...
I tried this when I was in high school, and my hair was totally rancid after 10 days of just rinsing it. My friends started too look at me funny, but the final straw was when we were having a talk by the headmistress on proper job interview techniques, and when she got to the topic of appearance she looked directly at me as she uttered the words, "and make sure that you're well presented, that you've shaved if you have to, and that your hair is clean and well brushed."
Scarred me for.... More
Posted By Rana - Sun, Oct 04 2009 at 3:30 PM ESTFine hair
It is possible to reach the soft fluffy stage if you have fine hair. I discovered this on a canoeing expedition once. My routine was to brush my hair into a ponytail every day (let it out at night) and wear a bandana over it so I wouldn't have to deal with it. After about 4 weeks of this I was surprised to realize that my hair was no longer greasy and limp but soft and fluffy!
I keep thinking about trying this again, as even now I don't wash more than 2-3 times a week anyway (and.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Fri, May 08 2009 at 12:14 AM ESTI wish I had curly hair..
My hair is fine and stuff and I find it definitely needs 'poo-ing every second day.. Maybe, I should find shampoo without the bad chemicals and try that!
Posted By Gina-Marie Cheeseman - Thu, May 07 2009 at 5:53 PM ESTBalance
I agree that most shampoos contain toxic ingredients, namely sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. However, there are shampoos without sulfates. A great alternative to shampoo is Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. You can buy it at Target or purchase it online at either Drugstore.com or Drbronner.com.
Personally, I wash my hair every three to four days because I need to put some type of product on my hair to manage it. I have curly hair, a small face, and petite frame. My curls need to be tamed.... More
Posted By ari - Thu, May 07 2009 at 2:06 PM ESTCoconut oil
I bought Dr Bronner's coconut oil / lavender leave in conditioner and it ROCKS. It would be really easy to make (and cheaper) yourself, just water down the coconut oil (I don't know if that's possible...) and add some essential oils.
Posted By Anonymous - Thu, May 07 2009 at 12:30 PM ESTI did the same experiment with deodorant
I loved this article because I had contemplated doing this after I discovered the benefits of being antipersperant/deodorant free. I stopped using it after I had read some articles about the aluminum content in antiperspirant. After I stopped using it, I noticed I actually started sweating less. I even got my boyfriend to try it and he is a sweater! He couldn't believe how much less he now sweats after ditching anti-perspirant. He does use deodorant w/o the antiperspirant though. I found.... More
Posted By Anonymous - Thu, May 07 2009 at 11:38 AM ESTlove conditioner
I love my conditioner, takes out all the tangles. Is it possible to just go shampoo free and only use conditioner?
Posted By Jenny - Tue, May 05 2009 at 12:36 PM ESTSoap nuts to the rescue
I like to shampoo as little as I can, but when I have a bad day I use the same soap nuts I wash my clothes with to do my hair. It is a 5000 year old method. At first I would make soap nut tea at home , now I use the liquid laundry soap from www.maggiespureland.com. Truly natural
Posted By Tee - Mon, May 04 2009 at 7:06 PM ESTCurls, curls, curls
It's been a month since I used shampoo. My spiraly curls have never looked better, but my hair, overall, is still adjusting to this new "Curly Girl" lifestyle without sulfates or cones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone, or other silicones). I highly recommend this site: http://dormroomcurly.blogspot.com/2008/12/style-definitions-table.html . It's loaded with info on how to start a shampoo and conditioner-free routine. My lupus/chemo/heat styling/medication-damaged hair is loving.... More
Posted By GreenErinF - Mon, May 04 2009 at 5:40 PM ESTI'd like to try this...
But I'm just not sure I'm brave enough yet! Anyone else ever tried this before?
Curls
I have dry curly hair so I skip shampooing my hair every two days, however when I use hair product or use it in excess (Theatre=Aquanet=EW) I wash my hair.