The No Poo Method: Is Nixing Shampoo the Key to Your Best Hair?

No Poo Method
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A few months ago, I discovered the “no poo” method. That is, washing hair sans shampoo.

Washing your hair isn’t exactly rocket science, but could you be doing it smarter? Or, rather, are you doing it wrong?  Discover just how the no-poo method can transform your hair’s health and appearance and a completely doable guide on how to go no poo yourself.

The No Poo Method, Explained

After learning more about what shampoo does to your scalp and hence, your hair, I decided to give the remarkably fuss-free approach to scalp and hair health a try.

Shampoo’s essential function is to cleanse the scalp and hair, stripping them of them of debris and sebum, the natural oils produced by hair follicles. However, the scalp’s sebaceous oil glands work in overdrive and produce excess sebum when they sense that the scalp is dry. Shampooing regularly may be the reason your hair gets so greasy so quickly, even if it offers an immediate, albeit temporary, solution to oily hair.

It’s a vicious cycle. But, you can break it! By shampooing less often, your scalp naturally reduces its production of sebum and leaves your locks looking buoyant and lush for longer.

No Poo Method: Step-By-Step

The no poo method instructs that you instead wash hair with a gentle alternative to shampoo, such as baking soda and apple cider vinegar, or just water alone.

Before you try the no poo method yourself, keep in mind that it will take between two and six weeks to see results – a small price to pay for a lifetime of luxurious locks. One of my main concerns was what I should do after a tough workout, from which I often emerge drenched in sweat. A rinse with water just didn’t seem like it would cut it. The addition of apple cider vinegar, however, worked surprisingly well. And don’t worry – the apple cider vinegar does not leave behind a scent once your hair dries.

Your hair will feel strange when you first embark on your no poo journey. It won’t feel as glossy and “cleansed” directly after a wash, but that’s a good thing. Over time, your hair will strengthen and look better than it ever has.

Trust me, and take the plunge:

The No Poo Method

  1. Put one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of water. Stir until dissolved and set aside and within reaching distance from the shower.
  2. Pour one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into one cup of water. Feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a tablespoon of honey, but they are optional. Stir and set aside, also within reaching distance from the shower.
  3. In the shower, apply the baking soda mixture to your hair, focusing on the roots. Use fingers to distribute the mixture to the rest of your hair. Rinse.
  4. Delicately pour the apple cider vinegar mixture over hair and use fingers to massage the mixture into the scalp and down toward the ends of your hair. Rinse thoroughly.
  5. Repeat this process once every two to three days. I work out almost everyday, so I find it necessary to wash my hair daily. But if you skip the gym, try to skip a day here and there.
  6. Aim for washing your hair only three to four times per week.

That’s all there is to it!

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