Did I tell you I quit? Yep, I quit using shampoo a little over two weeks ago. Well, I had quit until the going got a little lot tough and I shampooed my hair again (gasp). But I am determined to try again thanks to KimC’s (Life in a Shoe) success and this time I have the determination to tough it out.
Right about now you are probably wondering why anyone would want do such a thing. Well, I’m not alone. This article explains some of the logic behind going “no shampoo” or “no poo” if you are really into the lingo. For those of you who don’t go read the article, here is a graphic and synopsis of the results of their 6 Week “No Shampoo Challenge”:
For the thin haired —- it gave more weight and body.
For those with dry scalp, psoriasis or dandruff —- unequivocally, these problems went away, even for those who had used expensive treatments for years unsuccessfully!
For the curly haired —- it made the curl more defined and less frizzy.
For those with fine hair —- became easier to work with, felt thicker from the natural distribution of oil and didn’t need products to give them more body.
So, I am hoping for healthier more manageable hair.
My hair has just enough wave so that it will not hang nicely, but not enough to wear curly and it tends to be a bit frizzy and flyaway especially after washing. So, I started out trying the curly girl method hoping that things would change. After a few days I was pretty happy with the results. My hair was dramatically more curly and looked nice with almost no work. Just a shower and a plop and my hair looked like this.
This picture was taken after not using shampoo for nearly 2 weeks. However, at the beginning of the third week, my hair was getting a little um, oily. I decided to cheat, just a little. I used a small amount of shampoo being careful to not get it on my scalp. I was immediately sorry. My hair is back to it’s old dry, frizzy, not-hanging-nicely habits.
So here we go again. No more cheating. I’m committing for 6 weeks. I will keep you updated.
Is anyone brave enough to join me or are you just going to watch me and laugh?
Here is a basic step-by-step method and here is the curly girl process.
Here is a picture of what my hair normally looks like using shampoo.
Nicer hair and spending less money on shampoo works for me.
Read the updates:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4 – 5 1/2
You may also be interested in reading my posts about laundry management, scheduling, or Bible memorization for kids.
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OK – I’ll join you! I’ve been watching the progress at Life in a Shoe, and it piqued my curiosity. I have very long hair and I don’t shampoo excessively – usually once or twice a week. But I’ve been beginning to get dandruff, and since I have dark brown hair, um, it’s noticeable! The interesting thing is that from time to time when life has just been hectic, I’ve gone LONGER than a week without shampooing – and I would notice that my hair would start to look less oily for some reason. Thanks for the challenge!
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Wow, this sounds interesting! My hair has been driving me crazy lately. I have wavy hair (not as curly as yours) and it gets FRIZZY! I am going to go read the article. Thanks!
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I have a terrible time with my scalp! I think I will try this! Thank you for your input on my quilt squares! :0)
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Your curls are gorgeous! I do the Curly Girl method and haven’t used shampoo in over 2 yrs.
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I’m not ready yet, but I’ve been keeping up with Kim’s journey. Can we get a pic of your hair before the no shampoo journey? And one during the grease fest? And one after. Your hair looks great in the pic. Does it usually look so nice?
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By popular demand, pictures of my hair before “no shampoo” are coming and I will try to get one of the yuckies.
Thanks for the responses. I’m looking forward to hearing updates from you as we go through this together.
Smockity,
Are you still happy with your hair after 2 years? Do you EVER use shampoo?
Michelle,
No, my hair does not usually look so nice. I have to spend time curling, putting it in hot rollers or straightening it to get results that I like. I will try to get a picture.
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I never use shampoo. I would love it if my hair was as curly all over as it is underneath in the back. It looks best when I scrunch and dry with a diffuser and a little gel.
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Hmm… you know what.. I think I might try this on both me and sissy. I know when I go several days without washing her hair, (just rinsing and conditioning it) it looks curlier and softer. Realllly makes me wonder. I am going to use up the weeks worth of shampoo that I have left.. and get back to you on taking the challange. It would definantly save a mint.
–A
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hello sister kim, i have been no shampoo since i first read about it on your site-m not sure, but i think i left you a comment then?-my son was in the hospital for 3 days and when my daughter brought me some things from home, she brought shampoo instead of baking soda and vinegar. thats the only time in about 5 weeks? i think. my hair is short, thin and fine with no elasticity, and since going no shampoo, i look like i have hair!! it feels a little oily when i touch it, but other than that, i love it-when i run my fingers through it, it even feels thicker. i hope it is still going as good for you! much love, angelia
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Kimberly Reply:
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Angelia,
I’m glad that you are having success. This week has been better for me. I will be posting about it the beginning of next week sometime. Thanks for the link.
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i also meantnt to share this link with you-http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/blogs/nontoxic/natural-shampoo-recipe-460409. i cant help but wonder what our ancestors used before shampoo.
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Okay, that’s really interesting. Your hair looks much healthier without shampoo. I used to wash my hair every day, but I now usually just wash it every other day and I’ve found that it looks better and is more manageable on the days I don’t wash it. This might be really good for my daughter who either has dandruff of psoriasis (we haven’t decided for sure).
So, maybe this is a dumb question and it might not matter either way, but do you still wet your hair regularly, just not wash it with shampoo? I watched the steps, but it really didn’t say what to do after you got through that initial phase.
My youngest daughter wastes so much shampoo, I wouldn’t mind giving it up. I’ll join you!
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Never mind. I went back and read all the weeks and saw that you are rinsing/scrubbing. I’m so trying that!
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Raising Olives Reply:
August 19th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Kris,
Please let me know how this goes for you!!
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Ok, you’ve really got me thinking about doing this! I have really awesome hair, not bragging – I was born with it
but lately it’s been really dry and my scalp has been flaking a bit. I actually can’t wash it every day or it turns to hay and falls out, but after 3 days it does start getting oily. I know you’re scrubbing it, but do you (or hubby) notice any smell? I’m in the kitchen a lot (what mom isn’t?) and I can usually smell our dinner in my hair later. And I’m so curious about when you went camping! No campfire hair?
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Raising Olives Reply:
August 19th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Jennie,
No smelly hair issues.
I’d love to hear how this works out for you.
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o.o i don’t get it.
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If your hair gets too oily you can put some baking soda in it to absorb the oil to get you over the hump(you’ll only need a little bit). After you get over that hump I’ve found cider vinegar does the trick for rinses with a monthly egg, honey and almond oil treatment to combat any dryness( I haven’t had any problems with oil once I got over the hump and now that I am getting older have found my hair is more coarse and requires some conditioning.)
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Raising Olives Reply:
November 7th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Thanks, I did end up using some baking soda, didn’t realize that vinegar would be good for maintenance.
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