No 'Poo Part 2: The Experiment

Read Part 1: The Journey

Yes, it's definitely an experiment. While the general goal is to avoid using harsh soaps and shampoos on your hair, there are a variety of ways you can clean your hair. Different types of hair can respond in many ways so it takes a little experimentation to find what works best with your hair type. You can read all you want on Pinterest to get started but, in the end, you just have to take the plunge, assess how your hair responds, and adjust accordingly.

As of this post, I am now 20 days shampoo free and, honestly, it hasn't really been that bad. My idea to start right after a fresh cut and while I was on a beach vacation was kind of genius, if I do say so myself.

Shampoo:
I started with the baking soda wash but it's been interesting trying to figure out the ratio that works best for my hair. Some folks said they can just mix it up in the palm of their hand. Others said the measurement of baking soda to water had be to exact. I've finally settled on a sprinkling of baking soda in the bottom of a cup (I'm guessing about 1-2 teaspoons) filled with water. I mix it up at the end of my shower so that it has time to dissolve and blend fully before my next no 'poo wash.

Conditioner:
I use an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse (with the 'mother'). It's about 1 teaspoon of ACV and a cup of water. Some folks use half and half. Some poor it over their entire head. Me, I flip my head over and just dunk the ends into the cup, let sit for a few mins, and rinse with fresh water.

Dry Shampoo:
I combined arrowroot powder and cocoa powder (since I have dark hair). I just started using this but I really like it. I just massage some into my roots and scalp and it immediately soaks up any oil and gives me fresh looking hair. It doesn't
weigh my hair down like I would have thought and I don't smell like a chocolate factory, much to my disappointment.

Recap:
The lowest point in the whole process was day 5 (above picture). It was a no 'poo wash day and I was still figuring out my ratios. I used too much of something (I think ACV, which is why I now only put it on the ends) and my hair was still kind of "oily" even after washing. I toughed it out until the next wash and we've been fine ever since. At this point, I'm washing every other day but I've pushed it to 3 days a few times and will continue to try that. With shampoo, I usually had to use a dry shampoo or baby powder to get me through the 2nd day. Now, my hair still looks great on day 2. I'm hoping my new dry shampoo concoction will help me to easily make it through a third day.

Overall, I'm pleased with the progress I've made with the no 'poo method and have no plans of going back to shampoo. Stay tuned for more updates.

Read Part 3: Switching to Low 'Poo

nYn Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an amazing product and it's gaining popularity as a super food with medicinal benefits. It has the following properties:

• antibacterial
• antifungal
• antiviral
• antioxidant

It has been shown to:

• help with weight loss, metabolism and digestion
• help with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes
• increase bone strength
• relieve kidney problems
• be used for hair care, skin care, dental care and aging
• boost the immune system
• treat HIV and cancers

Common ways to use coconut oil include:

• substitute for any vegetable oil in cooking
• eat 1 Tbsp daily for health benefits
• apply to bumps, bruises, burns, rashes
• use as a deep hair conditioner
• remove make up and cleanse skin
• use as a carrier oil for essential oil applications
• and more! (Check out 333 uses for coconut oil)

This stuff is amazing! 

nYn offers coconut oil in two sizes, 8 and 16 ounces. To order, simply contact me or click the button below. Currently, I only offer local pick up or delivery. You can go here to see more nYn products.  

Size

8 ounces $6.00 USD 16 ounces $12.00 USD

No 'Poo Part 1: The Journey

No 'Poo (no shampoo) has been circulating around the Internet and in crunchy circles for years. I was always intrigued by it as a way to rid toxic chemicals from my home and have a more natural option for hair care. But, I was never quite ready to take that leap. This is my journey of finally wanting to do it and willing to try it.

I seriously started to consider it as an option a year ago when I stopped to observe my daughter's hair (age 5). I naively assumed the ONLY reason her hair didn't get "oily" was because she didn't have adult hormones pulsing through her body. I was washing her hair every few days out of habit, not because she needed it. Out of curiosity, I once let it go a whole week without washing and it was fine. In fact, she could have gone more than 7 days between washes. However, I'm a routine oriented person so once a week became our new habit but the whole process encouraged me to really consider going no 'poo myself.

I have really long hair. I'm a donor for Locks of Love so I grow my hair for about 3 years, chop it off, and start all over again. All of the washing, blow drying, and styling really takes a toll on your hair so, again, I was looking for a better way to maintain the hair I'm donating. I currently wash every other day but I've read that you can go 3, 4, even 5 days between no 'poo washes and still have great looking hair. That sounded awesome!

I was also aware of the detox period and I was afraid to take the challenge with my hair so long. So, I scheduled my big cut 2 days before I left for the beach and thought that would be a perfect time to start my little no 'poo experiment  I mean, who cares what your hair looks like at the beach, right?!

So, that's how I came to a point of being willing to skip the shampoo. Stay tuned for the next installment and I'll tell you how it went.

Before and then 15 inches later. ;)

Part 2: The Experiment
Part 3: Switching to Low Poo