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The no poo method has been a hot topic online for the past few years, and you may be wondering what exactly it is and how it might be able to help you. In short, the term “no poo” refers to refraining from using commercial shampoo to wash your hair. The reasoning for this practice is avoiding the toxins in some products and the negative impact they can have on hair and scalp health.
You likely want to avoid harmful and stripping ingredients in your skincare, and you can do the same with your shampoo. Without the proper nutrition and nourishment, your hair can become dry, damaged and unhealthy. In fact, most professionals advise against shampooing every day, recommending a deep wash only a few days per week.
While traditional shampoos are great at removing the dirt from your hair, they also take away the natural oils that nourish it and keep it healthy. This can often produce dry hair or create an overproduction of oil to compensate, causing oily locks. This means you need to use a commercial conditioner to correct the damage caused by shampoo.
When you remove shampoo from the equation, your hair will balance out with its natural oil production. This will make your tresses and your scalp much healthier with less effort.
Although it’s a common misconception, the no poo method doesn’t mean you never wash your hair again. Instead, it means there are other, more natural ways to go about the cleansing process. Usually, the wash methods for no poo are basic kitchen ingredients you’d find in your house. No poo isn’t about neglecting your hair — it’s about taking better care of it than ever.
All you have to do is stop using commercial shampoo on your hair. However, there are a few things you may need to know. Since your hair is used to its oils being stripped, it may feel extra greasy or oily for a few weeks. Some people experience frizziness at first as well. How long your hair takes to completely detox will depend on you and your biology, but it often takes a few weeks to several months. After that, your hair will start to feel silky, shiny and healthy.
There are so many ways to wash your hair without shampoo. You can use apple cider vinegar, baking soda, coconut oil or even lemon juice. Usually, you let the ingredient or mixture sit on your head for a few minutes before rinsing. You can do this a couple of times a week, or even less than that.
You can condition if you want to. While many people don’t find it necessary when using the no poo method, those with curly or coarse hair may find benefit in the extra moisture and protection. Often, this is referred to as co-washing — or conditioner only washing.
While there is no rule regarding how long you should use the no poo method, many people have no desire to go back. You’ll often find that your hair is healthier and more manageable than before, so why would you return to the old method? You can go a lifetime without traditional shampoo, and your hair would probably be better for it.
Trying out the no poo method could be exactly what you need to get your hair to its healthiest place. It’s less fuss, cheaper and speeds up your morning routine. What no poo wash method are you excited to try?
