No 'poo

As I was browsing the Planet green website the other day, one of the articles I came across was about several different uses of baking soda. What interested me the most was using baking soda as shampoo, also called and considered part of the "no 'poo" method. I had learned, many years ago, that washing your hair every day is not recommended or even healthy for hair. Since then I've only washed my hair every other day to every three days depending on how active I have been or how greasy my hair is feeling. Because of this, the idea of no 'poo intrigued me. I did some research regarding the no 'poo method, and the basic premise is to eliminate the use of shampoo (and conditioner) and its harsh, toxic chemicals and replace them with more natural, healthy alternatives. People have reported that eliminating shampoo has helped to make their previously unmanageable hair healthy, strong, and manageable.

Since my previously thick hair has gradually began to thin out due to stress and neglect, today I decided to try the no 'poo method out. I replaced my normal shampoo with a baking soda (BS) and water mixture and apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse. Based on my reading, I was aware that California's naturally hard water could affect the outcome of my wash, but I was prepared for that outcome and ready to face the possible consequences.

As directed in several websites I visited, I mixed 1tbs BS with 1c water in one 8oz squeeze bottle and mixed 1tbs ACV with 1c water in a separate squeeze bottle. Once I massaged and worked the BS mixture through my hair it began feeling smoother and silkier. That feeling changed when I began rinsing the mixture out. My hair ended up feeling very greasy and heavy. I went ahead with the ACV rinse hoping that it would cut the greasy feeling and even out my hair texture and it did help, somewhat. I ended up using a nickel-sized amount of Suave conditioner to smoothe out my hair and make it feel better. My hair dried quicker than usual, did not have a vinegar smell, and felt pretty nice and soft. Since I normally wash my hair out every other to every three days, I'm going to try and wait for at least four days before I try the wash again. A few people suggested the use of a water softener, such as Brita, to use in the event of hard water. Since we have a water filtration system, I'm going to attempt to use that the next time I wash my hair out, hopefully with better results.