Call me a victim of the beauty bandwagon, but when I first learned about the “no shampoo” method from my roommate, it struck a chord with my natural-loving, hippie-tending, DIY-obsessed self.
In addition to being 100% natural, cruelty free and a mere fraction of the price that shampoo and conditioner cost, my hair looks better than ever, which is nothing short of a miracle considering my natural hair texture (thick and wavy) has a propensity for major frizzy-ness. Turns out, much of that is cause of all the sulfate (pretty much any ingredient ending in “–ate”) that shampoos and conditioners contain!
The standard “no shampoo” method calls for “washing” your hair with baking soda and “conditioning” with an apple cider vinegar rinse. The baking soda eliminates odor, oil, and exfoliates your scalp; ACV clarifies, softens, and your hair lustrous shine. The idea is that because these ingredients are simple, natural, and very gentle on hair, the scalp can begin to regenerate its natural oils and heal itself from years of shampoo-related abuse.
Here are some pointers/ instructions on getting started yourself:
1. The standard amount of baking soda for hair care is one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of water. Those with curly or thicker hair might need a bit more baking soda, and those with thin or fine hair might need less. See what works for you. Use three-five times a week.
2. The standard recipe is also one tablespoon apple cider vinegar to one cup water. For this, I use an old water bottle, an old condition bottle could work just fine as well. One of the most important things to remember when buying you ACV is that you will get the best possible result with an organic, un- pasteurized brand. It needs to contain the “mother”- strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky, cobweb-like appearance. Looks a little gross but don’t be intimidated- that’s the good stuff. It’s what seals the hair follicles, detangles, and balance’s your hair’s pH balance. Use once or twice a week; it’s better on days that you don’t use your baking- soda solution.
*Bonus beauty tip: If you really want to put your ACV to good use, use the same diluted mixture as a toner after you wash your face to even out skin tone and prevent breakouts
I recommend this brand: http://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html
3. This next tip is not necessary, but it is highly recommended, especially for those muggy days when even the best of all natural hair care can’t fend off frizz. On days like this I like to rub just a dime- sized amount (if even) of all natural coconut oil into the end of my hair. If your hair is feeling a little dry, you can also massage the oil into your scalp and hair while it dries. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes and rinse thoroughly in the shower.
WARNING: if you make the commitment to shampoo free hair, be prepared for a transition period that will occur within the first week or two while your hair adjusts to the new routine. You may find your hair to be very greasy. If you have curls or waves it’s a bit easier to hide, but those with straighter hair may be rocking a bun or French braid for a week or so. In my personal experience, once you make it past this transition period, you’ll never look back.