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For most of us, shampooing our hair is not something we give a second thought to. It's up there with brushing our teeth, doing laundry, and taking a shower. Well, enter the "no poo" hair trend: spurred on by those embracing more natural personal care methods, the rising cost of living, and a move towards less packaging and more sustainability, some people are ditching shampoo altogether. But what happens to your hair if you do it, and how do you begin?
Click on the following gallery to understand the ins and outs of going "no poo."
The amount of plastic waste generated by shampoo and conditioner bottles is startling. And are these products even necessary? Proponents of the "no poo" trend don't think so.
Shampoo as we now know it has only been around for about 100 years. It wasn't until 1933 that the first synthetic, detergent-based, soap-free liquid was created to cleanse the hair.
Shampoo often contains harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and cause dandruff. Many shampoos contain synthetic fragrances that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Some shampoos contain sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural color and shine. Over time, these kinds of shampoo can weaken the hair shaft and lead to increased breakage.
If that wasn't enough, shampooing too frequently can disrupt the natural balance of oils on the scalp. This can lead to increased oil production, as the scalp overcompensates.
Ditching shampoo to go "no poo" can benefit most people. However, there are certain hair types that are more likely to experience much better results from the method.
Curly hair is more susceptible to dryness. The shape of the hair makes it harder for oils to travel down, so going no poo can really help curls become more defined and retain moisture.
Oily hair could benefit from the no poo method, even if things seem worse initially. The hair is likely overproducing oil due to the continued stripping of the hair's natural oils by shampoo. By breaking the vicious cycle and regulating oil production, your scalp can become more balanced.
For those with fine, brittle hair, the no poo method can help improve the hair's bounce. Detergents in shampoos can strip the hair, causing it to appear dull or lank.
The no poo trend has an army of followers, particularly on social media, but there is an important caveat when trying the method. There is no instant gratification.
Patience is required. This adjustment phase can last anywhere between two to six weeks. But while your hair may look oily initially, it will eventually recalibrate.
If you live somewhere with a lot of pollution, or you have colored hair, this can impact the frequency of cleaning your hair needs.
Similarly, your levels of physical activity will dictate how often your hair requires freshening up, especially if you exercise most days.
If you decide to go no poo, there are many ways to do it. No one way is the "correct" method. Some people use cleansing alternatives, while others just use water.
It might take some trial and error in the beginning, to see how your hair and scalp are responding to the no poo method. If you don't feel like water is enough, there are other options to help cleanse and condition your hair.
Using a boar bristle brush can help you redistribute the oil throughout your hair as you switch to no poo. These brushes allow for gentle detangling of the hair while improving elasticity.
Traditional Indian medicine system Ayurveda recommends brushing the hair twice a day using a wooden blunt-toothed comb, to improve scalp circulation. Hair masks using herbal powders are also recommended once a week or fortnight.
Rhassoul clay is softening and clarifying, gently absorbing oil without stripping the scalp to bring back balance. Mix it with water; it's suitable for use on oily or sensitive scalps.
A more abrasive option, if you have particularly greasy hair. Mix one part baking soda to three or four parts water, covering the hair from root to tip and letting it sit for one minute before rinsing. Don't use this method every day; once per week at most.
Rice water is packed with nutrients your hair loves. You can use it as a shampoo or rinse for your hair. It's replenishing, helping to repair damage, and a great detangler.
Apple cider vinegar can help remove buildup in your hair. Make a rinse by adding two to three tablespoons of ACV to water and letting it sit in the hair before rinsing.
To deeply condition the hair strands, apply oils once per week/fortnight, focusing on the ends of the hair. Moroccan Argan oil helps moisturize the hair and protect it from damage. The downside? It's a little expensive.
For a more affordable but still deeply-hydrating option, choose coconut oil. It's nourishing, helping to tame frizz—and it smells good, too!
Rosemary oil gained notoriety thanks to a viral TikTok trend. The oil should be rubbed directly into the scalp and hair, and it's claimed anecdotally to stimulate hair growth. Rinsing is optional.
Shampoo can be expensive, especially if you need to use it frequently. Creating your own herbal hair wash or conditioning oil blend when you go no poo is a great way to save money in the long run.
You can support your switchover to the no poo lifestyle by consuming a diet rich in foods that support your hair. Essential fats and protein feed your hair, to keep it looking its healthiest.
Targeted supplements that support your hair's health and vitality can also help as you make the changeover to a no poo lifestyle. Adequate amounts of minerals like biotin, selenium, zinc, and iron are necessary for healthy hair.
Going no poo promises a host of benefits including a healthier scalp, better hair volume, improved texture so less heat styling is required, less plastic waste, and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals. Will you give it a try?
Sources: (Healthline) (Consumer Reports) (WebMD) (Medical News Today) (Forbes)
See also: The surprising benefits of letting your hair go gray
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Understanding the "no poo" hair trend
LIFESTYLE Shampoo
For most of us, shampooing our hair is not something we give a second thought to. It's up there with brushing our teeth, doing laundry, and taking a shower. Well, enter the "no poo" hair trend: spurred on by those embracing more natural personal care methods, the rising cost of living, and a move towards less packaging and more sustainability, some people are ditching shampoo altogether. But what happens to your hair if you do it, and how do you begin?
Click on the following gallery to understand the ins and outs of going "no poo."