Day 1
I was recently introduced to the idea of not using shampoo, also known as “no-pooing.” I was fascinated by the concept of never having to use shampoo again. But like many of you most likely are right now, I was worried.
However, I told myself that if all the claims were true, then I have definitely found an easy, economical, non-toxic means to keep my hair clean and shiny!
Off to the store I went to purchase my baking soda and organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) concoction. I bet you are thinking… Baking soda? Apple cider vinegar? What, am I cleaning my floors?
You may be wondering how you can possibly live without shampoo because your hair would become an oily mess. Well, actually, the opposite will happened. Your hair will have never looked better. I know it, because I tried it.
When you shampoo your hair, you are stripping the natural oils away. Therefore, you are creating a demand and dependence on shampoo, because of all the oils that are being produced. However, when you stop shampooing, the oils will keep producing until they naturally find a balance.
Have you ever looked at the list of ingredients on a bottle of shampoo? It can be endless and usually contains ingredients that most of us can’t identify. But we don’t question these products because we think they must be safe, or they wouldn’t be selling them.
Both Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its close relative Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are surfactants and detergents that may cause serious health issues. They are most frequently found in detergents, household cleaners, as well as personal care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash and shampoo to act as a foaming agent. Many studies have shown that these chemicals can cause eye damage, skin irritation and diarrhea.
Propylene Glycol is a cosmetic form of mineral oil, which is a byproduct of gasoline distilled from crude oil. It can be found in antifreeze and brake fluid, as well as shampoo. It is added to shampoo to help give hair that shiny look.
Whenever we wash our hair, we often forget the impact that it has on the environment. All the harmful ingredients get washed down the drain, polluting the lakes, rivers and oceans around us.
By not buying shampoo, we are reducing our consumption and demand for plastic that either needs to be produced or recycled.
Baking soda and apple cider vinegar are much cheaper than shampoo, so you will definitely be saving some money in the long run.
Day 4
Now for the fun part! How to “no-poo”:
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with approximately 1 cup of water. However, not everyone’s hair is the same, so this can be tweaked to your needs. You can mix the baking soda and water in a squeeze bottle, which might make this process more manageable.
Add the baking soda and water to the ends of your hair as well as your scalp. Massage your scalp to incorporate the baking soda.
Now, do your regular body cleaning while the baking soda sits in your hair for about a minute.
Rinse your hair thoroughly.
Baking soda does wonders for your hair! It’s very gentle, and it cleanses your hair from harmful chemicals.
Mix a small amount of AVC with about a cup of water. I used a glass spray bottle to spray my hair, which made it easier. Again, spray or apply the diluted AVC to your roots and a very little on your scalp. Massage once again. Rinse after a minute.
AVC detangles the hair follicles, seals the cuticle and balances the hair’s pH levels.
Yes, your hair will smell a little vinegary, but you can always add some essential oils such as tea tree, lavender or rosemary. I found once I dried my hair the smell went away.
If your hair is too dry, try adding some oil such as coconut oil, which can do wonders for your hair!
If you find your hair is becoming too greasy, try adding less ACV. You can also try lemon or lime juice in place of the ACV.
You will have to remember, there will most definitely be an adjustment period which can last a few weeks to a few months. Your hair will be reacting to the surplus in oils, due to the lack of shampoo. Play around with the amounts to find the best fit for you.
It took me four washes for my hair not to look like it belonged on the head of a gross, greasy participant on Survivor. I don’t wash my hair every day, so I would say after a week and a half, my hair looked awesome!
So, who’s up for no-pooing? Come on, I know you want to! Enjoy the ride to a healthier you and environment!
Please let me know how it all works out for you!
Sources: Natural Health Information Centre.com and SimpleMom
baking soda, green, hair, shampoo, vinegar
I am the Good Girl Gone Green. Seeing garbage cans overflowing with recyclables breaks my heart.
oh my gosh, I could never do that. my hairs a train wreck as it is, need all the help it can get and I love the smell of shampoo – so does Hubster
good for you though!
LOL Jenn! I add different essential oils when I want to smell other than hair! Thanks for reading!
I’ve been researching this idea for a while now & I’m excited to try it. I have long hair tho so I do worry a bit but what do I have to lose?? A few weeks of greasy hair, I can handle it ;o)
Jennifer, your hubby likes the smell of you! Women release a lot of pheromones via the top of their head, men from their chest so cuddle up!
)
You should try it, Ruby!!! You will love it…and if you don’t, well at least you tried! But from what I know of you, you wont go back to shampoo! Thanks for taking the time to read
I’m going to try this! I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks!
AWESOME, Tara!! Please let me know. I would love to hear from you! You can send me an email or post something on my FB fan page!
Hi this is Ruby’s sister johnnie. I am going to try this too. My boyfriend already does this because he has dreadlocksand extremly “green”. He has the greatest hair I’ve ever seen and he hardly has to wash it.
Thanks for the info!
That is great Johnnie! And I am so happy that you found me through your sister! Please let me know how your no-pooing goes either by email or yo can post on my FB fan page.Thanks for taking the time to read my post today!
Over the past year I have trained my hair to only require being washed once a week. When I shower I generally just rinse it with water other then my once a week shampoo. Thinking the transition to this would be very easy on my hair as it already doesn’t rely on shampoo too much. A hairdresser years ago told me the less I wash my hair, the more natural it is, and she was right!
Going to have to try this and see how it works with my wild hair.
You should try it Christine! You will love it. And please let me know how you like it. T:)
I understand the concern about the chemicals in the shampoo, but to use the argument of reducing plastic demand is a bit of a stretch. Your process includes 2 – 4 ingredients if you add essential oils, coconut oil, lemon juice etc. all of these items including your ACV and the baking soda have non-environmental packaging too.
Thanks for sharing Paul. Yes, you are right, I use 2-4 ingredients, but the coconut oil, AVC, and essential oils all come in glass jars (I buy them in glass) which is much better for the environment and your health, than plastic. Plastic leaches out chemicals into whatever it contains where glass does not. In my opinion, we consume way too much plastic and if there is a way for me to reduce the amount of plastic I use, I look for that alternative. For me this is a great alternative to not using plastic. As well, baking soda can be bought in bulk in cardboard which can be recycled and again it is not plastic.
Loved this. Quit washing my hair everyday about a year ago. I lived. I do want to try this. Maybe on a long weekend. And I also like the idea of buying a little less plastic (our fancy shampoo bottle then there’s the conditioner bottle). I’ve been shopping for organic shampoo, this mixture lets me know exactly what is going on my hair and my scalp. I will try it (on a long weekend:))
Thats great Myra! Please let me know how your hair turns outs! And AVC, essential oils and coconut oil all come sin glass jars, so that is much better for your health and the environment! Thanks for sharing!
Not so ready to go “no pooing” all the time. What do you know about using this combo on occasion to strip your hair of all the extras?
It would definitely not do any harm to do on occasion to help your hair. I mean the idea behind doing the “no-pooing” is to have healthier hair. So you could start off slow and see how you feel. And eventually get to the “no-pooing” all the time! Like I say, a little can make a big difference! Good luck Erin!
Very intriguing idea! I checked and I have these chemicals in my shampoo- even the baby’s!
As a side note, for those not ready to go no-pooing, there is a company called Green Beaver which offers many hygiene items chemical free.
Well, Mary as least you know now and can try to do better next time. And yes, there is definitely a middle between shampoos loaded with chemicals and “no-pooing”. I realise it is not for everyone. All people have to do is read labels and check out the ingredients. It does take more time, but worth it in the long run! My favorite is Dr.Bronners! Check this site out: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ Oh and thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Thrilled to have found your site! I went no-shampoo a year or so ago and haven’t looked back. For me, it’s as simple as Castile Soap. Nothing else, no concoctions. Just the same bar of olive-oil soap I use for face & body. It works great! Now of course I’m a guy, with fairly short hair, and it can be argued whether my hair needs are universal. But for what I need, I’m amazed how well it works. And I wonder how I got marketed & sold on putting all that gunk in my hair all those years.
Thanks. Your site is pretty awesome too! I love that you have gone no-pooing. I love Castile soap, too!
I have been thinking of trying an alternative to shampooing for a while, but have been scared, mainly due to the smells. I too love the smell of shampoo, but I know it comes at a high price (i.e. damaged hair) Maybe I shall try it with lime juice, as the smell of ACV makes me sick, ha! But I love the fresh scent of lemons! I have used baking soda before to cleanse my hair, and it was great, but I always “pood” afterwards! I will check out some essential oils and see which ones I like and try those out, too! Thanks for the great site–following you now! Check out my blog too if you get the chance!
Do it! If you dot like it, you can always just shampoo your hair! My hair doesn’t smell like Apple Cider Vinegar anymore! If I let my hair air dry, it is much less dry then if I dry it with a hairdryer! Good luck. Any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!
This is going to the top of my to-do list. Thanks.
Oh wow, that’s great.any questions just ask!
I’ve been meaning to report back. I’ve been doing this “no-pooing” for a couple weeks ago and am in love with how my hair has responded to this recipe. I was using natural shampoo and conditioner which is GREAT but pricey. This is sooooo much cheaper & with awesome results. I still use natural hair gel that doesn’t harden (cause I have long curly hair) and I use a natural body splash which adds some gloss, and I am getting so many comments on my beautiful locks. You’re right, no vinegar smell after it’s dried. Keep up the great work. I’ll be checking your website very often =)
I’m definitely trying this recipe!!! Thanks for sharing Steph.
I have had psoriasis problems for years and don’t know what to do anymore. Who knows?! This just might be the trick.
MG, please let me know if it works for you. It took me a while to finally like my hair.It was dry at the beginning but the more I “no-poo” he better it gets! Good luck!
So far, on the day of washing my hair with “no-poo” it’s ok. The second day it feels “thick” as if I’d been swimming in the ocean and letting my hair dry naturally. I don’t really like that. I don’t wash my hair everyday and don’t want to start now. Let’s say it’s a good thing I work from home for this testing period.
I’m thinking that maybe I should try a solution of water and lemon juice as a conditioner after washing it with the solution of water and baking soda (or maybe adding more baking soda to the water would do the trick). I did add lavender essential oil to the water vinegar solution. Maybe that’s what give it that “thick” feel.
I’m not done trying.
I’ll keep you posted.
I found if I try my hair with a blow dryer it feels yucky too. I let my hair air dry and it feels much less dry! Try adding a drop of oil in your hair, that might help! I heard lemon juice can work as a conditionner as well! Have you been using apple cider vinegar? That I use as my conditionner. Let me know how it goes, MG! Thanks for sharing!
Do you know if this is good for chemically treated hair which usually requires a special shampoo?
I can’t say for sure. I haven’t died my hair in months but I still have the streaks in my hair and it’s looks good and feels fine.
I just got back from my workout. I have everything I need. I’m gonna give it a go. Today. I keep saying I’m gonna try, but I never have. Why wait?
I love your attitude! Why wait. FYI your hair will probably be greasy for a few days or a week. Let me know how it goes!
I love using the ACV method, I have been using this method now for 4 months and my hair is most wonderful. It really doesn’t take anymore time in fact I now wash my hair about 2 times a week. If I get a sweaty I will rinse it and perhaps add apple cider vinegar to the rinse but that is it. And it works for all ages! My two daughters use this method too. They are 11 and 13. I have not yet convinced the men folk in this family but
I have been doing it for about 4 months too. I wash my hair every second day so 3 times a week approximately. I really like it!
Thanks Lisa for the comment!
I’m back! Ok – no grease. My hair turned out beautifully. I kid not! ???? Let’s see what happens tomorrow!
YAY!! No survivor castaway look for you!
I’ve seriously thought about this every time I step into the shower and see my shampoo and conditioner in there. I keep telling myself, once its gone, I’m going to find something more organic and natural. I’m glad I found this How-To so I can plan ahead and try this new method. Question: Do you use the raw ACV or the regular one? Does it matter?
Thanks for sharing!
Do it!!!!
I use organic ACV. I am not sure if there is a difference. I just use the regular one I am pretty sure. 
Thanks for the info… another person who has done it LOL! I am sitting on the fence but sliding over to your side… Are you still using it? Is it something you willl do the rest ofyour life or just do for a bit and then switch back? I have been using an all natural shampoo for a few years now and it took a month or so for my hair to adjust to that. I have a feeling it won’t take as long this time since I am already avoiding the SLS etc. My hair is definitely healthier using the natural shampoo. I am tempted…
Get off the fence and just try it! I promise you will like it!
I celebrated my no-poo anniversary in August. I am NEVER NEVER NEVER going back to shampoo and conditioner. My hair is so much healthier and I haven’t had any split ends for one year.
Btw, I am your newest GFC follower. I found you through Green & Natural Mama Thursday.
Check out my no-poo post at: http://allnaturalkatie.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-my-no-poo-anniversary.html
All Natural Katie
allnaturalkatie at gmail dot com
http://allnaturalkatie.blogspot.com
That is great. I am celebrating my my no-pooing and blog anniversary at the same time…it’s been 4 months!
I really need to bite the bullet and try this! I feel like I read a new post from one of my blogging friends every week saying how awesome no poo is… I’ve also been hearing great things about ACV as a conditioner. Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for linking up at the Green & Natural Mamas Linkup
Bite.The.Bullet, Charise! You can do it!
[...] you can even clean your hair with it. I first read about trading out shampoo for baking soda from Good Girl Gone Green. I have not made this a regular habit, but I do use this method once a week and find it really [...]
I have thin, blonde hair and it gets greasy very easily. I used to wash it every day in the mornings and it would be greasy by night time. I’ve gotten my hair to the point where I can skip a day or two washing it by using dry shampoo to disguise the greasiness, but I still feel like my hair can be healthier. I’ve been looking into the no shampoo method and I’m really interested in trying it. But what do I do when I go to the salon and they normally wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner before cutting it? Ask them to just wet it instead? Also, how does the no shampoo method work in addition to using styling products, like hair spray or straighteners?
Hi Kaydee, When I get my hair dyed and cut I usually just let them use the shampoo and conditioner because it only once every 2-3 months. I don’t use styling products in my hair, so I can really speak to that. I wash my hair 1-3 times a week, and sometimes more often if needed. But it looks clean for the most part all the time.
Okay, that makes sense. I’m really scared of the transition period from shampoo to no shampoo, so I got some organic shampoo and conditioner to start off for awhile. I think my hair will handle that change better than cold turkey! Thank you!
My transition period didn’t last very long maybe a week or so. I wash my hair when it starts to look yucky. Like today, i need to wash it. LOL Try using natural organic shampoo and conditioner with all the nasty chemicals and that will help like Miessence or Nurture my body. Both great products.Good luck!
I was wondering if you could tell me if baking soda is the same as baking powder? Also I couldn’t get apple cider vinegar would just organic cider vinegar do the same? Thanks x
Okay I have maybe already answered one of my questions as I just googled baking soda and it says it’s the same as Bicarbonte of soda is that right? x
Baking soda and baking powder are not the same thing. You need baking soda. About the cider vinegar, I am not sure. I would have to look into that. I am sure it wouldn’t hurt your hair if you did use it.
I’ve just started my test! I did 2tbs of bicarbonate of soda in a cup of water, applied all over hair massaging in to scalp. Left on for a minute whilst I washed my body as GoodGirlGoneGreen suggests, before rinsing out. I then put 2tbs of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water, and again applied all over hair. I then gave myself a mini cleanse and scrub facial before rinsing out. If you follow me on twitter @biteablebeauty I’ll send some pics once my hair’s dry! But so far so good I think
I am so glad it is working for you Rebecca! Keep me posted! I love hearing from my readers!
Hey everyone,
I have been searching for a way to wash my hair only twice a week or so for at least two or three years. Last weekend a friend told me about ‘no-pooing’ and I have been searching the net since then! Yesterday I bought baking soda and apple vinegar (I didn’t find apple cider vinegar here in Germany but I think it must be the same) and tried it today. First impression: my hair looks as clean as if I did wash it with normal shampoo. I’m glad. Yet, it feels a bit dry. So I’m going to reduce the amount of baking soda the next time washing my hair.
My only question: Is it healthy to use but the baking soda with water and leaving out the apple cider vinegar? Since baking soda mainly consists out of natrium which is in combination with water alkaline (>pH 7), wouldn’t it destroy the natural defense wall of our skin? Our skin has an pH of 5,5, which means it is slightly acid. Soaps are normally alkaline and are therefore criticized to destroy the natural defense. What about the baking soda which, mixed with water, would also be alkaline?
Hoping you understood my concerns. I’m not a chemist so feel free to refute my thesis. I’m just looking for way of healthy hair.
Can you mix both (the baking soda + the lime/vinegar) at the same bottle with the water? or will it be too disastrous?!!
I have mixed them together. Just be careful!
Hi:
Today, for first time, I washed my hair with this method and I am very satisfied with the result.
Kisses
That is great!
Hey,
However I went on with the experience. Today my hair looks better than last week which gives me hope but nevertheless I will use my natural shampoo tomorrow as I have a presentation at university… But I’m very hopeful that next week will turn out better than this one!! So I slowed a bit down but I’m looking forward to my results in maybe 2 or 3 weeks
so it’s been nearly two weeks now that I started the no-poo method. Finally found a mix of baking soda and apple cider vinegar that I think works well for me. My first week was horrible because after my first experience with my new baking soda shampoo (which worked pretty well) it fast got really bad. Last sunday I lost control and used my all natural shampoo.
Hi. I am going to start this today. We ha ve the week off of school for thanksgiving so I think it would be a great wtime to start! Hopefully my transition period is over by next Monday. I am going to a movie and dinner tonight with my friends so I will put my hair up haha! My hair gets really greasy if I skip a day or two washing it so I hope it will adjust to no poo fast… then once its adjusted I can start spreading the washings. I will still shower everyday though, right? I really hope this works! My hair is very heat damaged and I bet that my split ends have split ends, so I hope this will help. I have never dyed my hair though. Will no pooing eventually make my split ends go away or do I need to get a trim? And will straightening or curling my hair every once in a while be fine? Thanks, ~hannah
I’m very interested in trying this out, but I have a few questions. Sorry if these were already answered, I didn’t want to read through all of the comments! I’m wondering, do you use the baking soda and vinegar every time you shower? For instance, if I showered every day, I would want to rinse with baking soda and vinegar every day? Hope this isn’t a stupid question. : ) Thanks!
Hi Danielle, at first I washed my hair everyday with vinegar and baking soda and slowly decreased the amount of times I washed it. Now I wash my hair max once a week. Hope this helps. I do use a non-toxic, all natural conditioner in my hair sometimes.
I went no poo about a month ago and LOVE it!! My only frustration is my hair isn’t as shiny. Any suggestions??
hey there . I’m finally going to do this after years of wanting to . I just don’t want the greasy phase . but my question is… is this safe for dyed hair . and what happens after you dye your hair and have to wash the color out? Will your hair go back to being greasy because of all the chemicals? Will I have to start all over again with the greasy phase? tia for your advice!
It is safe, I mean your hair wont turn green, but some people believe that it doesn’t keep your hair as “colorful” and tends to fade faster. After I dyed my hair and used the, nothing changed. I only went through the greasy phase once at the beginning. I wash my hair maybe once a week. Hope this helps. you can email me at ggirlggreen AT gmail DOT com if you have any more questions! Happy to help.
I’ve been using this for two weeks and I don’t think it’s working. I have very fine hair, it’s thick and naturally wavy. The first time I used it it was great. My hair was soft and clean but then the more I started using it, the duller and flatter it got. It feels a bit like straw. It’s so dull and flat and there’s no shine to it at all.
It’s not greasy (I know what greasy hair looks like and this definitely is not it), and when I brush it, my hairbrush looks like it has a bit of white powder in it? I’m definitely rinsing it all out really well (I stand there for 10 minutes rinsing the heck out of it). I do have hard water, and I’ve read through the comments and adjusted everything to their suggestions, but still… Is this my transition period, or is it just really not working at all?
I’m having the same problems jj! It’s even hard to brush because it’s so straw like. I came to this sight searching for some help as what to do. I’m not giving up because I had one day of awesome hair and just loved it. I had really oily hair before doing this.
This may be a silly question, but do you do this daily? Because I only shampoo every other day.
I only have to do it once a week
But it depends on the persons hair type, Oily,dry which ever
You are doing this, too?
I have been “no-pooing” for a few months and wrote a blog post about it, too. 
I have wavy hair that is past my shoulders and I have been washing my hair with baking soda for about 4 months now. Sometimes I will do a rinse with vinegar, and sometimes i’ll rinse with lemon juice. I went through a phase of about 2 weeks of my hair being super greasy and I almost gave in and used shampoo… but then my hair started to readjust itself and it has been fine ever since.
I don’t normally wash it everyday… if my hair is starting to get oily i’ll get it wet and comb it so that it distributes the oil. I run a lot so my hair tends to get kind of grimy from that, but my hair is doing really well without shampoo!
I have been doing the no-pooing method for a long time now, Even got 2 friends to try it,and they Love it
no-pooing All the way
I keep meaning to try this. I even have a giant bag of baking soda; I just need some vinegar!
I am on round 2 of the no poo routine. One thing I hadn’t counted on is the way different water can affect the system. As long as I was at home, using my well water, the no poo system worked like a champ. After a week long adjustment my scalp decided it liked this new method and stopped pumping out the excess oils. My hair, which at the time was hip length, had never looked better! Then last December I went on vacation in Florida, and found that the city water made a huge and negative impact. Suddenly my hair was not coming clean no matter how much or little baking soda I used. Discouraged I borrowed shampoo from my fellow vacationer and was clean. Once I got home I held off a while from trying again, but after only one no pooing my hair was happy again! I don’t know if my water is hard or soft, but Tampa’s city ware was clearly the opposite and apparently that can make all the difference. Just a thought for those who might have been unsuccessful making the no poo transition.
Just did this! Today is day ONE. I’ve read that you can use white vinegar too, but I’m going with raw ACV because it smells a little fruity-er in the shower. Once I rinsed, I only smelled “freshness”; vinegar smell is gone quickly. Oh! – added benefit of this method? = you give your shower & drain a mini-clean every time as well – vinegar & baking soda! Nice. Thanks for posting.
Maybe I’ll get here one day … Interesting to learn this though. Thank you.
Has anyone had a problem with the baking soda crystallizing at the bottom of the bottle after about a day or two? That is what keeps happening to me.
This all sounds very interesting to me — I tried the baking soda + vinegar combo this morning, and I have an important question: what about conditioner? My hair is very long (waist length) and very dry, straw-like, tangled, frizzy, etc, when left to its own devices. I have to glom on the conditioner (the only one that I found works really well is Tresemme, which I also like b/c they don’t test on animals) to even have a *chance* of brushing it out with a wide-toothed comb (or even my fingers!) Otherwise it’s one big knot. Am I supposed to do my normal conditioner, or over time is this no ‘poo routine supposed to transform my hair into *not* one big knot? If my hair still needs some extra conditioning (i.e. de-tangler) is there something else I can do for it? I should perhaps stress that however much your hair might need de-tangling, mine is usually about 10x worse =(
I just started the baking soda / ACV method today. As I was applying the diluted baking soda on my scalp, I find that my hair came off more than usual when I am using hair shampoo. Is this normal in the beginning or am I going about it wrong? I used 1 tablespoon of BS in 1 C water and 1 tablespoon ACV in 1 C water. I have fine, straight shoulder length hair.
I just started the baking soda / ACV method today. As I was applying the diluted baking soda on my scalp, I find that my hair came off more than usual as compared with when I am using hair shampoo. Is this normal in the beginning or am I going about it wrong? I used 1 tablespoon of BS in 1 C water and 1 tablespoon ACV in 1 C water. I have fine, straight shoulder length hair.