Back in 2012, when I realized my job didn’t make me happy and money felt tight, I looked up alternative ways of living. Along with minimalism, I saw the No Poo Method.
I was curious! Shampoo cost a lot and the ingredients list many chemicals we probably shouldn’t be putting in our hair. At the time, my main concern was minimizing my spending. Besides, I didn’t have a favorite shampoo to begin with!
I tried some methods others suggested online and then finally settled on my own:
– 2-3 Tbsp of Baking Soda (generic brand)
– ¼ Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (generic brand)
– And a cup that won’t break!
Instructions:
– Before jumping in the shower, I sprinkle baking soda in the cup and set it on the tub. I put the apple cider vinegar bottle on the floor outside of the tub (I don’t have a table next to the shower. If I did, I would use that).
– After washing, I would wet my hair through, grab the cup, fill it to the top with the shower water and stir it with my fingers, getting all the powder to dissolve. Then I would pour it on the top of my head (tilted back so it doesn’t get on my face) and let it fall all over from scalp into the strands. I would rub my hair like I would with shampoo. I can feel the little bit of soap from the baking soda. Then I rinse it.
– Next, I grab the apple cider vinegar and pour it into the rinsed cup. Add the shower water till it reaches the top of the cup (which dilutes the vinegar). Then I pour again all over my head like above. I rub the vinegar into my strands and rinse! It makes my hair pretty soft like conditioner would!
I remember when I first tried it, there was an adjustment period (I think about a week or two) where my hair was greasy because I grew up washing it daily with shampoo. Over time, I washed my hair every other day, then every two days which was perfect! (If I went longer than two days, I would add more baking powder when cleaning it). I recycle the box and plastic bottle when I am done. I could really do away with the plastic bottle if there was a store in Maine where I can re-fill on apple cider vinegar or even make my own (which is probably my best bet if I take the time to try it).
Tips:
– Corn Starch (generic) is great at keeping the grease at bay if you go many days without washing! Especially when you have kids! I just dip my fingers in the corn starch and it sticks really well. I rub on the top of my scalp where the grease sits until I don’t see any obvious white powder.
– I keep the baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and corn starch in the bathroom. I have separate ones for the pantry.
Many people I am close to thought this method was weird and wouldn’t work. They tried to convince me to go back to shampoo. At one point, I was happy to! I felt “grown up” with them telling me which shampoo brands were the best to try. Getting back to the “real world.” But then again, all the results were the same: my hair was clean (and still frizzy). Why spend extra money on it when I don’t have to?
Now, thirteen years later, after going back and forth with this because of other people’s influences, I am sticking with it! It’s easy, cheap, and I know exactly what the ingredients are!
