Ditching Shampoo

When I first started cutting out harsh chemicals and extra packaging from our lives, I dove headfirst into skin and hair care. There were many successes and failures along the way. One such failure was my attempt at the “no-poo” method of hair care.

The hair doesn’t handle daily washing well, and as a result of constant products and hot water will often become damaged. When you begin cutting back washing your hair (especially if you pair it with a no shampoo regimen you’re body still creates all the extra sebum it needed to compensate for what your shampoo and hot water was constantly removing. It is normal to have a phase of excess grease as your body adjusts!

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My Current Hair Status

I have auburn/redish hair that’s got a slight wave to it. It breaks really easily with heat, so I rarely use it. Currently, I have it a few inches past my shoulders but would love to have it grow long again! Frizz and fly-aways are currently a big struggle (I used a curling stick and flat iron on it recently and definitely regret it!) so I am hoping to find something to strengthen it again. My hair is much thinner towards my face and very, very thick in the back. It’s also more curly in the back and pretty straight up front.

What is “no-poo”?

This is a method of cleansing the hair without using conventional shampoos and conditioners. You only ‘wash’ your hair once or twice a week with a powder. An ACV rinse is used to soften the hair.

Conventional shampoos and conditioners are laden with dyes, synthetic fragrances, and usually come in wasteful packaging. The “no-poo” method has worked well for several acquaintances, and I’m really hoping to find something that works well for me!

My first attempt

When I initially tried the “no-poo” method (back in 2013), I followed directions online for a baking soda and water recipe and an apple cider vinegar rinse. The baking soda absorbs some of the excess oil (without stripping away the oil) and the ACV softens the hair.

As with most options when you switch from conventional products to a more natural, there was a ton of oil. I had experienced this when I switched to not using a face wash and to a natural deodorant, so I expected a time of discomfort while my body adjusted.

After several weeks with no improvements, and I started getting painful cysts along my hairline. I put away the baking soda and switched to a shampoo bar that did fairly well. Since then, I’ve digressed back to liquid shampoo and conditioner but still haven’t found anything that fits my requirements. (I want low waste, help my hair overtime instead of building up junk, and has safe ingredients!).

I know now that an aluminum-free baking soda or arrow root powder would most likely fair better results, but I didn’t know any better then so I gave up and never looked back. (Until now!) Also! The type of water you have at home will make a difference. We had EXTREMELY hard water during my first attempt, which probably had a significant influence on how it reacted. We now have softened water.

I’ve recently read up on an ayervedic regimen with protein and extra vitamins that I’m going to give a shot.

Chickpea/gram flour

For this time around, I’m a little more well versed on the side effects of your body adjusting to a more natural product. I’ve decided to try chickpea flower (also called gram or besan flour) that I made at home with dried chickpeas.

I used about a quarter of a cup of whole, dried chickpeas pulverized in a coffee grinder. I did a small batch for now, but will definitely do larger batches in the future if it works well. I’m using this widemouth, half-pint ball jar to store the chickpea flower in for easy access. Since it is going to be stored in the bathroom, I’m switching out the metal lid for plastic to prevent rust from the humidity from the shower.

Extra bonus, it’s gluten-free!

To use

Mix about 2 TBSP of chickpea flour with enough water to make a paste. Apply to the scalp and massage in well. Follow with a good rinse.

Mix 1-2 TBSP of ACV with water. Pour onto your hair and follow with another good rinse. (The amount can vary by your hair type and pH level of your scalp, so just pay attention and make adjustments to fit you!)

Alternatively, you can do an herbal infusion in water or vinegar to soften your hair after your “no-poo”. I’m planning on using ACV for now, but will branch out once we start having our own herbs again this summer!

Stay tuned, and I’ll keep you posted on how my hair fairs on this new adventure!