Tag Archives: My No-Poo Fail

My No-Poo Fail

My No Poo Fail

For a long time, I wanted to try going “no-poo.” If for some reason you haven’t heard about this trend, it’s just switching from shampoo to a natural, one or two ingredient hair care regimen, usually comprised of baking soda and apple cider vinegar. It seemed like all the natural bloggers were writing about it, and showing pictures of their glamorous long hair that they hadn’t washed in five days since they switched to no-poo. No toxins! Frugal! All-natural! I’ve gotta try this, said my crunchy-self.

I finally got brave enough to give it a go. I washed with a baking soda paste and showered the ends of my hair with an ACV rinse. It went well- for a while. But, eventually (a few months later), my hair started feeling dry, looking gross, and getting tons of split ends. Hmm, this couldn’t be healthy, could it?

Then I gave birth to my daughter, and the awesomeness of postpartum hair loss set in. Excellent. I couldn’t take it anymore, and went and bought actual shampoo (though it was “natural”). My thirsty locks blessed me with thank-you’s and vibrancy that they hadn’t had for months.

After finally getting off the no-poo kick, I discovered other women had also had back luck with the experience. One woman reported a lot of gross greasiness with no-poo. This lady had her hair falling out with the method. And this writer describes how the pH level of your hair treatment can make or break your hair- and for her, no-poo broke it.

So, after enough warnings, I quit no-poo- for good. I will say that I am sure it could work very well for some people, but like any health/beauty regimen, every body is different- and so, perhaps our hair has different needs as well.

Since then, I’ve tried several natural shampoos- some with more success than others. They have included:

  • Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap– I love this soap for shaving, body-wash, and baby-washing. But it left my hair too dry. You, however, may like it if you struggle with greasiness!
  • Dr. Woods Shea Vision Pure Castile Soap– This is wonderfully moisturizing- but too much for my hair. You may like this if you need more moisture! It’s also great to wash the babes.
  • Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap– The first time I used this, my hair felt so soft! But after a while, it turned into a grease-ball on my head. Now I’m letting my husband finish the bottle for me.
  • Yes To Carrots Shampoo – The winner! Not perfectly all natural, but almost. And this shampoo provides the best balance for my hair over the long run. Not too dry, not too greasy, and easy to use without a conditioner.

Your experience with these products may end up completely different than mine were. I think they are all good options, but not all worked for me. You may choose something completely different- and if you do, please tell me about it so I can keep it on the back burner for when I want to try something different!

Have you ever tried going “no-poo?” What do you like and dislike about it? What healthy shampoo options do you recommend? Thanks for sharing!

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