The ‘No Poo’ Method

[Calisai]

Has anyone tried it? What do you think about it?

I usually wash and condition my hair once a week with some generic grocery store shampoo and conditioner. Back when I was in middle school, I washed my hair every day, and if I skipped a day my hair would be a greasy mess. My sebum production has calmed since stretching the days between washes, and my hair looks great.

Now, I decided to do a little experiment. I thought that I would try out the ‘No Poo’ Method to feel more like an authentic mermaid. After not washing my hair for a week, I decided to wash with plain old water. I’m on my second week of forgoing shampoo. I found that my hair tangles more easily when wet, and I have to be careful in scrubbing my scalp with warm water and my finger pads so that I don’t break off hair. My hair is more fragile when wet, which is why I don’t comb it until it’s dry. My hair feels sticky, and it’s waxy at the scalp with some traces of dandruff, but it feels more hydrated.

I’ve found that wearing a shower cap in the shower and then soaking in a tub full of warm water and swishing my hair around in the water and scrubbing works best for me. ‘Mermaid washing’ my hair in the tub after showering makes my scalp feel cleaner than trying to work my fingers through my hair in the shower. In the tub, there’s less breakage, and it’s more fun. After the bath, I put Moroccan argan oil on my ends. When my hair is dry, I gently brush from the bottom to the top and then brush my hair upside down to get volume before I style it in a braid or bun. Most ‘No Poo’ people say that using a boar bristle brush is best, but I’m using my wide-tooth sandalwood comb. I think I’ve been ‘mermaid washing’ nearly twice in a week? There’s no smell, and no one’s noticed any funkiness with my hair. My hair’s still sticky and waxy, and when I massage my scalp I get oil coating on my fingers, so I have to wash my hands afterward. If the waxiness gets out of control, I’ll try washing my scalp with eggs.

I’m just waiting for this ‘transitional period’ to end. I hope the results will look nice.

[00phantom]

I do not because I have dreadlocks and have my own regimen that works for me. But my mom does.
She uses a very specific method involving baking soda and apple cider vinegar and arrowroot powder. She absolutely loves it and says it’s super easy and makes her love her hair.


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MerEmma]

I use the "low-poo" method haha! I have very very thick and curly hair and shampooing dries it out a lot. I try to avoid shampooing for as long as I can but even though I use no silicones or sulfates in my products, I still get build up and end up needing to shampoo once a month or so. I try to use conditioner to wash my hair but it still doesn't get it all out. Still need to figure out some better products for me than Shea Moisture because I think they build up too quickly for my liking.

[Dancing Fish]

I'm skeptical. My kid hated washing her hair. She could go for well over a week without washing it. Then she turned ten and the oil glands went into overdrive, and her hair (which she still only washed once a week) was a greasy nasty mess. She'd love to go back to not showering daily, and gets by with dry shampoo on off days, but I just don't think this method is going to work for everyone (particularly those of us with very thin straight hair that lies flat on our scalps).

[Mermaid Alea]

I have very thick, long hair that tangles very easily. My hair also gets oily very quickly if I don't wash it. Not only can I not skip shampoo, but if I skip using conditioner my hair is really hard to work with because of the tangling issue.
I wouldn't mind trying something different. My friend has longer hair than me and she washes her hair maybe 2-3 times a week and it is very silky, but her hair is finer than mine whereas mine is a bit more wiry.

At my house we are growing shampoo ginger, which Native Hawaiians used as shampoo. When you squeeze the flower cone, clear liquid that has a pine cent comes out of it. I've been thinking it might be a fun experiment to collect a jar full of the liquid and try using that as my only shampoo for a week.

[Calisai]

I do not because I have dreadlocks and have my own regimen that works for me. But my mom does.
She uses a very specific method involving baking soda and apple cider vinegar and arrowroot powder. She absolutely loves it and says it’s super easy and makes her love her hair.


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)I’m glad to hear that your mom loves her hair! Did she say what changed to make her feel more positively about her hair after trying this method?

What regimen do you have for your dreadlocks? Sounds very interesting!

[Calisai]

I use the "low-poo" method haha! I have very very thick and curly hair and shampooing dries it out a lot. I try to avoid shampooing for as long as I can but even though I use no silicones or sulfates in my products, I still get build up and end up needing to shampoo once a month or so. I try to use conditioner to wash my hair but it still doesn't get it all out. Still need to figure out some better products for me than Shea Moisture because I think they build up too quickly for my liking.
When did you start the “low poo” method? What inspired you to try it? I bet your hair has gotten curlier since then. :)

[Calisai]

I'm skeptical. My kid hated washing her hair. She could go for well over a week without washing it. Then she turned ten and the oil glands went into overdrive, and her hair (which she still only washed once a week) was a greasy nasty mess. She'd love to go back to not showering daily, and gets by with dry shampoo on off days, but I just don't think this method is going to work for everyone (particularly those of us with very thin straight hair that lies flat on our scalps).
Quite true! Everyone’s hair is different and reacts differently to various hair care routines. I’ve read both praise and criticism about “No Poo”, so it’s a bit controversial.

[Calisai]

I have very thick, long hair that tangles very easily. My hair also gets oily very quickly if I don't wash it. Not only can I not skip shampoo, but if I skip using conditioner my hair is really hard to work with because of the tangling issue.
I wouldn't mind trying something different. My friend has longer hair than me and she washes her hair maybe 2-3 times a week and it is very silky, but her hair is finer than mine whereas mine is a bit more wiry.

At my house we are growing shampoo ginger, which Native Hawaiians used as shampoo. When you squeeze the flower cone, clear liquid that has a pine cent comes out of it. I've been thinking it might be a fun experiment to collect a jar full of the liquid and try using that as my only shampoo for a week.
Me too! I have wiry long hair that gets in an awful tangle, although it’s probably not as thick.

Oh my goodness, you’re growing shampoo ginger?! I’ve never heard of it. It sounds so exotic! I just Googled it to see what it looks like, and the red pine cone flower looks so unique. Is your Florida environment similar to Hawaii? Have you visited beautiful Hawaii? (I haven’t, but I’d love to someday.) Yes, it’ll definitely be interesting to try its liquid as your actual shampoo for a week. We humans love novelty. I can’t wait to hear how shampoo ginger works for you. That sounds fascinating!

[00phantom]

I’m glad to hear that your mom loves her hair! Did she say what changed to make her feel more positively about her hair after trying this method?

What regimen do you have for your dreadlocks? Sounds very interesting!

My mom says her hair has gotten less brittle and more shiny and soft.

For my dreads I only wash them with Dr Bronner’s castile soap once a week or every other week depending on how dirty they get(if I work out or swim in chlorine or roll in the dirt lol).
I do a deep clean soak every 6 months or so using baking soda and apple cider vinegar. That really gets any buildup out of them.
If I find that they are very dry I will spray them with a water and essential oil mixture and maybe apply a TINY amount of coconut oil or other hair oil.
If they are getting loose or oily then I will spray them with a water and sea salt mixture (so mermaid, I know)
And that’s all!

[MerEmma]

When did you start the “low poo” method? What inspired you to try it? I bet your hair has gotten curlier since then. :)

Oh, gee. I don't know when I started it; at this point I can't recall a time I regularly shampooed my hair lol. It was probably sometime in middle school (and I'm 20 now). My hair is very curly so if I were to shampoo often it'd just be a complete frizzball instead. It definitely helps my curls actually be curls!

EDIT: It's kinda funny to me because my profile photo on here was taken when I was probably 11-12 or so? And it's underwater, which makes my hair very straight. So it's not a good example haha!

[Calisai]

So, this is the beginning of the third week of forgoing shampoo for me. Yesterday, Sunday, I beat three eggs in a bowl. I decided to beat whole eggs instead of just using egg yolk or egg whites. I wet my hair in the kitchen sink with cool water and poured the beaten eggs over my scalp. I made sure that all of my hair got the egg treatment. I rinsed with cool water, and my sopping wet hair felt silkier. Then I went upstairs to soak in the tub and swish my hair around to try to find and remove any egg remnants. It was kind of troublesome to remove all the tiny white bits I could find, but I was curious about the results. My hair air-dried for the night, and I braided for bed without brushing.

In the morning, I gingerly brushed my hair from bottom to top and picked out more white bits as I brushed. My hair still felt waxy, but my scalp looked cleaner, and it was voluminous without me brushing my hair upside down. I decided that I didn’t need to brush upside down this time. My ends felt dry, so I ran argan oil-coated hands through my length. I smelled my hair, and I couldn’t trace any egg stink, but I sprayed a bit of raspberry-scented perfume in my hair just in case. I don’t own any essential oils, which I think would’ve done the job better than perfume, and I’d love to try essential oils some day.

I hope I won’t have to do an egg treatment too often because it’s hard to get it all out of my hair, but I heard that it’s good for the hair. Next time I wash with eggs, I’ll do it over the tub instead of the sink because my hair’s super long. I have waist-length hair, and I want to grow it even longer. Also, I’m eyeing this Etsy shop that sells shampoo bars with shampoo ginger in it... Might try that out at some point!

[Mermaid Alea]

Me too! I have wiry long hair that gets in an awful tangle, although it’s probably not as thick.

Oh my goodness, you’re growing shampoo ginger?! I’ve never heard of it. It sounds so exotic! I just Googled it to see what it looks like, and the red pine cone flower looks so unique. Is your Florida environment similar to Hawaii? Have you visited beautiful Hawaii? (I haven’t, but I’d love to someday.) Yes, it’ll definitely be interesting to try its liquid as your actual shampoo for a week. We humans love novelty. I can’t wait to hear how shampoo ginger works for you. That sounds fascinating!

Haha I wish it was like Hawaii here! I'm barely in Florida. I can look out across the bay and wave to Alabama so I don't live in a super tropical part of Florida. However, I'm a tropical plant nerd so I try to grow a lot of different hardy tropical plants here. I certainly want to go to Hawaii since I love all things tropical and I love Hawaiian culture. Hopefully someday...

Our shampoo ginger has basically died back now, but it is very vigorous and will grow back really well next year. I'll have to wait to make shampoo out of it next year, but it should be quite the interesting experiment. I know putting the liquid on my face always feels refreshing since it smells so good. It has a consistency a little thicker than water, but it looks like water.

Congrats on going without shampoo for three weeks! That is impressive! I'm definitely curious to see if this helps you grow your hair longer. :)

[BlueCorvidae]

I tried it but the baking soda and the apple cider vinegar built up over time in my hair and made it feel sandy and gunky. I gave it up and started using higher end shampoos and it's been a lot better on my hair. I see no-poo works for other people but not for me.

[Mermaid Alea]

What kind of shampoo are you using BlueCorvidae?
I used to use a basic Suave shampoo but I got a free sample of Loreal Elvive Total Repair 5 in the mail (quite random I know) and I thought it was really impressive so that is what I have been using for both shampoo and conditioner.

[Calisai]

It sounds like an exciting experiment, Alea! I know how boring it can be going through the daily motions, so sometimes it helps to spice things up by doing random, different activities.

And thank you! It’s the fourth week now, Tuesday. I haven’t washed or wet my hair since last week on Sunday when I washed with eggs. My hair is getting oily again, so I’ll probably mermaid-wash my hair with water tonight or tomorrow morning. If I need to, I’ll wash with eggs again. Although it’s tough getting out all the egg from my hair, I’m really impressed with the results and how long I’ve gone without washing. Washing with just water had me submerging my scalp twice a week. I’m sure that, with daily scalp massages to stimulate the follicles and oil coating the ends of hair shafts (to help protect from split ends), anyone’s hair will grow more rapidly. :D

[Calisai]

I tried it but the baking soda and the apple cider vinegar built up over time in my hair and made it feel sandy and gunky. I gave it up and started using higher end shampoos and it's been a lot better on my hair. I see no-poo works for other people but not for me.
I’m sorry to hear that it didn’t work out for you. I’m glad you tried it, at least! How does your hair feel now with your new shampoo(s)? What brands do you like?

For me, personally, I’ve only been using water + scrubbing motions with my finger pads to “wash” my hair while submerged in the tub. The floating hair strands are easier to move out of the way to reach the scalp. Last week I whipped up three eggs and poured them over my scalp and scrubbed. I’m a bit wary on using baking soda (BS) and apple cider vinegar (ACV) because I read somewhere that they’re a bit harsh on hair, and the damage shows over time. However, 00Phantom and her mom are using BS and ACV for their particular regimes, and they haven’t had any problems so far, only benefits, so I‘m not sure. :rollover:

[Calisai]

UPDATE: Nearing the end of the 5th week, and I’m really excited about the transitioning changes! I only mermaid-washed last Thursday or Friday(?), and I haven’t washed it since. I’ve been trying to get in the tub these last couple of days, but I couldn’t find time. My scalp feels itchy. I’ve managed to keep my hair looking voluminous and fluffy, these last couple of days, by not brushing the scalp area. Brushing the scalp flattened my hair and showed the oiliness. So, I brushed the ends and massaged the scalp. The hair’s not really tangled because I braid before bed every night. Still trying to find time to mermaid-wash in the tub, but I’m surprised I lasted this long. The transition is definitely happening because my hair is losing its waxiness! My hair looks so healthy and hydrated. I’m having dandruff issues, so I’ll probably do an egg wash again soon (that seemed to help) or buy tea tree essential oil to dilute with water or coconut oil and massage into the scalp. Speaking of coconut oil (in my kitchen pantry), I haven’t tried putting that stuff in my hair before, so maybe that alone might do something.

[MermaidLiara]

Oooh fun Mernetwork has a no poo thread now :) I alternate between no poo en low poo, I started over 7 years ago lol. Would never go back. My hair goes past my hips, it's lush and wavy, and very, very thick and shiny. I get compliments by strangers all the time. People who are considering trying this or are in the middle of transitioning, go for it! It is WORTH IT! Eventually, that oily scalp will go away as long as you don't give up. Usually, it takes 6 to 8 weeks. Oh, and I do NOT recommend dry shampoo.

[Calisai]

I’m beginning the 7th week. :) I haven’t washed since 11 days ago, although a wash is due. My scalp feels itchy again. My hair reaches my belly button, and it feels so silky and smooth. My hair has less frizziness. The only waxy area left is the back of my head, and that’s going away. I saw my boyfriend over the weekend, and he thought my hair was very pretty. I’ve noticed that the oilier my hair gets, I find less dandruff compared to when I last mermaid-washed to find dandruff everywhere.

One thing I never mentioned in this thread was that, since I started this hair journey, I had to clean my wooden comb several times. My scalp continues to leave a gray residue between the comb’s teeth. The residue is probably a film created from a mixture of sebum and dead scalp skin cells. I’m not sure if this is something I’ll have to get used to or if the symptom will eventually go away. I’m trying to be as honest as possible about my results, both positive and negative.

I’m struggling to find time to do another egg wash. The holiday season eats up my time, lol.

[Calisai]

Oooh fun Mernetwork has a no poo thread now :) I alternate between no poo en low poo, I started over 7 years ago lol. Would never go back. My hair goes past my hips, it's lush and wavy, and very, very thick and shiny. I get compliments by strangers all the time. People who are considering trying this or are in the middle of transitioning, go for it! It is WORTH IT! Eventually, that oily scalp will go away as long as you don't give up. Usually, it takes 6 to 8 weeks. Oh, and I do NOT recommend dry shampoo.
Hi Liara! You wouldn’t believe how excited I am to see your post! I would love to get hair like yours. It sounds magnificent. How long do you do “no poo” and “low poo” before you alternate between the two? Do you have to clean your brush/comb often?

Also, I don’t own dry shampoo and never used it before, as I've never really toyed with many products. :thumbs up: I rarely use heat products to style my hair, and I haven’t had a curler or straightener for a year because they both broke. I use my hair dryer for emergencies, usually letting my hair air-dry, and my hair dryer is also falling apart. :sweat drop: Whenever I use my hair dryer, I would dry the scalp and leave the ends damp and then pull my hair up to hide the dampness.

[Calisai]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! I finally washed my hair with three whole eggs again today but over the tub. My hair was fluffy and clean (and a little dry and frizzy) after I got rid of the egg remnants stuck to my strands. I think it’s the white part of the egg that clings to my hair and scalp. Maybe next time I’ll just use egg yolk, which is the acidic, moisturizing part of the egg. I should try pouring flat beer over my hair for shine because my mom said my hair looked dull after my egg wash. I ran argan oil through my strands to help shine things up. Also, no dandruff!

[Hopeful]

After I learned hair has a ph value of 5 (slightly acidic) I do diluted apple cider vinegar rinses once a month and have been looooving the results! I have hard water at my house (ph of 8+) so I think the apple cider vinegar helps get rid of build up and restores my scalps ph balance. I’m loving this thread by the way! Please keep us updated! I’ve always wanted to go no poo.

[Calisai]

Hi, Hopeful! What results happen to your hair when you use a diluted ACV rinse? Does your hair look shinier and feel silkier? I had recently figured out that hair is a bit acidic because the oilier (more acidic) my hair gets, it helps with my dandruff. Washing with just water has me picking out white flakes from my scalp. I think I’ll try diluted ACV, too! ;) I’ll fill up my bathtub with water, pour some ACV in there, and then mermaid-wash. Maybe the stuff that gets between my comb’s teeth is build-up.

And thank you! I’ll be sure to keep updating! I didn’t take a ‘before’ picture, but my avatar picture could work as a ‘before’. I’ll be sure to post an ‘after’ some time! I tried experimenting with ‘No Poo’ out of boredom. I wanted to try something new, save money, and feel more like a mermaid. I’m surprised that I stuck it out this long because whenever I start projects I have a hard time finishing. I’m very good at starting things, haha.

[Hopeful]

Yes it helps detangle my hair and makes it softer and shinier! It’s the only thing I’ve tried that gave my hair immediate improvement:) I recommend putting 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water to start out with. After I wash my hair, I soak my ends in it and then dump the rest on my head and let it saturate for 10 minutes then rinse it out. If you have hard water, it is best if you can rinse with filtered water or get a filter shower head. Also, I recommend Bragg’s brand for the apple cider vinegar, it’s organic, clean, and has lots of natural nutrients in it. The floaty stuff on the bottom is especially nutritious. I hope it will help your hair like it’s helped mine!

Ang giiirl, I’m the same way! Lol It’s always the most fun to start things, but finishing things is a bit harder. I can’t wait to see your hair! I’ve always been intimidated by no pooing because I don’t want my hair to get greasy, but your thread has encouraged me a lot. I’ve been heading in that direction already, so I think I finally have the confidence to actually try it! It’s been really encouraging to read what really happens to your hair during the process so I can be prepared and already have tools to combat grease :) So thank you!

[Hopeful]

Ok so I’ve gone 1 week without shampoo. My first wash I used conditioner instead and it seemed to take away 2/3 of the grease. Next time I tried submerging my hair and using ACV, and it didn’t seem to remove any grease. So next I’m going to try the egg yolks :)

[Calisai]

I’m at the end of the 8th week! Last night I soaked in a bath and mermaid-washed. I don’t have ACV yet, but I had lemon slices. I put seven lemon slices in the tub as it was filling with water, and then I left to go brush my hair. When I came back, the hot water had run out, so I had to soak in a lukewarm-cool tub, lol. I didn’t squeeze the lemon to get more juice in the water. I left the lemons alone as they floated around. When I submerged my hair, it felt wonderful and soft in the water. No waxy feeling at all. However, the longer I had my head in the water, my hair began to feel waxy all over. I noticed that my hair felt heavier in the water, and as it later air-dried (without brushing) for the night, it still felt weighty. I don’t know if the heavy hair is due to build-up or growing hair or thicker hair or what. This morning I brushed my hair, and it felt and looked like I had hairspray in my hair. It was tougher to brush because of the hairspray feel, but my hair looked fabulous and voluminous like it was styled. I also noticed that, although I had dandruff flakes in my scalp, I had less dandruff than when I last mermaid-washed. I think the lemons slightly helped. Every time I mermaid-wash, my hair feels waxy for about a day, but then it becomes softer, shinier, and more manageable as my scalp oils up again.


Ok so I’ve gone 1 week without shampoo. My first wash I used conditioner instead and it seemed to take away 2/3 of the grease. Next time I tried submerging my hair and using ACV, and it didn’t seem to remove any grease. So next I’m going to try the egg yolks :)
Congratulations for your first week! No-Poo is difficult to deal with for the first few weeks, but it’s improved for me since then. Eggs definitely poofed my hair up. I haven’t tried only using the egg yolk part to wash with yet, so if you try it please let me know how it goes for you! Using whole eggs had the egg white part clinging to my strands, and I had to manually search and pick/brush them out. For the first two weeks I brushed my hair upside down to get fake volume to help hide how awful my hair looked, haha.

If No-Poo is too difficult to deal with, there’s also Low-Poo, too, like shampoo bars made by people on Etsy made with natural ingredients that are good for your hair. I’m excited for you for trying this! :D

[Hopeful]

Ok so I washed with two egg yokes last night in the shower and it removed my head grease! I wet my hair, dumped the egg yolks on my head and scrubbed my scalp very thoroughly (but very gently, don’t want to irritate my scalp). Then I rinsed a little, scrubbed, rinsed a little, scrubbed and then completely rinsed. Then I used conditioner from my neck down. After 5 minutes I rinsed it out and again scrubbed my scalp. Total I scrubbed my scalp for probably 5 minutes, but I read that day to remove dirt, grease and buildup, that it was necessary to really take your time gently washing your scalp. When I rinsed my egg yolk container, I noticed it bubbled up a lot which was cool. Then I went to bed with damp hair and when I woke up, NO GREASE. Just happy hair! But I figure it might be egg-spensive to use two yolks every time so I’m going to buy a goat milk soap bar and try that too.

[Calisai]

Hopeful, I know, right?! Eggs worked awesome on me, too. Like, poof! I’ve been only using three eggs once a month, though. I hope the soap bar works awesome, too!

Nearing the end of the 9th week. Haven’t washed my hair yet and don’t need to wash quite yet. I’m going to have to clean my comb again. “No Poo” is a head scratcher. Still trying to figure out if I need to change something that I’m doing, or if the gray stuff collecting on my comb will eventually go away. I think I’m a bit scared to go super elaborate in my hair care. I’m just a simple mermaid.

[Hopeful]

I’m wondering if the sulphur in the eggs helps with the cleansing, like how they use sulfates in shampoos? And I’ve got to say, I am loving my hair no-poo!! So much softer and shined and less frizzy and dry and hay like.

Also, I was thinking do you wash your hair usually in the tub or in the shower? I think maybe if you are washing your hair in the tub, the dead skins cells that shed in the water from the rest of you might be sticking to your scalp? Because after I washed my hair in the tub, it didn’t feel very clean, but when I wash my hair in the shower, it feels much cleaner and less greasy.

[Calisai]

Yes! Sulphur, protein, and biotin are super beneficial to hair. The eggs are real good at lifting away dirt and grease and have been used for hundreds of years to improve and strengthen hair. Also, lots of vitamins and minerals and fat. Wow, it seems like your hair transition is happening quickly! You start looking like a hair model.

When I first started No Poo, I washed my hair in the shower with just plain water, but my hair was extremely fragile and waxy/sticky. I struggled to get my fingers to my scalp because of the stickiness, breakability, and the hair being weighed down by water. I felt as if I wasn’t able to clean my scalp very well. When my hair dried, it was still disgusting, so I decided to try dunking my hair in tub water to scritch more easily. I had an easier time reaching my scalp with the long hair strands floating out of the way. My hair was still sticky, so I still broke off some hair despite trying to be careful, but it wasn’t as bad as in the shower. When my hair dried, I felt as if I had cleaned it more successfully. Since then, I kept mermaid-washing for the convenience, even as the waxiness/stickiness went away, and I no longer broke off hair. However, you’re right, dead skin cells probably clung to my hair and scalp. My hair felt heavy last week from likely buildup.

Last night I came home very late, and my hair was dying for a wash. I wasn’t able to hop in the bath because of the time, my tiredness, and the fact that the tub was in my parents’ bathroom. In my own bathroom, I only have a shower. The parents were fast asleep, so I didn’t want to disturb them. Since I don’t have any shampoo or conditioner at this time (I used them up before starting No Poo and haven’t bought any more since then), I kind of cheated a bit and used some Dawn dish soap to wash my hair in the shower. We have the blue Platinum version of Dawn. I say “cheated” because Dawn contains sodium laureth sulphate and other unnatural ingredients when I would prefer using natural cleaning agents. I went to bed with a loose wet braid and let it dry overnight. The dish soap worked amazingly to get rid of buildup, so my hair felt squeaky clean and lightweight. My hair is ridiculously shiny, feels soft, clean and voluminous! I would only use Dawn as an uncommon buildup remover and reseter, though, because I read that it’s harsh on the hair if used too often and strips away beneficial hair oil.

10th week, dun dun dun. I’m going to add some Morrocan argan oil to my ends before I leave for work.

[Hopeful]

Ooo you’re making me want to try dawn soap! Lol

[Calisai]

Lol, I haven’t washed my hair in 12 days. I wonder if I can make it stretch to two whole weeks? My hair definitely wouldn’t have been able to survive this long in the past. I know it sounds gross, but my hair still looks good. It’s shiny and straighter than usual. (I have 2A hair. It’s looking more 1C-ish now.) I barely have any dandruff, either. I haven’t noticed any smell, but that’s probably because it’s cold outside these days. I don’t plan on surpassing two weeks and, if necessary, I’ll shorten the time between washes.

Nearing the end of 11 weeks of going ‘No Poo’! This experiment is becoming a breeze. Super low maintenance. I’ll let you all know if my hair survives two more days. I’ll wash on Sunday night. I’ll probably use Dawn soap again in the shower because it’s less work, and I’m super busy.

[Hopeful]

Woohoo!! I’m glad it’s working so well for you!! I also want to thank you for inspiring me to do it myself because I’m loving it too :D My hair isn’t getting greasy as fast and it feels better. I’ve now been shampoo free for 3 weeks�� I’m also still so amazed at how well egg yolk gets rid of grease in my hair.

Also, interesting thing I found out this weekend: Wearing your hair in a ponytail tightly with an elastic damages your hair by your neck. I’ve been hating the feel of my hair that grows around my neck area; it’s brittle, split-endy and dry. Turned out it’s because that’s what hair ties do to hair. So I bought some scrunchies because they are supposed to be more gentle :)

[Calisai]

Sorry, I slacked off on my updates a little! I’ve been using Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash for my hair lately. It cleans my scalp just fine, and I’ve been washing around every 9 or 10 days. I notice that I shed less hair in the shower than if I used regular shampoo. When I step out of the shower, I notice a lot of dandruff flakes in my wet hair, but once my hair dries the dandruff goes away. And as always, I baby my ends with argan oil.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Sorry, I slacked off on my updates a little! I’ve been using Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash for my hair lately. It cleans my scalp just fine, and I’ve been washing around every 9 or 10 days. I notice that I shed less hair in the shower than if I used regular shampoo. When I step out of the shower, I notice a lot of dandruff flakes in my wet hair, but once my hair dries the dandruff goes away. And as always, I baby my ends with argan oil.

To help give your hair/scalp more moisture, I would recommend using a shampoo that doesn't have sulfates. One of my favorites is Maui Moisture, but if you have a lot of build-up, you might have to look at a clarifying shampoo.

I am a curly girl and follow a modified curly girl method. I don't do "no poo" but I do, do what I consider "low poo". Which is basically shampoos without sulfates or I co-wash.


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork

[Siren_Eclipse]

I've been using a shampoo bar since November, and that has been working pretty well for me. This post has inspired me to experiment with not using conditioner, and this morning, I couldn't stop fluffing my hair.

https://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m745j8XAXc1ragq9ko1_500.gif

[MorningSun]

One thing I never mentioned in this thread was that, since I started this hair journey, I had to clean my wooden comb several times. My scalp continues to leave a gray residue between the comb’s teeth. The residue is probably a film created from a mixture of sebum and dead scalp skin cells. I’m not sure if this is something I’ll have to get used to or if the symptom will eventually go away. I’m trying to be as honest as possible about my results, both positive and negative.


From my experience, this no poo method isn't suitable for everyone. Shampoo removes dirt and oils from the scalp, the more you wash it out the more oily it gets (that's what my hairdresser says). I tried washing my head with egg and the results were nice, but I still can't say no to shampoo. My comb is also covered with gray residue, that's okay. Just don't try some extreme no poo methods like washing with salt or vinegar... Also can you tell me do you use any styling tools afterwards? You trying to stay authentic mermaid but what about hair curling? I want to test one of these curlers as mentioned on Hairmadnesssalon (https://hairmadnesssalon.com/hair-roller-vs-curls-iron-what-would-you-choose/) because my hair is straight and I want to make it at least wavy.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

From my experience, this no poo method isn't suitable for everyone. Shampoo removes dirt and oils from the scalp, the more you wash it out the more oily it gets (that's what my hairdresser says). I tried washing my head with egg and the results were nice, but I still can't say no to shampoo. My comb is also covered with gray residue, that's okay. Just don't try some extreme no poo methods like washing with salt or vinegar... Also can you tell me do you use any styling tools afterwards? You trying to stay authentic mermaid but what about hair curling? I want to test one of these curlers as mentioned on Hairmadnesssalon (https://hairmadnesssalon.com/hair-roller-vs-curls-iron-what-would-you-choose/) because my hair is straight and I want to make it at least wavy.

Disclaimer: I do have naturally curly hair, but...

Before I learned how to style and control my hair, I used to braid it to get a wavy look. I would recommend trying to do two or three French braids (depending on the thickness of you hair and how tight you want the waves to be) in wet or damp hair before resulting to heat.

I also would like to add (to the rest of the conversation) that naturally oils are great and not washing your hair everyday is good, but build up is bad! It can lead to numerous problems such as hair loss.

Edit: ^^^ was meant in response to the residue in combs

Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork

[Sabrina the Selkie]

FOLLOWING THIS THREAD. I have 3a curls (sometimes closer to 3b, sometimes closer to 2c).
Shaved my head seven months ago for laughs, mostly.
When my hair is longer I do low-poo and can survive about 2 weeks between shampooings provided I still get it wet regularly to re-set curl.

At my current length, I'm washing once a week or so and always after chlorine. Interested to see how this goes for everyone!

Sent from my SM-G970U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[BlueCorvidae]

@Mermaid Alea and @Calisai

Aaah sorry it's been a while since I popped in on Mernetwork.

My first go-to after trying the no-poo method was Organix Sea Mineral shampoo and conditioner. It smelled great and made my hair super soft, but they discontinued it. :(

Now I try different brands from Ulta whenever I run out. A friend got me R+Co Television Perfect because she wanted to try it but decided she had too many shampoos already. It was alright, not the best but using a deep conditioner with it made up for it. There was also one that I think was called hair-food? It's not on Ulta's website anymore either so I'm guessing it was also discontinued. It tends to happen any time I find one that I really like, lol.

Anyway, I stay away from Suave because it makes my hair super dry and frizzy. I'm not a fan of Garnier or Aussie, either. Organix tends to be really hit-or-miss, and I wish their sea mineral line was still around. I'm willing to pay a little extra for shampoo and conditioner to keep my hair in better condition, and I always try to find something that says it moisturizes and avoid things that say they repair damaged hair, since hair is dead and cannot be healed once damaged. Bonus points if it says it's made with algae or sea minerals because I really like the way it smells.