Also see:

• Must-Haves of Travel: Coconut Oil
• Must-Haves of Travel: Apple Cider Vinegar
• Must-Haves of Travel: Activated Charcoal

Yup!

I know, it sounds kind of weird. I was like, “What the hell am I getting myself into?”

But it’s been a month and I haven’t used any shampoo. And it feels great!

What’s No ‘Poo?

• Link: The No ‘Poo Method
• Link: No ‘Poo on Reddit

“No ‘Poo” is “no shampoo.” I have no idea why it’s abbreviated to “no ‘poo.” Because it sounds like you’re aren’t ever going to poop again.

But nope! No ‘poo means you cut out shampoo once and for all. And replace it with baking soda and/or apple cider vinegar.

There’s a surprisingly huge section of Reddit devoted to people’s experiences with it. And amazingly, you won’t turn into a dirty hippie!

The idea is that normal shampoo has dozens of chemicals in it, and you’re putting them into your hair every day.

So I picked up the shampoo I was using and turned it over. Sure enough, there was a whole laundry list of stuff I couldn’t pronounce.

What’s “Hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride?” It sounds like something that’s gone through a lot of processing.

What about “Methylchloroisothiazolinone?” I’m out.

What I did

I don’t know why, but I don’t like the idea of using baking soda. It seems harsh, although others swear by it.

So I made my own version.

Here’s how.

I took an ordinary spray bottle and put in the tiniest bit (maybe a teaspoon) of coconut oil – for conditioning. (This brand is great for skin and hair.)

Then, I filled the bottle slightly under halfway with apple cider vinegar. (This brand is best because it has the good enzymes that make it effective.)

Then I topped it off with filtered water.

It looks something like this:

I keep it in the shower. When I get in, I give it a shake, then spray it on my hair and let it set in for a few minutes.

To rinse it out, I rub my scalp with my fingers and let warm water run through.

Then, I dry with a towel, style as usual, and get on with my day.

The spray bottle mixture lasts a couple of weeks. (I’m on my 2nd batch after a month.)

Because I use very little coconut oil, the container I have would easily last me a year or more if I just used it for this. But I use coconut for many other things, too!

And the ACV… I get the 32 oz. bottle and that lasts me a month or so. I use it to clean, cook, as a facial toner, etc.

I estimate I’m paying about $4 a month to wash my hair now. Before, I was spending $10+ each on shampoo and conditioner.

How it’s feel?

I never had a “breaking it in” period with my hair. It’s been a good change from Day 1.

I can’t tell any sort of difference between shampoo and no ‘poo, and NO, it does not smell weird.

#BBHMM!!! #eastvillage #Manhattan #nyc #latergram

A photo posted by Harlan Vaughn (@harlanvaughn) on Jul 26, 2015 at 9:41am PDT

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My hair feels soft and with more body than before, and it’s also lighter in color. I realize before it always felt sort of “dingy.” And it smells like… nothing.

The vinegar scent evaporates on its own, and is then scent-free. Maybe very, very faintly it’ll smell of apples.

Even in the humid, disgusting, stinky, filthy New York City summer, I haven’t had an issue keeping my hair and scalp clean.

Now I’m thinking, if it feels the same – better even – than before, why go back to chemicals?

I don’t feel oily, have buildup, itchiness, or anything like that. And I love to use natural products to replace chemicals whenever I can.

Bottom line

This is just another step in discovering how to get more all-natural products into everyday life. (Remember when I did oil pulling for 6 weeks?)

Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar (this brand and this brand, respectively) have been the crux of my transition. (Shout-out to activated charcoal as a toothpaste!)

Anyhoozers, life has gone on and my hair feels great! Lighter in color, soft, and clean. I’m very pleased with the results so far and will continue with no ‘poo.

I have yet to test it on the road… but I get my chance in 2 weeks! Looking forward to it.

Does anyone else do no ‘poo? Ever heard of it?

Would you try it? 

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