X
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 27,996 times.
Learn more...
Most, if not all, of today's shampoos and conditioners, have some type of chemical soap in them. That is what creates the foam, if nothing else. You do have alternatives.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Washing Your Hair
-
1Start out with a ratio of one tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water.
-
2Get your hair wet while taking a shower.Advertisement
-
3Apply the baking soda/water mixture to your hair, most especially to your scalp, and rub it in. Be aware that it will not create suds.
-
4Don't use your fingernails when rubbing in the soda and water. Use your fingertips.
-
5Rinse the soda out of your hair thoroughly.
- It will feel different than the way you are used to with the shampoo. That's OK.
Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Rinsing Your Hair
-
1Have a tablespoon of vinegar waiting in a cup outside of your shower until you are ready for it.
-
2Fill the cup the rest of the way with warm water from the shower.
-
3Pour it over your head, most especially over your hair. It isn't necessary to make sure that the mixture reaches your scalp, just make sure you are rinsing your hair with it.
-
4Rinse your hair thoroughly after applying the vinegar mixture. You want to make sure that you get as much of it out of your hair as you can. Otherwise, you will feel like you smell like salad dressing.
Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Switching to Water Only
If you desire, you can take it one step further. This will help to further reset the condition of your scalp. Read on to learn how.
-
1Brush your hair before getting into the shower. This helps with tangling.
-
2Stand under the water and massage your scalp. Here, you can use either your fingernails or tips.
-
3Dry your hair as you normally would.
-
4Do not use any product on your hair. You are trying to get your hair back to the way it should be.
-
5If you absolutely must, comb a little baking soda through your part to help reduce the oiliness.
-
6Wear a cap if needed, to cover your hair while it is going through this stage. You could also braid your hair. Then a sleeker look is expected.
-
7Brush your hair. Brush your hair a lot. This could be the source of the old mantra of brushing your hair 100 strokes. However, you don't brush it that much.
-
8Clean your brush. You need to clean your brush. You will be getting rid of the oils from your hair.
-
9Once your hair has gone through the reset, go back to using the soda and vinegar. However, only do this once a week.
Advertisement
Phases of the No 'Poo Method
- 3 - 7 days - Greasiness
- 4 - 5 weeks - More greasy than usual
- Should be better than normal in about six weeks
Community Q&A
-
QuestionCan you I this method to wash my hair all the time, or is it just to rid my hair of buildup from other products?Community AnswerThis is just to get rid of buildup.
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda / water mixture - start with 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 8 ounces of water
-
Apple Cider Vinegar mixture - start with 1 tablespoon of ACV to 8 ounces of water
- Adjust as you become more experienced with your hair and its needs.
About This Article
Advertisement