8. Pro: Save money on shampoo. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Contrary To What Our Mothers Said, Washing Your Hair Every Day May Not Be Necessary

Con: No more bubbles.

229
Blow drying hair

The no-poo movement is simply that: not using shampoo. You can be moderate (and use a cleansing conditioner several times a week) or go to the extreme (not even getting your hair wet).

Over a year ago I transitioned to somewhere in between and I LOVE it. Here's the 14 struggles when you start, the reasons it's awesome, and tips on how to succeed!

1. Con: The phasing-in period.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=009192B672DD3C3FD06EC37D2639

The phasing-into-no-poo period includes a couple of weeks of greasy hair. There's just no way around this. Your hair is needing to acclimate to its natural oil production after being stripped of its oils every 1-2 days, and it's going to overproduce for a while.

2. Con: No more bubbles.

I no longer got the decadent experience of luxuriating in a lather of sensual bubbles. Maybe it's just the association with how shampoo is marketed as gorgeous models revel in a sea of shampoo bubbles, but I emotionally missed shampoo.

3. Con: No more instant silky.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=

You no longer have an instant way to make your hair silky and smooth for that special night out. With shampoo, you wash, dry, and you are great--without it, your hair tends to be a little flatter. There are definitely still days when I miss the instant pick-me-up of shampoo. My hair is naturally wavy, but after a day or two it pulls flat, so this was definitely noticeable on me.

4. Pro: Saves shower time.

https://www.facebook.com/womenwithendometriosis/photos/bc.AbqzASCjFQwvSKgD0TqYl_

However, when I started, I quickly began enjoying some of the benefits. No-poo saves so much time in the shower itself. Not only am I not shampooing every (other) day, I'm only getting my hair wet twice a week at most.

5. Pro:  Saves life time.

https://www.facebook.com/shopnicolenoire/photos/bc.AboSIG4U7qDLQjlRWcJzE-dnNOLL32VS_XFRiyCfBtucmiiycmEjIX5EPnTDEXYwSRqGoXw5tdYbt_YRnPxZctMcFX8o

I no longer have to wash my hair for the rest of my LIFE. Getting my hair wet and washing it easily took 10-15 extra minutes each time--HAVING to wash it and get it wet four+ times a week is a whole extra hour+ of time I can now sleep in, make a smoothie, or do anything I want.

6. Pro: My hair is healthier.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=5B1634EE9AB351EDAF158DACDA

Once my hair acclimated to its natural oils, it was more moisturized and soft. My scalp was also far happier now that I wasn't washing it with shampoo and hot water.

7. Pro: You never have to worry about dirty hair.

https://www.facebook.com/2177768025831372/photos/bc.AbqX7i_lf8XCs3b-_TyEeHaCfYaSY19P1d40Vl4tSodysGDBus5FlkjLTPBCItItxhKdTiGpABIjhRMZqweFQSwmpax-

I never have to worry about unexpectedly going out with dirty hair. My hair is never dirty! If I go 1 day or 6 days without getting it wet, it makes no difference. It looks great.

8. Pro: Save money on shampoo.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=7EFB5C8DE7D30722DE013A2EA073BEAF776C0354&thid=OIP.ZrzC0lM0W7M-

I'm only buying conditioner now, not shampoo too, so I cut my bill in half.

9. Pro: Save money on hair dye.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=9F0DEE2FD20E42C91E847F0629F76F5B62F55FB3&thid=OIP.IdxR_ld1MFVE14R0oQU8SwDcE

If you dye your hair, the color will last a lot longer when you're not shampooing.

10. Tip: Accept greasy hair for a bit.

https://www.facebook.com/limelighthair13/photos/bc.AbrBc7yW2cJiL2-BX3486VwzRjxhjxNcbduo2X2HjZX3FVZ2UofwcEYBz6T8XeNmDWOzPxDJgkAsxxCgk6VEahcS2TyVbnRGnm0T-

To successfully transition to no-poo, just accept your hair will look oily for a while. Use dry shampoo sparingly as necessary, use hats, tie hair back, use headbands, etc. You can use baking soda to more naturally cleanse your hair (I've done this and it works great. Be forewarned: it will make your hair feel quite coarse.)

11. Tip: Be patient.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=84E22EE0E4737E17280771558EFF8FD06A13F4D7&thid=OIP.itHWs00SNtxMMvQe

Your hair's been stripped of its natural oils for a while; it's going to over-produce oil because that's what it thinks you need. Give it time to acclimate to your new lifestyle.

12. Tip: Use a cleansing conditioner.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=7CF3E8AF07589C0F082116885160E9267A937DCA&thid=OIP.OFEbReN5vKBhLHDoS1F_lAHa=

To ease the transition, you can start by replacing your shampoo with cleansing conditioner, and then phase the cleansing conditioner to once a week or less.

13. Tip: Regular conditioner is your friend.

https://www.facebook.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=68D5B1B05C8C7AF5EB8DED7043B6736ADCD29B7E&thid=OIP.VIaQBEKJ7kfXu9OwwMvKmA

Use your regular conditioner as usual! I love my Garnier Triple Nutrition: it makes my hair super soft.

14. Tip:  Level-up with dry hair.

https://www.facebook.com/sheneedsa/photos/bc.

Once you're comfortable in your no-poo lifestyle, go longer between getting your hair and scalp wet at all. I only get my hair wet once or twice a week when I want to have really nice hair. In between, if a day comes up when I want my hair to look wavy but it hasn't been wet in a while (and has dragged out all the wave), I scrunch it with cool water from the sink, put it up in a bun, and an hour later it's back to its normal waviness.

I LOVE not shampooing my hair. It's saved me so much time, makes my lifestyle so much easier and feels healthier for my hair (and my wallet). Definitely one of the best changes I've made in my daily routine.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

5 Benefits Of Learning Different Languages

It's a pain to learn but it's definitely worth it in the end.

849
learning different languages
a2zli

When I was learning how to talk, I was taught both Portuguese and English at the same time. In elementary school, I started taking mandatory Spanish classes, which I did well in because of my knowledge of Portuguese. Then in high school, on top of taking Spanish, I also started taking French. Now, in college, already fluent in English and Portuguese, I'm in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish, and I have a standard high school level understanding of French.

Keep Reading...Show less
disney dinner
Deviantart

I am without a doubt one of those people who refuses to start decorating for Christmas or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has become an underrated holiday over the years. You barely see any Thanksgiving decorations in stores; it's like they skip right from Halloween to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break

Nothing says "Thanksgiving break" like never changing into real clothes all day.

438
8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break
Becco

Some universities only get two or three days off for Thanksgiving break. Or, if your university is like mine, you get the whole week off go go home. A whole week off is a long time. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather have a whole week off than three days, but there is a lot of down time. Here are some ideas as to what you can do to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student

Turns out that Thanksgiving is a lot more complicated when you're in college.

1771
10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student
Wikimedia Commons

It's that time of year again- Thanksgiving Break is finally approaching. For college students everywhere, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and not really worry about homework (well, depending on what major you're in). However, going home for Thanksgiving is actually a lot more complicated and stressful than it looks. From traveling, to Thanksgiving in general, the stages of going home can drive students crazy.

Keep Reading...Show less
silhouette of person's hands forming heart
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments