Going “No-poo” means saying goodbye to commercial shampoos the contain harmful chemicals and end up doing more bad than good for your hair over time.
Going no-poo is something that has crossed my mind in the past, but I have either given up after a few days or dismissed the idea before I started. Have you ever found yourself reading the back of your shampoo bottle and not being able to identify any of the ingredients? This is what lead to me to (once again) research going no-poo.
What’s the big deal?
Most commercial shampoos contain sulfates and other harmful chemicals that work to strip your hair of the natural oils from your scalp. This leads us to buy special conditioner and products in an attempt restore that moisture to our hair. Check your shampoo bottle–are one of the ingredients listed Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate? These are the culprits that act as a foaming agent and strip your hair of its natural oils. They have been proven to act as an irritant your your hair and skin. This leads to your hair becoming dried out, frizzy, or split.
The benefits of “no-poo”
- The greatest benefit, in my opinion, is freeing your hair of harmful chemicals that do much more harm than good.
- DIY hair cleaners and shampoo alternatives can be cheaper and you know exactly what’s going into your product.
- Go longer between hair washes without getting oily. Massaging your scalp well with water is enough to rid it of any dirt or dust between washes.
- Allowing your hair to return to its natural oil production can result in better shine, volume, bounce, length, and overall healthy looking hair.
Let’s talk sebum science
Sebum is a natural oily matter produced by the sebaceous glands in all mammals. It is used to waterproof and lubricate your hair. These glands are found all over your body (minus the palms of your hands and soles of your feet). It plays an important role in thermoregulation and works to delay dehydration in heat.
These glands are a part of your body’s integumentary system, protecting your body from damage and germs.
So why does my hair get SO oily?
When you shampoo your hair with those harmful chemicals, you are stripping all of the natural sebum that your hair produced. This causes your hair to create an abundance of sebum to compensate what it has lost. When you go “no-poo” your hair will begin to slow down on that sebum production and stop getting so oily so quickly.
There will be a dreaded transition period. Everyone’s transition period lasts a different amount of time–maybe it’s a couple of weeks, maybe it’s months. That is why it will take a lot of strength and perseverance to fight through this transition period.
The best way to start your no-poo journey is to recognize your hair type and come up with a plan. For example, I have Type 2a long, wavy hair. Discover your hair type here
Once you understand your hair type, you can determine what may work best for your hair. Research, research, research! Don’t be afraid to try new things, switch up your routine, or change your recipe.
I have decided to take this plunge and I have never been so nervous trying a new routine than I am right now! I will document my journey with you and hopefully lead my hair to a new, chemical free life!
The Gradual Naturalist 