Have you heard about the no poo method? Maybe you have! But, do you know the reasons consumers have grown more interested in this method of hair cleansing in the past few years? Get ready for a breakdown of the no shampoo movement and how this cleansing technique is different from traditional shampooing. They say the more the merrier, so why not learn about the different options you have when it comes to scalp health and achieving healthy hair.
What is the no poo method?
No poo method is short for no shampoo method and is a way of cleansing your hair without the use of traditional shampoo. This method has turned into a movement, used by many bloggers and environmentalists to avoid stripping their hair of natural oils, attempt using fewer products containing unnatural ingredients, and save money on hair care products. Instead of shampoo, those who swear by this method only use conditioner and natural products like baking soda and apple cider vinegar to cleanse their hair.
What is the difference between no poo and regular shampooing?
The no poo movement is the exact opposite of the traditional shampoo method. Learn about the pros and cons to help you decide if this trending method is a great addition to explore as part of your regular shampoo routine.
Pros
Saves money
It’s a blessing to have coils, kinks, or curly hair, but you have to admit, the costs of maintaining natural hair can add up. Using the no poo method is much more cost-effective if you are looking to extend the life of your shampoo and conditioner for curly hair. Using alternatives like baking soda are typically items you will already have in your house and are much cheaper. It never hurts to save a coin or two.
Good for the environment
Some traditional shampoos contain harsh chemicals like parabens that go down our drains when we wash our hair and can potentially affect our water supply. Without the use of shampoos that use harsh chemicals, you won’t need to worry about damaging the water supply or the amount of water used in the shower to lather, rinse, repeat.
Positive health impacts
The no poo method eliminates the possibility of using the common ingredients to avoid in shampoos that are linked to irritation of the scalp and other negative health effects.
Time conscious
We understand how time consuming wash day is for many, so saving time by cutting down the shampooing process might be a plus for you.
Cons
Can cause breakage
The pH level in other alternative cleansing methods used to "no poo," can cause your hair to become weak and break off, which is why many have turned to using higher quality shampoos and conditioners without going completely cold turkey on a regular wash routine. To prevent further breakage from alternative cleansing methods, you’ll want to learn how to detangle hair.
It takes a while for your hair to adjust
While your hair is getting adjusted to its life without conventional shampoo, you may experience unbalanced oil production and feel your hair become greasy before your hair is adjusted to the new routine. If the natural oils produced by your hair becomes too much to handle all at once, try using PATTERN’s Curl Cleansing Shampoo for those days when your hair simply needs a little pick me up.
How do you start the no poo method?
Starting the no poo method is fairly easy, just skip the shampoo and use natural hair care methods to achieve a clean scalp. Some common shampoo alternatives for washing hair include:
Baking soda and Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Baking soda is a cleaning agent you can apply to your hair to get rid of buildup. After massaging baking soda on your scalp, use a mixture of part ACV, part water to cleanse and rinse your hair.
Coconut oil
Apply coconut oil to your scalp and rinse out with water to keep your hair clean and moisturized.
Water
It might seem obvious, but this is the least taxing and cheapest option. Using only water to clean your hair may seem very unorthodox, but many people have used this method successfully.
Conditioner
Skip the shampoo and use only conditioner to moisturize your hair and avoid drying out your hair. Try out PATTERN’s Lightweight Conditioner to keep those curls and coils nourished even if you choose to skip the shampoo.
No-poo cleanser
You can buy no poo products that are specifically designed to replace the traditional shampoo for scalp cleansing.
How long does it take for your hair to adjust to not washing it?
This adjustment process takes about a few weeks. Everyone’s hair is different, so it may take less or more time for your hair to adjust. If you want to try the no poo method, patience will be your best friend. If you aren’t so sure about the no poo method, but are looking to change up your wash routine, be sure to read our guide -- How often should you wash your natural hair? -- to learn how to achieve and maintain healthy curls .
Should I try the no poo method?
Everything is worth a try at least once! You can experiment with the no poo method to see what works best for your hair as it has little to no risk.
There are potential benefits to using the no poo method for your hair, bank account, & environment. There are other ways to go about scalp cleansing without using regular shampoo, including a baking soda & apple cider vinegar rinse. If you are looking to switch it up, get creative, & try something new. It’s worth a shot. If the no poo method isn’t for you, you know where to find us for your favorite shampoo & conditioner. If your hair is living its best life with no poo method, there are still a ton of other curly hair products, including our curated curly hair kits, with natural ingredients for styling here at Pattern. We’re here to help you achieve all the looks your heart desires!
Sources:
- "The No Poo method". The No Poo Method. https://www.nopoomethod.com/
- Jessica Wakeman. "Yes, You Can Actually Have Clean Hair with the No-Poo Method". Greatist. Jun 26, 2020. https://greatist.com/health/no-poo
- Keely Schooley-McCormick. "what is no-poo? all about the no-poo method". Devacurl. Jun 29, 2020. https://www.devacurl.com/blog/what-is-no-poo-all-about-the-no-poo-method/
- "One year without shampoo – the no poo method". The Crunchy Moose. https://thecrunchymoose.com/one-year-without-shampoo/
